2024 Audi RS3 2,500 Mile Owner Review | Updated Impressions

[@stefanb974]

Respectfully, most of what was mentioned can be fixed/personalized to you. In my opinion you are nit picking.

[@SevenEleven07]

I have the same car ( 2023 ) In normal mode, I don't notice any loss of power at all.

[@JVette01]

Must be nice

[@toddstevens8506]

A 2.5 litre engine with 400hp is never going to have a lot of low-end torque, that should be self-evident to any car person.

[@JVette01]

Very evident in this car

[@slamminx3]

I think deep down, your heart is with the Golf. MK8.5 R incoming hopefully!

[@johnwjeromejr]

I've had my 2016 Golf R (bought new) for over 8 1/2 years and 65K miles. It has stood the test of time. Initially, I was disappointed with the lack of power but that was an easy fix with an APR tune at my dealer's tuner shop. Two years later, I upgraded to Stage 2 and a stronger clutch. With nearly 400 HP and tons of low-end torque, I am very happy with my little blue beast. Occasionally marriages and long-term relationships with cars become a reality.

[@johnwjeromejr]

Back in late 2015, my Golf R cost less than your average GTI today.

[@One_Guy]

Sounds like you would be happier with an RS5. Would fit your height a lot better.

[@Rs3Matt]

I just bought a 8v RS3 so now I have both amazing cars if you mod them.

[@scottyk329]

I was 90 % sure to order an RS3 until i discovered the G87 M2. Absolutely no regrets i purchased the M2.

[@SirclesRS3]

I love the S58 and the front of the m2 is sick, but the rear end is hideous. And the no awd is a deal breaker. I have and Rs3 and an x3m and it’s the best of both worlds.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@@SirclesRS3 24 RS3 owner and I agree car is phenomenal to drive and sounds so epic with the dct shifts and the 5 cylinder sound!!

[@Rs3gangftw]

BMW sounds like trash tho when you have a glory 5cylinder

[@SirclesRS3]

@@Rs3gangftw the s58 sound great wdym you know what sounds like trash? Watergate rattle…

[@stephenEs3532]

@@SirclesRS3 you are coping hard to type some dumb comment numnutz.... Hush up. Low iQ BMVV driver

[@ethenjordan2010]

I have had so many people mention the reverse stagger, def interesting. Looks like your "Crab walking" when driving behind. I don't mind it though. I wonder what the simple flash tunes will do to these when they come out, however i want to keep my warranty which is more important to me. I agree big time on the mirror blocking your view though. I am 5'8 and i noticed. The AWE Exhaust sounds so nice though. Also i took it to our 1/8 mile track. Ran almost the EXACT same as my MK7.5 Golf R FBO.

[@briansaxon]

If you get the matrix lighting enabled you will love the lighting at night. I have a video of it on my channel. Tunes are coming soon which will help more tq down low. I agree with you about the turning radius, its worse than it was with the 8v. It however has nothing to do with the reverse stagger, it has to do with the new steering rack.

[@JVette01]

I saw that video! Very cool. Thanks for watching!

[@BenTroxell]

3:22 that’s probably a software bug that will never be fixed lol. My s5 doesn’t do that and that’s the screen setup I use too.

[@JVette01]

Yeah it only works sometimes.. like if I click my profile before starting the car.. but even then it sometimes still goes back to date and time

[@williebrown1974]

I hope you trade it in for a MK8.5 GTI or C8 Corvette. The M2 has to stay because that car is amazing. Yes, I'm a fanboy GTI fan and C8 Corvette is a bucket list item for an avid golfer.

[@JVette01]

Possibly, we'll see what the MK8.5 is like in person. On the C8 idea, unfortunately I just don't fit

[@theredsalmon612]

I test drove a used 330i and loved it. It felt really fast, amazing transmission tuning, and very quiet and luxurious. If you can fit in it i would recommend it.

[@JVette01]

I test drove it. I agree, it's pretty nice for a daily!

[@19hundoc47]

I’m not sure if the RS3 is so different but my s3 has tons of torque at low rpms. It rockets around at 2k

[@JVette01]

Yes, completely different. The 2.0T has way more torque and feels better to daily

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

6'7", so this is good information

[@JVette01]

Not gonna work out in this car

[@Digiphex]

I traded a Golf R for an Audi S5 which I have had for 5 years now. I immediately liked the space and seat comfort but also the way it looks compared to the kind of box of the Golf R. You can also tap into the power at any time. The only thing I miss is the manual trans and the boy racer feeling I had, often being revved at by a WRX and that type of thing. A couple of years ago I got a Cayman GTS 4.0 as a stable mate and it has been fine to live with those two. You might like an S5 or RS5 as your daily, or even the previous RS5 which was just as good as the current one and has a V8.

[@JVette01]

I try to avoid getting used but it’s a little too much than what I want to spend

[@jasoniviejr.7925]

I’m 6’5 and test drove the car and loved it totally loved it. I think a lot of it is the circumstance you bought the car more so than the car itself. If you already own an M2, and also had a Golf R, but had to come out a a chunk of money to get the RS3, this car would’ve had to way overcompensate in ways most cars won’t to feel worth it. MK8.5 R is coming tho why not get on

[@jasoniviejr.7925]

Also apparently the 8Y RS3 has been unlocked, but it’s very recent and we won’t see any tunes for it for a good bit (IIdk if they got the TCU yet)

[@JVette01]

Good point!

[@Chaliceofwine]

My kids got both an mk8 r golf wbich had lots of wrench work and a brand new audi rs3. The rs 3 sjts in the garahe all the time. For a road / club show he drjves the golf and lets his friend drive the rs 3 whats up wit that

[@Daveyboy_RS3]

As far as a tune goes, a simple JB4 with intake and turbo inlet and your upwards of 510 HP. The things already a rocket out the box, I would just hope the JB4 would add a little more low end power under 4000 RPMs. I don't need it to be faster between 4k-7k But I wouldn't mind it. Definitely hope that a JB4 and intake would add a little more low-end power, maybe coming in stronger around 3,000 instead of 4, 000rpm

[@ramses8847]

I rented one of these in SoCal and I heard about the lack of low end torque but yeah it's really evident when you're doing daily driving around the city going from stop light to stop light. It really does have to be driven hard like on the freeway for it to come alive. I live in an apartment and can only have one car so I wanted to get a daily that is comfortable and a little sporty. I test drove previous gen M2 and a new A5 and went with the A5, mainly for the blend of sport and comfort. It's such a fun daily and would be complemented if you have a garage and can have a more sporty car like an M2.

[@JVette01]

Thanks for your input! Yes, an A5/S5 is a good daily

[@ramses8847]

@@JVette01 I love driving it! Sure the V6 in the S5 would be better, but I wanted to save some money. I had rented the latest A5 on another trip and just thought how fun it was to drive around. A new one was around the same price as a used previous gen M2. I wanted more of the comfort of the Audi so went with that, but also, I love the sound of Audi engines and even this turbo 4 actually sounds pretty decent when pushed.

[@Daveyboy_RS3]

Okay I stopped at 6:47 because I have to agree 100% with one aspect. And that's how under 4,000 RPMs the car feels like my RX 350. Super slow. But as soon as you hit that 4,000 RPM, the car transforms into a weapon. A full-on monster. There is no in between. When I was looking at the m240i, that car has low end torque for days, great for daily driving. Also you can't drive the car with the transmission set to D. Not because it shifts earlier, but because it's so damn anemic. When the car is in D, you're playing between 1,500 and 3,500 RPMs, so the car has zero power and torque and sounds like crap. So I only drive it in auto drive mode with the transmission in D when I first get the car going and warmed up. But as soon as you put the transmission in S, Even if you're slowly accelerating just barely touching the throttle, it shifts around 3,300 RPMs which is killing your gas mileage. And then finally, if you have the car set to RS performance drive mode, you have to use the paddles, because with the transmission set to auto, it's redlining in every year, even if you're just gently touching the throttle in first it'll just slowly creep up to the red line, and then do the same thing in second. I understand that RS performance mode is the most aggressive drive mode, but the TCU should recognize that when you're just gently accelerating, only pushing about 5% of the throttle, it shouldn't hold the gear all the way to red line. I find that silly. And finally the other little gripe I have is when engine braking or downshifting when the transmission is set to S, whether you're using the manual paddles or whether it's downshifting on its own in auto, when downshifting from third to second, you really get bounced around, every time. Which is cool cuz it kind of makes you feel like you're in a manual without The third pedal. But those moments where you are playing between 4 - 7,000 RPMs, the thing is a monster. One other thing I love about this larger 5 cylinder compared to my old golf R, is when you're pushing it after 4,000 RPMs let's say in second gear,, you don't have to immediately shift to third. You actually have a lot of time from 4,000 to 7,000 RPMs in this car to fly forwards in the same gear, as opposed to the smaller golf R engine, that once your in the 3500 plus RPM range and you mash it, you hit red line so quick. So this car feels more like you've got from 4,000 - 9000 RPMs worth of time in second gear cuz it rises slowly up the rev range, which is great! Anyway sorry about such a long post, but I just got the car about two and a half weeks ago And I'm still in break-in, so I'm at 750 mi and I only push it about 50% once in a while but wow once it hits 4,000 RPMs... The acceleration and growl is so amazing!

[@JVette01]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@gordoredpb9]

I’ve not seen a vid of yours where you mention your height, but if I may state the obvious; is your seat in its lowest setting and you’re still struggling with headroom?

[@JVette01]

Yes, I have to slouch to not brush my head on the headliner

[@speeddemonRS3]

@gordoredpb9 6 foot 6, so he's really tall for the car since it has the sun roof!

[@gordoredpb9]

@@JVette01 Oof, I see. 6’6 is going to test a few car’s headroom in the segment. Especially with a pano-roof spec’d. I have an 8v S3 (with pana-roof) and I have plenty headroom, but then I’m 6” shorter. Anyway, thanks for the vids and your comparison of your current and past vehicles.

[@danny2607]

Love your videos about the RS3. Helps out a lot. So the car cannot be optioned without the sunroof? And Throttle House mentioned that same pulling issue you described. That alone would make me reconsider wanting one. Must be so disappointing to feel that. Hopefully a tune can resolve it. I was kind of considering one but more of a BMW guy so was also wanting to wait for the M2 with Xdrive thats expected in 26. I just really want a 4 door but M3 is way too big a car for my taste. Always a tradeoff i guess

[@JVette01]

I recommend driving it to see how you feel

[@kevinc7632]

You are correct about torque, but 2500mi? Most of those engines feel a bit slow/tight till 5-10K depending on driver.

[@JVette01]

I'm not sure.. mine certainly didn't feel all that great.

[@benbustama3430]

I see you in the 2025 VW Golf R in the near future! It was built for you! Cheers/B

[@adrianlepique]

Feel similar, @JVette01 you hit the nail on the head regarding lack of low-end torque and the cramped/cheapish A3 interior. I traded an 8Y RS3 for an LCI M340i xDrive for more daily drivability and low-end grunt around town. No regrets even if it's a bit slower on the top-end.

[@JVette01]

This is so true! The B58 is perfect daily power and so much more smooth.

[@andrewy3711]

I think your complaints regarding the throttle have to do with user input and just driving the car more. If you only have 2,500 miles of the car, it might be hard to figure out how to apply the throttle consistently

[@JVette01]

2500 is plenty to learn the car…

[@Daveyboy_RS3]

I only have 750 mi on the car and he's 100% right about how there's no middle ground in this car. It's either an absolute crazy weapon over 4,000 RPMs and feels like a standard Corolla under. When the car hits 4000 it's almost like a turbo / VTEC punch in the face, a massive growl hits and an instant surge of power. But trying give some throttle at 2,500 RPM and you go nowhere. But hey that's part of having a large single turbo in the 5.

[@yenny527]

Your M2 has low end torque whereas the RS3 is the polar opposite and has to be reved out. But that makes it fun to have variety in the cars you own. I do agree though that having low end torque is better for daily driving. Maybe use the m2 somedays for DD

[@JVette01]

I do sometimes but I want a daily that’s good at being a daily. Stay tuned for when I reveal the new daily

[@kl3271]

Thanks for finally confirming my thoughts about it. My previous comments on the RS3 are more valid with this video. Beautiful concept, but the execution seems short.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@kl3271 He has valid points in why the car hasn't worked out for him personally but I can say in 5k miles in my 24 RS3 is the most fun I've ever had driving and I wouldn't change a single thing about the car!! Absolutely love the RS3!👌

[@kl3271]

@speeddemon311 no doubt, it's definitely a stunner with amazing capabilities but I'd have to agree with the torque band unfriendly for a daily.

[@speeddemonRS3]

@@kl3271 I really feel he has a legit issue with his car because I sincerely don't have the problems he speaks about with turbo lag or dsg behavior!!

[@kingmusa8618]

@@speeddemonRS3have u driven many sporty cars? Serious question what are u comparing it to

[@speeddemonRS3]

@kingmusa8618 I also own an M240i with instant power delivery currently, and work in sales and have driven tons of different cars we take in trade from different brands! 👍

[@TheMlvswoll]

I agree with some of your points. It was not an rs3 but I had a previous gen A3 Quattro SLine Final edition. Stage 2 w/bo. It was a great driving car but I came from GTIs and the rear seat was tight, it was harder to get in and out of and my leg always feel jammed up against the center console. Ultimately I sold it a year later. And have a GLI at the moment. It looked and sounded good though. It was a 2021.

[@OKeefeist]

Why do you have M2 and RS3?

[@JVette01]

I had a Golf R and M2.. then traded the R for an RS3 (big mistake) and now I'm looking to get a different, less expensive, better daily driver.

[@moochiezpitt]

Talk to a Audi service department to see if they have an update on or tsb for a computer flash. Tell them your concerns, but this may be normal drivability due to saving fuel run at low rpms. My 8V is like that on the stock file.

[@JVette01]

Not worried about it anymore

[@speeddemonRS3]

@@JVette01 Sounds like the RS3 might already be sold by the way you worded a couple of comments lol

[@JVette01]

We’ll see. Stay tuned

[@cooltigerdude]

The low end torque issue sounds a lot like when I had my JB4 on my mk7 Golf R. Seems just like bad transmission tuning from the factory on Audi's end. Great videos by the way. I've been enjoying them.

[@JVette01]

Thanks for sharing

[@mxtv1258]

Great series of videos. I was looking for a RS3 to replace my 2020 Jetta GLI. After watching these videos and dealing with terrible dealerships I decided not to purchase a RS3. For some perspective, I own a 2018 Ford Focus RS, a 2020 Jetta GLI and have a 2024 Porsche 911 Turbo S on order, due sometime in October, that’s if they don’t move the delivery date again.

[@JVette01]

You have a good selection of cars. I'd say keep what you have and just wait til the 911 comes in!

[@clintbradley433]

Sounds like you need to get a Camry! 😂 Just my honest opinion after your review.

[@JVette01]

I was thinking more along the lines of Sienna

[@BrandonVallas]

Did you enjoy your MK8 GTI more than this RS3?

[@JVette01]

Honestly yes

[@matthewr.33]

Slow? Doesn't it have a 0-60 in like the 3.3 range.

[@JVette01]

The all out speed isn't bad, it's the low end torque when you're daily driving.

[@petergeorgiou5180]

I still think the previous generation 8v was better maybe outdated but still good

[@Salvi_J2]

Interms of low end power maybe a tune will help with that otherwise maybe an na vehicle would be more up ur alley

[@JVette01]

Can’t tune it.. and usually N/A needs to get up in the rpm’s as well, similar to the mustang GT I had.. the difference is that the delivery is smooth unlike this car where it’s like an on/off switch. Most turbo cars have good low end torque

[@Salvi_J2]

@@JVette01 ah i see

[@betterbeavailable]

I'd definitely love RS3 but I don't have that much cash to put on a car 😊.

[@stephenEs3532]

He is broke and cant either! His mommy told him he had to Sell one!

[@JVette01]

Darn, how’d you know?!

[@rwardenutube]

The RS3 is clearly not for you. I have a VW GTI and an RS3. RS3 is better in almost every measure, but that's my opinion. In most cases "Feels faster" is not the same as "actually faster", in particular over long road trips.

[@Gonin60]

I’m sure you like it. Just watching this and your other vids I think you regret selling your R.

[@toyotainthewild5370]

How tall are you

[@JVette01]

6’6

[@fzr1000981]

I'm looking forward to the minor updates for 2025....or I may go M2, not sure yet. The main thing I don't like about the RS3 is you sit higher in it and feels like sitting in a Corolla. Side note agree you have to drive this car hard or its a dog but that's also kind of fun, jekyll and hyde

[@JVette01]

2025 M2 for sure. We'll see what the updates are like on the RS3.. but I doubt they'll fix the turbo lag and early shifting trans though.

[@fzr1000981]

​​@@JVette01eurofed is tuning these now for $2500....are you selling the car?

[@JVette01]

stay tuned. i'll be go over my options in future videos.

[@kingmusa8618]

Looks good that’s abt all u get out the rs3 fun wise that and the sound but the actual driving experience is bland I didn’t get to push it but still

[@vincentmioc8966]

I love mine. But I drive like a maniac 😂. Only real down point is the interior plastics for me. That’s a disappointment.

[@Emil-fx7pg]

If your loosing power after shifts something is definitely wrong, bring it to your dealer. I'm tracking my rs3 8y and im not experiencing any loss of power at all... Also your comment about suspension is interesting. I dont havr the adaptive suspension option on my car but i definitely wouldnt say its "soft". More like "sporty stiff", definitely way stiffer than stock Golf GTI suspension.

[@JVette01]

1. It doesn’t necessarily lose power, it just falls out of the powerband and has to spool up the turbo again. 2. I had a MK8 GTI and the suspension on this car in comfort mode is very soft

[@Emil-fx7pg]

@@JVette01 1. Then just change drive mode or put in in manual and then revert into D? 2. Did both cars have adaptive suspension?

[@JVette01]

1. I already address this in the video. I don’t just drive around in S because it will be shifting way too aggressively for daily driving.. besides, even in S, it still has that massive amount of turbo lag 2. The RS3 has adjustable and GTI had the normal suspension

[@Emil-fx7pg]

@@JVette01 1. No you adressed driving around in S. Im saying use the RS-button on the wheel or just the paddle to push it down a gear or two and then just revert into D-mode again by holding the paddle shifter. Its not very difficult. 2. Did you see the diffrence? You just proved my point..

[@JVette01]

@@Emil-fx7pg 1. It's impractical to do that on a daily basis just for the car to drive normally. 2. You must not be in the US because I believe all US cars have adaptive suspension

[@rtep27]

trade in for 8.5r 🤣

[@JVette01]

We’ll see

[@SirclesRS3]

If you want to love the car more… lower it and put an exhaust on it, when tuning comes out you will get 100+ tq and HP..

[@andylam4350]

You should have gotten the Type R and be way more happier for less.

[@JVette01]

Not a fwd fan. However, that is one of the best fwd cars

[@andylam4350]

@@JVette01 I had the same thought but after owning it for a while I’m sort of glad I wasn’t able to get a RS3 at the time.

[@JVette01]

@@andylam4350 The Type R is a great driving car so you made a good choice. Yes, the RS3 is faster, more luxurious, rides better, awd, sounds better, but it's also 20k more.

[@chrism869]

didnt know the rs3 had reverse stagger, that probably hurts the turning radius a bit.

[@JVette01]

Yeah the reverse stagger is awkward. It also looks kinda weird from the back when the front is wider haha

[@rileyclarke8784]

this channels a joke u got a 2024 rs3 BRAND NEW and u selling it bc n i quote from the video i came from watching on my tv “my golf r on e85 was faster”💀

[@JVette01]

Already sold and out of my hair ;)

[@rileyclarke8784]

@@JVette01rich rich i see, all content anyways👀🤫

[@JVette01]

?

[@aliaksandrantsipau7679]

Jb4 wakes up the car big time. It is available for 8y and doesn't break the bank. It is acvivalent to a stage 1 tune or 1+ on map 5 (E30 blend) and improves low-end torq concerns that you mentioned multiple times. Could be worth researching... I installed it on mine. Looks clean and fun is back.

[@mikes8491]

I own an 8v RS3 which I had for over a year. The complaints you have are valid but I just learned how to live with them. I also traded in a mk8 golf r for it. Had it for about a month. Circumstances of my Golf R purchase weee just like yours. Test drove it for 5 mins thought I liked it but after a few days just wasn’t that impressed.

[@M2simple_Official_]

I was about to get that RS3 as well, but bought the M2 instead. More option to mod and rear wheel drive. I love it, M2 is more fun!😊

[@speeddemonRS3]

@M2simple_Official_ Both are great cars, and I had more fun in my RS3 over the M2 when I had an opportunity to try it out before pulling the trigger on the Audi!!

[@kingmusa8618]

Looks good that’s abt all u get out the rs3 fun wise that and the sound but the actual driving experience is bland I didn’t get to push it but still