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

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
8 May 2025
Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – which is the best AWD hyper hatch?
Hot hatch test
Group tests

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – which is the best AWD hyper hatch?

We pit the Audi RS3 against the Toyota GR Yaris and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S in a battle of the AWD super hatches. Which comes out on top?
5 May 2025
Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014-2020) review – the original hyper hatch now cheaper than any new car on sale today
Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7) front
In-depth reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014-2020) review – the original hyper hatch now cheaper than any new car on sale today

We were always huge fans of the Mk7 VW Golf R. That its successor has never quite lived up to its high standards has only underlined how good it was
1 May 2025
Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
8 May 2025
Alpine A110 2025 review – one of the all-time sports car greats will soon be gone
Alpine A110 review
In-depth reviews

Alpine A110 2025 review – one of the all-time sports car greats will soon be gone

The Alpine A110 is not long for this world, with its electric replacement due to arrive in 2027 with much more power (and weight).
9 May 2025
Ford Sierra RS500: the anatomy of a BTCC racer
Ford Sierra RS500
Features

Ford Sierra RS500: the anatomy of a BTCC racer

Group A was a golden era in touring car racing, and nothing captured hearts and minds quite like the wild, bewinged Sierra. We look under its skin
11 May 2025