2004 Euro vs 2002 Audi S3

[g3vtir]

Hi Guys,

I've been a Honda driver since getting my license. Since then I've owned 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen Integras, CRV, MDX and now an Accord Euro.

I've just happen to stumble on an Audi S3 for sale. Its a 2002 model and i'm considering it. Any one have any advise on this?

[dirlok]

The S3 is a nice car. They are very different cars though. It really depends on what you are going to use it for.

You cant really compare. The S3 is faster, but more expensive.

As far as I know, the S3 around a track is not as good as other cars in that category (WRX, Evo, Golf GTI etc). The suspension doesnt feel as good as you would expect.

[ChaosMaster]

I would say go S3, however, the thing with all prestige cars (bar Lexus) is that they are costly to own. Which is why I can't recommend the Audi. It also baffles me by how many people buy the most basic of prestige car for the badge and come back complaining about the high upkeep.

[axispower]

I would say go S3, however, the thing with all prestige cars (bar Lexus) is that they are costly to own. Which is why I can't recommend the Audi. It also baffles me by how many people buy the most basic of prestige car for the badge and come back complaining about the high upkeep.

^This.

[DreadAngel]

Don't go near the S3, its at the age where the frequency of things going wrong rapidly increases...

[TGW92]

As has been mentioned, ownership/maintenance costs will always be significantly higher on a european car, especially if you are used to working on your cars yourself..

Also consider all the other aspects such as the s3 only having two doors, fwd vs 4wd, turbo vs na etc.

Considering your past experience with integras I'm guessing that only having 2 doors is not a problem to you....

Also the '02 s3 is only the 1.8 litre (mk4 golf gti engine) not the newer 2 litre... Still quick, but not as desirable (besides for the obvious difference in price)

Either of these two cars would make a fantastic daily driver, with the s3 sacrificing a bit of space/practicality to be a little more sporty and a fair bit faster than the euro :)

[NightKids]

Don't go the S3, Euro cars aren't as reliable as Jap. As mentioned there will be heaps of problems but you're Euro should still run strong for years to come.

Be prepared for unnecessary costs if you shall ignore our advice.

[ChaosMaster]

Another thing is that Audi's have very tight packaging. I'm not sure about the S3, but I've worked on older Quadro Audi's and the engine bay is so packed, you can forget about doing anything quickly, even a service is a bitch.

[kjs]

I would say go S3, however, the thing with all prestige cars (bar Lexus) is that they are costly to own. Which is why I can't recommend the Audi. It also baffles me by how many people buy the most basic of prestige car for the badge and come back complaining about the high upkeep.

X2...this is very true people.. Euro cars cost $$$ to maintain and, on the whole, are less reliable . Audi one if the worst for both.

[marquee]

I had a vw mk4 golf exact same chasis different engine and drive type however still the same deal. Reliability is actual pretty good. Cost of parts are also fairly cheap if your comparing them to the euro (which I've also owned). The worst thing about them if you like to diy are the tools required. You will need specialist tools for almost everything thats the part that sucks.

But I reiterate the point that parts aren't that expensive just don't go to the dealer that's where they rape you. Go online. Ecstrading has most oem parts at good prices

[kjs]

Parts can be just as cheap IF you do all your homework. ie buy online / import. What I found however was if you needed something done parts were less available so you often forced to pay overpriced local. Also workshops charge more cos its always "a big job that one".... End of the day a 2004 euro will have significantly less running costs than an Audi S3. Quote me on that!
I'm actually a big euro car fan btw, euro cars are always a step more advanced than the any Japanese maker but the ownership reality is reality. Still got my eye on a W211 mb right now though :D

[Fredoops]

VAG performance parts are cheap.

Especially when you source it from states/uk.

[antony]

I would not even think about doing the change,the Euro will be the superior car over the next few years...

[tony1234]

Don't go near the S3, its at the age where the frequency of things going wrong rapidly increases...
As above.Buy the S3 if you have deep pockets.Electrical gremlins seem to plague euro cars,even the newer ones.You cant beat Jap cars for reliability.

[Fredoops]

You people are no fun, it's an Audi S3, I'd say go for it.

K04 Turbo and Dual intercoolers in the 8L chassis S3, you can easily get 270 hp without even opening the engine on FACTORY turbo.

So far ive yet seen electrical problems with the 8L audi's... And to say the least it's a fk of a load easier to tune than the stupid-ass honda brickshited ECU's.

Hell it's HALDEX AWD means you can get a controller to make it 30/70 rear biased power delivery, or even rear wheel drive. hell yeah.

[DreadAngel]

Another note:

Audi A/S series are the test bed in which go through refinement and fix issues, the chassis is then sent over to VW to make the next gen Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat, etc... Eg. the Current Audi chassis will be the next gen VW chassis =)

So if you want the actual finished product, go with the VW equivalent even if it doesn't have the Audi shine ;)