THE AUDI S3 (8V) BUYERS GUIDE | AVOID Buying until watching this!

[@markbelsey4003]

I pick up my 2017 S3 this Friday (16/8/24) I’m 56 years old and I feel like a kid at Christmas

[@24alexash]

How has ur first few months of ownership been?

[@Wicaeed1]

2015 Audi S3 here just about to cross the 100K mile mark. Other than having to replace a front CV joint around the 60K mile mark, the car has been basically problem-free

[@ScottishCarClan]

Fantastic. Glad to hear that! Have you kept the car standard the full time ?

[@leenglishman1605]

116k 3dr here and no issues either - love it

[@Master1906]

How’s it been since? Do you still have it?

[@dallashokianga]

I have a 2014 s3, 144 xxxkms on the clock, bought it with 110 xxxkms, waterpump broke 2weeks ago, only problem ive had, has tcu and ecu tune, goes hard all day everyday especially from stop, flooring it from 110km/hr feels gutless

[@seanoneil6054]

Out of the USA here, I own a 2015 (DSG/Sedan). One thing to mention (there's also a TSB) but after reversing and then going into drive, especially after turning wheel to full lock, there's a click noise from the wheel bearings, TSB says to remove them, clean the surface area they are bolted to and it should fix it.. seems the only real fix is replacement.. cost adds up alot once you start replacing more than one.. BE ON THE LOOKOUT! I will say I have loved this car much more than I thought I would, very highly recommend

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thank Sean. Appreciate you taking the time to comment!

[@silentwolvesnld8831]

But i also think german cars cost a lot more to maintain in the usa compared to europe there are a lot more of these cars out here its the other way around for American car brands for us they are expensive

[@SpraggTalksMoney]

Funny I decided on the 8v s3 as my next car right as you upload a buyers guide, from one Scot to another keep us the great content mate

[@andynorris3537]

Really considering one of these next. Think they look far more subtle than a Golf R

[@W00LFY100]

The thermostat and water pump are part of the same housing on these although available separately are usually replaced together. So if ones been done there's a good chance both have 👍🏻

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks for that Wolfy!

[@jermainerobinson7098]

I have an Audi S3 l had the water leak he mentioned if you get the work done at the main dealership Audi the cost to do the work will cost £1250 a lot of so l would definitely check l took my car to Audi to let them do a health check and if there is a problem send it back to the dealer if it’s still in warranty. Great car love it and a great video keep them coming 👏🏾💯👍🏾👊🏽

[@troyeberhard2086]

In Australia here . Looking at a 2014 Lotus Grey S3 sedan. She’s negotiable on price, one lady owner, fastidiously maintained. Going to look at it this week. Fingers crossed it’s a sweet car, and I’ll be asking her about the thermostat & water pump in addition to the Haldex.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Best of luck Troy! We have one at the moment where the Haldex pump has died and it’s costing $$

[@tysonlivermore5274]

hey mate, i’m looking at buying a 2015 s3 with 90xxxkms, how’s your car going ? any problems? “that’s if you bought it”

[@Mark-kz8mf]

2015 s3 dsg with mag suspension @80k km. Had it leak coolant a couple of times over the 4 years ive owned it, more of an annoying issue to top up. Haven’t needed to replace the thermostat/water pump yet. No other issues.

[@oakesy22oakes23]

I have a manual s3 stage 2 my gearbox is fine and never heard of others having issues with gearbox either

[@ohheyitskevinc]

2016 S3 here in the US - had it since Oct 2016 and zero issues yet. I heard about the water pump maybe being a problem sometime, but nothing yet. Not manual unfortunately and no hatchbacks here, so no rear wiper to worry about. The only thing seems to be passenger airbag sensors but there’s a recall on those. I might jinx myself saying this, but after hearing horror stories about maintenance and fixing stuff before I got it - it’s been the most reliable car I’ve owned. Couple of notes: anyone reading this in cooler climates - if they try to sell one with Pirelli P Zeros - get them to swap them out with Audi original all weather tyres. Summer tyres won’t last and mine disintegrated during a few winter months below 5°c. Not sure if they’re available everywhere, but Continental Extreme Contacts are excellent. Traction and ride on them is perfect even on 19” wheels with dynamic suspension on. Also, lose the stock brake pads and get some EBC redstuff pads on. You’ll be cleaning the front wheels less. The stock pads aren’t bad, but Audi could have thrown better ones on.

[@abrut6564]

How’s it now mate?

[@hellswindstaff91]

looking to buy a 2016 S3 right now in the US im hesitant how is it doing now bud?

[@Fixstern16]

i like the scottish accent but also the guide

[@BorealisEP]

Fantastic video, and great job getting to the point!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks Matt! We have lots of buyers guides in the channel feel free to have a browse.

[@morf121]

Great clear vid thanks guys

[@nathangiddings328]

I used to be your post man 🤣 often saw your R8 on the drive

[@leenglishman1605]

2016 3dr (PFL) here just crossing 116k - knocking can also come from your rear parcel shelf. Took me ages to work out where it was coming from and a simple change of position on the whels string so the rubber stop underneath is pushed down onto the shelf by the tailgate solves it. Highly recommended car

[@tan9640]

Do the Audi a4 b8/8.5 tfsi 2l petrol, with the 7 speed s tonic, have wet or dry clutches

[@bjornwiking1054]

Cheers! Thank you for the review 👍

[@paulfeatherstone7095]

Hello be buying audi s3 2017 with 40k had it a month now and just had to replace thermostat housing and water pump as it was leaking luckily had rac warranty on it 😀

[@raindrop9314]

Im sceptical on buying on around 100k miles. What’s the highest you’ve seen on of these goes. And do u think I should avoid or go for something lower milleage since it is petrol?

[@MS-rk5sw]

Hi , we are looking to buy an Audi S1 and an Audi rs6 c7 and major issues or anything to look for?? Thanks.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hey! I’ve made buyers guides with both those cars. If you search my channel you’ll find them. Good luck!

[@MS-rk5sw]

Thank you, I will search you channel ✌️

[@christiand1942]

I've owned my 2018 S3 for 3 years now, 53k miles. Couple of items that have been missed, though minor. Car rattles can be a thing. The sunroof is the most common and I've found that it's the way you wash it. If there is too much pressure from the car wash or if you directly spray the sunroof edges with the pressure washer, you'll wash out the grease. This can be fixed by regreasing. Also, I've had issues with fuel line rattles near the front passenger side. Audi has a TB on this and they cover it with padding. Finally I've had an issue with my front prox sensor. It can go out of calibration. Only Audi can recalibrate it.

[@deathrager2404]

what a joke. cant even wash my roof lol. not getting this car.

[@christiand1942]

@@deathrager2404 Lol. I haven't had to regrease in the last +30k miles. No longer an issue as long as I'm not pressure washing 2" from the roof.

[@isodorwilliams5999]

Nice vid bud

[@paulhume469]

I have an 2015 8v s3 6speed DSG. How can i know if my haldex is ok or not? Im doing bad times from 0 to 100 km/hr launch control (4.8 second but i am stage 2 Ecu and Tcu) i think maybe the haldex is not working well. I think being in stage 2 i should be doing less than 4.3 or 4.2 seconds. Please help to know if my haldex is working well

[@ItsLukeDude]

Do you know a low oil pressure problem these have and what the fix is?

[@laurenmckenzie4666]

Love an Audi 💓💓💓

[@quoconut5788]

Best place to find this in dsg ?

[@dominicpowell3867]

Where did you get that grill 😍

[@cantstandmenow69]

It was an eBay special for a very reasonable price. AUDI A3 8V 2012>2016 RS STYLE GLOSS BLACK HONEYCOMB DEBADGED GRILLE NEW. That should help find it.

[@waynesworld6020]

Hello. Have a audi a3 2018 1.5 tsfi auto . Have a issue with a creaking front end when turning at low speed if parking at nearly full lock. Audi dealer says its normal for these a3 from this age to have same sound just spray on lubricant spray on bushes they say...but looking at alot of forums and says its the bushes or top mountings causing this. Any ideas mate that would help? No issues with driving or play in the steering just a creaking and groaning noise

[@paulrobertson384]

Hi mate, I’m a technician at audi and yes it is very common in those. Have you had the bump stops/ shockers greased by the audi dealer yet and if so has it made a difference? As I’ve had about 5+ of those jobs and it’s worked every time. If not then yes it’ll be the top mount bearing that has seized, coming from either the side you hear the noise from or both sides. Hope this helps.

[@waynesworld6020]

@Paul Robertson hi. Bump stop shocker? Where are they please. I have changed the top mountings bearings aswell which a little improvement but still have creaking and groaning issue . The noise coming from sides when turning at low speed when parking at nearly full lock. Some said spray all the bushes with lubricant spray to stop dry bushes. But I don't know if that will cure

[@ScottishCarClan]

@@paulrobertson384 Thanks for the comment Paul

[@paulrobertson384]

@@waynesworld6020 You’ll find the bottom of the bump stops if you pull up the boot of the shock absorber, they’re an orangey colour. I’ve greased the bottom of them, and also the actual piston part of the shocker multiple times and it’s solved your exact complaint. Yes they’re can sometimes be a creak noise coming from the bushes (front lower wishbone bush) but that’s really only when they’re really badly deteriorated and the rubber is coming away from the metal.

[@waynesworld6020]

@Paul Robertson cheers much appreciated for your help mate. So I can spray lubricant grease spray on front shockers between coil springs and the covers?

[@raymondleung2717]

Wanted to check if there are oil leak issues? Thinking of getting a 2010 auto model.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hey! Not common to have oil leaks usually. More common is coolant leak from the pump area. Have a good look underneath after you’ve taken it through a full heat cycle in the test drive. Good luck!

[@matthewhoad7402]

thank you for the info on the s3 maunal gearbox im a real driving pureist and am looking at getting a facelift s3 manual

[@waqarch1000]

P3030 code on 2014 S3, cylinder 3 misfire?

[@vws8851]

Were u the guy who posted about the purple s3 emblems on 8v forums on facebook?

[@cantstandmenow69]

Yeah, that was me! This is my car that Grant is reviewing.

[@Cyclops_22]

I'm stuck, do I get a manual? As I am a driver and really want to get a manual again. But I've heard good things of the DSG. I'm torn!

[@cj45cal]

What did you end up doing

[@jonodunn2592]

Manual all day pal

[@easternundergroundsounds6977]

I have been told they suffer from oil burning issues is this right?

[@seanquinn3595]

they can do yea, but because of the high temps you'd expect from these kind of engines, components will fail. In cases like you mention, you will usually find it is the PCV, which is a relatively easy part to self purchase and fit from home. For the sake of £50-100 depending on the manufacturer, it's worth changing these every 5 years or so to be on the dsafe side.

[@king0vdarkness]

7:32 I'm looking to buy an s3, when I turned on the car it sounded like a diesel, and you can feel vibrations through the seats (even passenger one), is this normal?

[@Downsouthonthewest]

they all sound like a diesel... vibration of the engine through the seats? dont think thats normal

[@king0vdarkness]

@@Downsouthonthewest thank you

[@Wicaeed1]

Sounding like a diesel? No way, that's a problem car, walk, no, run away

[@king0vdarkness]

@@Wicaeed1 Yeah good call, we went with an s1 instead; it's super nice!

[@bromodz2309]

@@king0vdarkness how did you like your S1 ? They aren’t available in America, I’ve always wondered how they’re compared to the S3’s

[@dontsugarcoat2729]

True got 2017audis3 had to change water pump and coolant. Cost me almost $3000

[@ScottishCarClan]

Wow! Sorry to hear this. That is a very high price however. Do you know the repair shop well?

[@dontsugarcoat2729]

@@ScottishCarClan I had it done by the audi dealer where I bought the car from.

[@kylesassen5436]

What were the symptoms ? Or did you just change it cause you watched this video ?

[@dontsugarcoat2729]

@@kylesassen5436 took it in get oil change dealers discovered it was leaking. Around 50000

[@kylesassen5436]

What country you in ?

[@isodorwilliams5999]

1 question i seem to be hrearing a defective wheel bearing sound had mins since 2016

[@ScottishCarClan]

On your own car Isodor? The bearing is part of the hub on these so you'll need a new hub fitted unfortunately.

[@chevr6887]

I have it and I’m experiencing front end click noise as I turning right and left and also a knock noise at the front

[@rhyssevern7358]

Sounds like the CV joint

[@chevr6887]

@@rhyssevern7358 yh figured but do you think me buying a second hand one I’m killing myself?

[@rhyssevern7358]

@@chevr6887 You can have your CV rebuilt, or just replace the entire axle with a new one / second hand one from a wrecked vehicle as most CV Joint repairs are often more $$& than replacing the axle if you know what you’re doing, I blew mine and just replaced the axle, it was 180AUD whereas the CV rebuild would’ve cost me $300, but I did the axle replacement myself

[@jayrom6237]

Unfortunately here in the U.S S3's are only Automatic

[@nyrio171]

bought one with 170k kilometers i think it in goof condition

[@quoconut5788]

Year ? Spec ? Best place to find a dsg model please

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hey! What country are you in?

[@jamesowen4360]

S3 or m135i m140i. I know the BMW is rear wheel drive but is the S3 fun and family ish friendly?

[@akent46]

That Rhode mic sounds terrible in the car 😲

[@ScottishCarClan]

We've upgraded all our audio equipment since this video! Sorry for that

[@akent46]

@@ScottishCarClan I'm more referring to it's disappointing to Rhode not to u guys

[@josephtdi8764]

I would not but why that looked like that……

[@nicenow25]

Great review but your microphone mate is horrible

[@ScottishCarClan]

It’s since been upgraded along with the camera. Check out a more recent vid and give us your thoughts 😎 cheers

[@Shortkingjrr]

My traction isnt flashing at all when i give full trottle

[@veryfastcarssa9572]

S3s can be very unreliable if they driven hard all the time and launched all the time. Especially if it’s tuned. I’ve seen a lot of replaced motors and turbos blow. I think audi could do a little better.

[@nickdinh8230]

that’s cuz they’re tuned 😂

[@russellcuggy2326]

Only buy rs3

[@sammysung3326]

😳

[@vic5044]

😬

[@jf8188]

Damn that’s my next car. Currently in an s3. One day I’ll own an iroz built RS3

[@torpedo6738]

​@@jf8188 does your s3 have consistent engine faults?