It gives me peace of mind that someone can't start my car, so I intentionally opted out of the keyless start/stop system along with installing a system that protects the car (you need a special beacon to be close to the car to start the ignition).
S3 Order - But First.... Questions!
- Thread starter firecracker69
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It gives me peace of mind that someone can't start my car, so I intentionally opted out of the keyless start/stop system along with installing a system that protects the car (you need a special beacon to be close to the car to start the ignition).
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I've got advanced key, also had a similar system in my Focus ST previously. It's really handy. I get the whole car theft thing on the increase (even a new article on BBC news today) but I've never had a problem with anyone trying to steal the car or tamper with it. Might be the area I live it, I guess it's worse in crime hot spots like Birmingham etc.
SSS should be standard imo.
SSS should be standard imo.
Thanks for this. If it was not for a job change then my journey would be mainly back roads, and in this weather dark both mornings and night. However, new job soon means motorway only (I know, why bother getting an S3), so I dont think I'll benefit - plus the cost does seem a bit extreme if LED are good alone.
Appreciate comments and video - thanks. I had to think about this a while, but ultimately I thought if someone wants to take the car then let them have it, I dont want them trying to get back into the house for example as they cant get it to start, almost better to let them take it. Worst case scenario of course!
I just like the convenience of push start button if I'm honest, leaving key in my pocket. Appreciate its a personal preference. I think I will spec this but I admit I'm still on the fence about it.
Another thumbs up for the pan roof, ACC and folding mirrors, regarding the mirrors.. as others have said for me they only serve a purpose of letting me know I've locked the car, oh and they look better).
Comfort and sound pack is good also.
Pan Roof is now added, I dont really use a sunroof but I think I will have it for looks more than anything. Folding mirrors is a must for me anyway, personally that should be standard on this price car but hey; its Audi!
ACC would be nice, one to consider.... new job means I'll be travelling alot but mainly by train, taxi etc - this is a play car for weekend really with the choice of the odd long journey if I want to. One reason for getting an S3 now, can keep the mileage down if I want to, or drive as much as I like. Defo consider the ACC tho!
Comfort and Sound pack doesnt exist on this, no option for the S3.
The S3 comes with rear parking sensors as standard, the Black Edition comes with Bang & Olufsen as standard, but to add front sensors the only choice is the paid individual upgrade hence me going for Park Assist.
Appreciate all the comments, really helping me think about what I want, need, or what you have experienced - so any opinion here has been great!
My build so far consists of:
That puts the build at £45,015
A company called Drive The Deal state I can buy for £38,601 (saving of £6,413)
Anyone ever used them?
Local dealer offered me £5,300 discount, but want to push them a bit more and using Drive The Deal as leverage. Not sure they will match it though.
My build so far consists of:
- S3 Black Edition
- Ara blue
- 19” 8.0j ‘5-arm-wing alloys
- LED Headlights (Not Matrix as too much £ I think for my use)
- Super Sport Seats
- Tech Pack - VC
- Panoramic Roof
- Wing Mirror Fold and Auto Dimm
- Park Assist (as rear + front sensors alone were £300)
That puts the build at £45,015
A company called Drive The Deal state I can buy for £38,601 (saving of £6,413)
Anyone ever used them?
Local dealer offered me £5,300 discount, but want to push them a bit more and using Drive The Deal as leverage. Not sure they will match it though.
You only need to look at Autotrader or Audi Approved - hence me deciding on new. I found one previously, 2018 with 6k miles, only some kit on it and they wanted the same as what I could buy brand new for!
There is a shortage of S3 at the moment with WLTP.. Not desperate to sell but as partner moving in (will probably sell her car or S3) and get a cab for the summer. Not desperate but would consider a sale at £35k ish.
Outgoing model, new shape A3 incoming. You need to be getting at least 15% off an S3, so you’re in the right ballpark. Get as many quotes as you can from any internet brokers and (as you say) use them to get local dealers to match the price. If the local dealer wont play ball, move to the next nearest dealer (preferably in a different dealer group – ie not two Sytner dealerships)
Just my 2p, but no way would I have Advanced Key.
Thank you, pretty similar spec. I need the PCP to be honest, and not knocking what you have but when spending this much I want my exact choices and happy to spend the bit extra on a nice 19 plate - thats just me!
Assuming Saloon - I probably havent mentioned anywhere I'm only looking saloon? Again, just personal preference.
I did put the S3 on hold for this very reason, but then how long do you wait!? The new S3 isnt likely to hit for approx 2yrs, by then I'll be trading in and hopefully able to afford the RS3 by then
but we'll see......Carwow is coming in at 9% if lucky.
Drive the Deal works out to be 14%.
Local dealer is 12% which is what they told me is cost price.....
will keep that in mind, like you say I'll go back to my dealer one last time to price match and if not then I'll move along to the next - thank you!
Mate - that is lush! I like the colour, Mrs wants Ara but funnily enough we did compare the two over the weekend!
I think the Navarra Blue looks classy, my Mrs wants Ara as she feels it stands out a bit more.... I'm happy with either personally.
Cracking car anyway! Unfortunately not a saloon.... again personal pref.
Pretty sure there's been a few posts about S3s with people comfortably getting 15%+ discounts. End of the day, as stated here. If they aren't giving the deal you want, move on.I did put the S3 on hold for this very reason, but then how long do you wait!? The new S3 isnt likely to hit for approx 2yrs, by then I'll be trading in and hopefully able to afford the RS3 by then
Carwow is coming in at 9% if lucky.
Drive the Deal works out to be 14%.
Local dealer is 12% which is what they told me is cost price.....
will keep that in mind, like you say I'll go back to my dealer one last time to price match and if not then I'll move along to the next - thank you!
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The saloon looks good but far less practical. As for PCP. Did you know there are other options. Halifax do a PCP for less than Audi and M&S and JL personal loans are less than 3%.. Just work out a residual value and do the sums. You could of course take out Audi PCP, get the Audi contribution, withdraw legally within 2 weeks and pay off with another loan.. win win.. Think Audi will probably ban me for telling you but its legal.
I did put the S3 on hold for this very reason, but then how long do you wait!? The new S3 isnt likely to hit for approx 2yrs, by then I'll be trading in and hopefully able to afford the RS3 by then
Carwow is coming in at 9% if lucky.
Drive the Deal works out to be 14%.
Local dealer is 12% which is what they told me is cost price.....
will keep that in mind, like you say I'll go back to my dealer one last time to price match and if not then I'll move along to the next - thank you!
I think you're doing exactly the right thing! I'm doing the same. The New S3 will be ages away and there will be no discount whatsoever on it.
The current one (whilst now ageing) still looks good and I would like to think that all the issues and niggles are known(if not always resolved.lol)
There's no way I'd want to be a "beta tester" of a brand new model.
And, like you rightly say, its a shed load of cash, and you want it to be EXACTLY what you want - not "almost" the spec you want.
Add that to the fact that this WLTP nonesense has firmed up the used prices....a new one is a no brainer!
I'm loving being a 'beta tester' with my new RS4... A different league from S/RS3.
Saloon less practical in what way? Just curious.
I had heard of PCP through banks, someone bought my A4 on one of those. I looked up Halifax and personal bank loans, but the monthly repayments are a lot higher, not sure why? Audi is around £300 per month, but personal is around £400-500 quite easily!
I'd assume based on the opening of the saloon Vs sportback, saloon is quite narrow (boot is longer but shallower) and sportback is the opposite.
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Ah ok thanks - makes sense now I read it back. This is just for me in the main and the Mrs to run around in if she can be bothered - other than that she has the workhorse vehicle for practicality
listers_socks
Registered User
Ordered mine via DriveTheDeal, they are brokers and will put you in touch with their dealer once order confirmed.
In meantime simply give quote details to local dealer and ask they match it, if they cant then go via DTD.
Regarding advanced key, you mention push button start - I was told all have push button start regardless of advanced key and that option just adds the automatic unlocking on approach?
In meantime simply give quote details to local dealer and ask they match it, if they cant then go via DTD.
Regarding advanced key, you mention push button start - I was told all have push button start regardless of advanced key and that option just adds the automatic unlocking on approach?
No advanced key on an S3 means an "old fashioned" key which goes in to the steering wheel column. Advanced key gives push to start, wireless unlock etc.
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Yes it is true that the Saloon is less practical than the Sportback in regards to the loading area.....I still find it mildly awkward putting shopping bags in the boot.
Having said that the Saloon is just sooooooo much nicer looking.
IMHO of course.
Having said that the Saloon is just sooooooo much nicer looking.
IMHO of course.
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So does that mean you can end up anywhere in the Country to collect the vehicle once ready? As assuming its the winning dealer bid that secures your business?
Oh dear - this the point you say you wanted Advanced Key/push button and now realise its not included? I believe European models and/or USA have this feature as standard, typical UK that pay extra for everything!
If you haven't checked already, you should configure that spec on Carwow and see what offers they can grab for you. They're normally pretty good. £6.5k figure seems like it will be on the better end of what you can get off in terms of deals, so I wouldn't expect much more out of it.
Should note though (if you didn't already know), you'll have to pay an extra £310/yr tax since the car is listed at over £40k
Yep, spent soooo much time on carwow, the best I had before Xmas was 11%, now its more like 9% tops which makes DTD the most likely avenue.
I wasnt sure on Tax, but its included in the overall build/cost but I expected it to be relatively high since all the changes..... another pointless tax!
And there you have it, £450 per year - great!
Shouldnt moan too much I suppose, you dont buy this sort of car and expect £30 road tax, then again didnt expect it that high either but it is what it is. Either way, the price shown on the build are all 'on the road price'
Paul finch
Registered User
Bought my s3 via drive the deal.Delivered to my door,list price £38945,on me drive, £31220.Easy choice!
listers_socks
Registered User
They can deliver or you collect, not always same dealer so depends on offer as to where it is. I chose to collect mine to enjoy the drive back.
No I would still choose it without advanced key to be honest, push button I do like but not enough to get keyless. My BMW has my preferred option of no keyless but start button, guess I need to practice putting key in and turning again!
listers_socks
Registered User
That's 20% discount.
You gotta wonder how that is even possible!
When I tried to match DTD to CarWow or local dealer some on CarWow said not possible and local dealer said that is beyond their profit so must be making a loss. I assume though given the build issues that Audi are providing incentives to get some out of the door.
Paul finch
Registered User
Think its 17.6 % mate.It was via York Audi.Like you say,no idea how they manage that discount.That's 20% discount.
You gotta wonder how that is even possible!
Paul finch
Registered User
Ah ok thanks - makes sense now I read it back. This is just for me in the main and the Mrs to run around in if she can be bothered - other than that she has the workhorse vehicle for practicality
Just so. Bags more room in a hatch with 2 passengers. I am pretty sure the Sportback holds value better due to future demand. I don’t dislike saloon but the cons outweigh the pros for me.
Surely the Saloon will always command higher money than an otherwise equivalent Sportback on the used market?
It costs 2 grand more when new.
I have always preferred hatchback cars, but in the case of the A3 I just think the Saloon looks classier.
It costs 2 grand more when new.
I have always preferred hatchback cars, but in the case of the A3 I just think the Saloon looks classier.
I was told by my local dealer that 12% is cost price, anything after is them making a loss - of course it depends if they have a target that month/qtr they want to hit as to whether they sell at a 'so called' loss or not.
Today I want to ring around and see if anyone will price match DTD.
On a side note, after the comments and weighing up pros and cons I now have decided (90% sure) to remove the Advanced Key. For the sake of sticking a key in the ignition I'll save £400, but all this cloning talk has started to put me off.
Agreed, but thats just my personal preference as well.
I must admit, RGBARGEE pics of his looks stunning!
I asked a couple of guys at Audi on my first visit, random Audi people on the premises - all said the same, Saloon every time BUT they did say its nothing against the hatchback, its just the Saloon is more 'rare' and looks that little bit more special.
The cons for me is it carries a higher price tag!
Agreed, auto trader prices also seem to confirm this (comparing like for like spec wise).
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