M15ley Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 I'm thinking it's about time for a change, my S3 has served me well but I'm getting a little bored , problem is what to replace it with. I fancy something a little bigger but am struggling to find something that delivers the same blend of quality and performance without running in to M3 price band territory - any suggestions welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halegavin Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 Have you got the S3 modded... If your bored may be worth a consideration chipping it at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncS3 Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 I am thinking the same. I have added Porsche brakes and a Revo chip to my S3 but the next performance upgrade involves big bucks. The natural next car for me would be a RS4 or M3, I want something with more power than the S3, but one that also doesnt involve having to spend 1000s getting it where I want it to be. M3 and RS too expensive for me really, so I thought I would bite the bullet and take an Imprezza for a test drive. I went out today in a 03 STI with PPP pack and it was awesome. Obviously the S3 has much more class and the interiors dont even compare but the Imprezza was very quick, sounds gorgeous and after getting back in the S3, I realise it is all true what the press say about lifeless steering etc. The STI Imprezza also has big 4 pot Brembos as standard and a lot stiffer suspension. I am well impressed and seriously considering swapping. The Imprezza I drove was silver with graphite wheels (dont like the gold wheels). I also didnt like the intercooler scoop on the bonnet, its way too big and moves about on bumpy roads (plasticy) Whilst drving I didtn really pay any attention to the interior, i was concentrating on going fast!. The interior, which although better than they used to be is still really crap compared to the S3. Dunc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveS3 Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 I always worry that once u`ve got the "going faster" bit out of your system, you WILL start paying more attention to the (shab) interior and also to the millions of other scooby drivers that will pass you every morning to work! Sorry!-devils advo` Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M15ley Posted July 31, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Yes, had it chipped about 18 months ago which did make a big difference but still bored. Thought about the Scooby but as already commented - shabby and common! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gambba Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 [ QUOTE ] I'm thinking it's about time for a change, my S3 has served me well but I'm getting a little bored , problem is what to replace it with. I fancy something a little bigger but am struggling to find something that delivers the same blend of quality and performance without running in to M3 price band territory - any suggestions welcome [/ QUOTE ] Ahhh yes that feeling where the power becomes normal and uninteresting, so you go in search of something else. S2K? 2nd hand TVR? or try driving a lesser car for a week or two and then hop back into the S3 just to show you what you have got! When is enough power ever enough? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M15ley Posted July 31, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 It's not necessarily more power that I'm looking for . But certainly not less . I actually had a test drive in the new Saab 93 Aero and was very suprised at just how good it was, but only 210BHP, however I'm sure a chip could sort that out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveS3 Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Mi5ley, my business partner has a 9-3 aero and on many occasions he has absolutely no problems keeping up with the pace. They chip well too, although you have to cope with a bit of torque steer! but i think that`s half the Fun?! If your interested; www.abbottracing.com www.saabscene.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted August 1, 2003 Report Share Posted August 1, 2003 How about this? Make sure you give it a proper inspection. AUDI RS4, X reg. 40000 miles, ice blue, sat nav, tv, cd, all usual extras, cream leather, privacy glass, lhd, excellent condition, fsh. £24,500 . ovno. D Wallis Tel: (01628) 663922 or (07971) 897088 Distance: 22 miles Price: £24,500 ovno. [image]http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=40003927[/image] A £10k saving on RHD!!! Cheers Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M15ley Posted August 1, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2003 Good value, but left hand drive . I'm starting to strugle for ideas now - do I really want to think about a 330ci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gambba Posted August 1, 2003 Report Share Posted August 1, 2003 Left hand drive is definately not an option for the UK, I hate driving my A3T in the UK on backroads, overtaking is an F'ing nightmare, completely ruins those great roads I enjoy in my BMW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M15ley Posted August 4, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2003 Come to a decision - keep my S3 for another 10-12 months then give it to the missus . Use this time to save up and buy either an M3 or a TVR 350C . Now that's another entirely different question - which one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Lynham Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 im going through the same problem at the moment - my S3 comes up for renewal in January and the only car that i want is an M3 convertible but it's just a huge jump in moolar . Have thought about getting something like a mini through the company and then paying myself a bit more and getting something like a TVR Cerberra which you can pick up for about £18/19,000 but i don't think i could afford to get it serviced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted August 10, 2003 Report Share Posted August 10, 2003 Yes you should consider a 330ci. Have had 2 S3's, a 330ci and now have a 330ci Sport, 330ci is by far a superior car to the S3, the 330ci Sport is superior to the standard 330ci, cracking car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loddrik Posted August 10, 2003 Report Share Posted August 10, 2003 Pics of mine here http://www.tyresmoke.net/gallery/albun61 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncS3 Posted August 10, 2003 Report Share Posted August 10, 2003 a week later and I am still tempted by the STI. I still like my S3 though - tough choice Dunc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riz Posted August 10, 2003 Report Share Posted August 10, 2003 dont be tempted by the darkside! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M15ley Posted August 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2003 I've no doubt that the 330ci is a damn good car but it's too common and still has that 'Tw@t' factor associated with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopsta Posted August 11, 2003 Report Share Posted August 11, 2003 [ QUOTE ] a week later and I am still tempted by the STI. I still like my S3 though - tough choice Dunc [/ QUOTE ] So what have you gone for then Dunc... see you've got the S3 up for sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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