Audi S3 8L Reliability : Should You Avoid These Cars Like The Plague ?

[@kevinmchale6637]

Iv had mine 3 years now, its stage 3+ and I kick its head in when I do drive it. Sensors and coil packs are the main things that need replacing. And suspension upgraded polly bushed etc

[@localknoxville]

I've had 5 of these S3 8L's and they have never let me down, that's why i've had 5 of them!! Look after them, maintain them and they'll be fine. I'm an ex VAG Mechanic and the 1.8T BAM engine is a proper engine 💪

[@turbosandtalks]

Thanks for reaching out! I do love the S3 8L as well, besides the fact that it is a beautiful little car, it’s a keeper. Very reliable, apart from the cv-joints and it’s engine hoses.

[@Randy-lg1qo]

Sold mine earlier this year after owning it for over 20 years. No mechanical problems ever and it was running 27PSI the whole time. All the rubber bushes were replaced to eurethane, I re glued the roof lining and the alcantara inserts in the front doors. Tune, Haldex upgrade, anti-roll bars , suspension , down pipe are a must (adjustable rear control arms when lowered too)

[@turbosandtalks]

Thanks for your feedback

[@Randy-lg1qo]

@@turbosandtalks a set of anti roll bars are the biggest change. The standard haldex sucks and the turbo inlet pipe has to be silicone (otherwise it collapses on itself). Diverted valves need to be aftermarket. About the down pipe - it splits in 2 and is a massive restriction. I went 3in from the turbo and the K04 wakes up

[@A43R3W]

What mpg u get my boy

[@Randy-lg1qo]

@@A43R3W I’m in Australia. I kept the standard K04 and it would maintain about 9L/100km normal driving. Much more with the foot down. Highway was really low (long 6th gear)

[@LorisAlbertini]

I am looking to buy a 2002 with 220.000km , what do You think about the Kms? Thanks very much

[@AnthonyDurand1]

I've done close to 10k in mine, absolutely love mine.. Although I find it sounds nicest at low rpms with a little recirc valve on. Honestly as someone that hates Audi, I find I love them for what they were, from the beginning to 2012 I think they're wonderful cars. It's something you have to learn about and bond with as a very, like learning faults on your days off it really helps you get into cars learning what makes it tick and making the experience better. Honestly the 8L S3 is a car you need to drive to understand the cult behind them. The 1.8t is a wonderful engine as well, since getting the PCV taken out and going for a catch can it doesn't leak fluids anymore.. I just maintain mine very meticulously..

[@turbosandtalks]

The VW 1.8 20V turbo is a very good engine. Mine is remapped, has done over 200K and still runs like a clock, no oil consumption.

[@WorldRacer]

had my for 3 years. Its great. Stage 1 since 25k km still going great 200k on the clock

[@turbosandtalks]

And still an easy car to work on at home

[@sleepercell9926]

Getting a bi tired of my R53 Mini JCW. Maybe if I could find a dolphin grey one of these.

[@adpriviera]

Très bon accent ! Et très belle voiture :) J'ai une petite APY et lorsqu'elle n'a pas de soucis c'est super à conduire.

[@LorisAlbertini]

I am looking to buy a 2002 225cv with 220.000 kms on the clock, I'd like to know what You think about the kms above, thanks

[@turbosandtalks]

Mine has almost 220K now. Overall reliable car. Hoses get brittle due to aging and can leak, and I’ve found CV-joints to be fragile (changed 3 in 40K km, mine is remapped to 360nm), AC has to be recharged every year. Other than that, engine oil and filters every 10K, Haldex oil and filter every 30K.

[@wellzy9819]

Do you got deep pockets? Come and join the S3 8L gang

[@wellzy9819]

Should be a bit cheaper then buying and owning a new car. I build my S3 8L from scratch to have a baseline on maintance. To know where al the stand parts in the case of wear. Down 20k deep atm. Not too bad for a 'new' 25yo car, Wich i personaly consider the best looking car ever build.

[@dorianmarszalek7797]

I confirm what he says, I have the same one and I would say the same about this car

[@123rico89]

Great car, if you know how to work on it!

[@turbosandtalks]

Still a pretty easy car to work on DIY.

[@gfxmaniac]

This is a fast car with lot of understeer. But it is reliable.

[@turbosandtalks]

More of a FWD on dry surface indeed.

[@gfxmaniac]

@@turbosandtalks i have a3 1.8t 8L with 600.000km on the clock.

[@turbosandtalks]

Congrats! They seem to be robust cars

[@gfxmaniac]

@@turbosandtalks thanx. I will try to make an oldtimer out of this car. Main problem of mine is rust. So maintenance is required every year in that area.

[@AnthonyDurand1]

I've never had understeer out of mine.. I've had it aquaplane before but in corners mines stuck to the road like it's on rails.. I live in Cornwall and I'm always giving it a good clear out on narrow lanes. 😂

[@d2j45]

Holland 🤙

[@Paulie_franga]

If you want someone repeating themselves for 10 minutes, watch this video 👌