Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi S3 buying guide - Audi S3 buying checkpoints

These are the things you need to know about buying the Audi S3

Checkpoints

Audi S3 engine and transmission

Andy McLeish of APS (autops.co.uk) says the 2-litre TFSI is generally robust and reliable if serviced on time, but does occasionally suffer an issue with the fuel pump cam follower wearing prematurely, potentially causing serious scoring to the camshaft. It can be checked annually, but replacing the follower is a cheap service item and well worth it for peace of mind. Sometimes the oil breather valve on the front of the cam cover sticks, causing misfires or boost issues, but it’s also a cheap part. Regular servicing – APS recommends every year or 10,000 miles – will help allay both issues. A cambelt change is due at 70k miles or five years, whichever sooner.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With the manual gearbox, listen for rattling or chattering, particularly under deceleration. They could indicate it’s heading for a rebuild. Clutches can last 80k miles, but if a car is remapped it will need an uprated clutch. DSG ’boxes seem to last well, but it’s crucial the oil and filter are changed at 40,000 miles, preferably sooner. Degraded and dirty oil affects gearchange quality and causes the gearbox to overheat or the clutches to burn out. The Haldex transmission (oil and filter change needed at 20k miles/two years) is very robust.

Audi S3

Dave Smith

Audi S3 suspension, steering and brakes

Owner Tim Netherton (see the previous page) has warped disc issues, but McLeish says this is very rare and the brakes are generally more than up to the car’s performance. ‘You can get a Brembo GT kit,’ he says, ‘but the standard set-up, maybe with the addition of fast road pads, is just fine.’

Andy hasn’t come across any particular issues with the S3’s suspension and steering. ‘We replace the odd damper, but nothing out of the ordinary. Listen out for the top mounts knocking, but the S3 has solid wishbone bushes so they last well. Generally we have very few issues with the S3. It’s a good all-round package.’

Audi S3

Dave Smith

Audi S3 body, interior and electrics

No corrosion issues, so just check for uniformity of panel gaps and any signs of overspray that could indicate accident repairs. Inside, there are no S3-specific issues to worry about, but any signs of excessive wear or damage to trim may mean the car has lived a hard life and better examples can be found. The rear wiper motor is prone to failure, so check that along with all the electronic toys.

Find used Audi S3's for sale on the Classic and Performance Car site here.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Driving the iconic Renault Sport Clio 172 – car pictures of the week
Renault Sport Clio 172 – front
Features

Driving the iconic Renault Sport Clio 172 – car pictures of the week

In issue 332 of evo, we revisit the brilliant Renault Sport Clio 172 – these are our favourite shots
13 Apr 2025
This Audi RS3 has more power than a £120,000 Porsche 911
Audi RS3 R
News

This Audi RS3 has more power than a £120,000 Porsche 911

German tuning specialist Abt has given Audi’s RS3 a 911 Carrera GTS-rivalling power figure
4 Apr 2025
Used Audi RS3 (8V, 2015 – 2020), review, specs and buying guide for a hyper hatch bargain
Audi RS3 (8V) front
Reviews

Used Audi RS3 (8V, 2015 – 2020), review, specs and buying guide for a hyper hatch bargain

Briefly the most powerful hatch on the planet the Audi RS3 is a great all-rounder with an astonishingly great engine
2 Apr 2025
Audi A1 Quattro review – the supermini that cost more than a Porsche
Audi A1 Quattro – front
In-depth reviews

Audi A1 Quattro review – the supermini that cost more than a Porsche

It made no financial sense for Audi to build it, but the rare, sought-after and highly bespoke A1 Quattro is a remarkable testament to the brand’s amb…
31 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
24 Hours of Lemons – we dive into the endurance race for $500 scrappers
24 Hours of Lemons
Features

24 Hours of Lemons – we dive into the endurance race for $500 scrappers

$500 wouldn't buy you a door mirror for a Le Mans car. At the 24 Hours of Lemons, it's the budget for your entire race car. We get stuck in
19 Apr 2025