I picked up my Audi S3 yesterday, after part exchanging the Volvo V70R for it. I initially hunted for a RS Focus but stumbled across the Audi by chance, I couldn't get the Audi out of my head, no matter how many Fords I looked at so I went for it.

It's a S-Tronic version, which I wanted to avoid initially. The Volvo was an auto and I wasn't really impressed with it. However after driving the S-Tronic I realised it is a completely different beast, much faster gear change, flappy paddles and apparently they have launch control.

It's a 59 reg. with 45k, full history including the as-Tronic and Haldex oil. It is fairly well spec'd, the only thing it hasn't got that I want is Nav, but they can be retrofitted and cost about £400 so it's an easy upgrade.

It's in stunning condition for a 5 year old car. I only have one picture of it which doesn't really do it any justice.

Very nice, you got any plans for it other than the sat nav?

Welkommen to the Audi world!!!

Very nice, you got any plans for it other than the sat nav?

Cheers. Not really, it's pretty much the way I want it. Time will tell though.

I've owned my S3 for seven years from new and 54k later I still like it and can't think of another car I would replace it with.

 

In the summer I needed a new clutch so took the opportunity to get a REVO remap stage 1 done.

The performance difference is noticeable with performance you would expect form a quick car with more torque mid range making a more drivable car.

 

Doing a remap not perfect there is a lot of rattling on tick over. I think the mounts need upgrading.

 

Also 5th and 6th and not really usable for cruising between 2,200 to 3,000 rpm because of the vibration.

It feels like the car is in a wrong gear at those engine speeds in 5th and 6th.

 

I know the S3 gets some flack for not being the sharpest handling hot-hatch but it is comfortable quick car that feels well made.

 

I hope you enjoy it.

Would love one of these. Will be keeping an eye on this. 

I took some random pics today, on my phone so excuse the quality. I've ordered some new wax and sealant so once it's detailed I'll put some more pictures up.

The glovebox

The key

The Bose

The seats

Edited 9 September, 201411 yr by JohnRS

Lovely

Very nice indeed. I like it mate!

Keep an eye out for Julian on the Audi forums. Ex R36 owner that both Alan and myself know very well

Thanks guys!

I don't frequent any other forums, although this may change in the future.

I'd like an R36, I like different and somewhat rare cars and that certainly isn't a run of the mill Passat. Not that the S3 is rare, but the Volvo I chopped was one of 133 auto P2 R's registered in the UK, or so one of those "how many are there" sites said.

I got round to detailing it on Thu, well all but the wheels. I ended up running out of time and not got one layer of sealant on. I intend on coming back in the next week or so to add another layer of sealant and some wax. I'll take the wheels off and seal them too.

I apologise for the quality of the images, I took them on my phone. In hindsight I should have taken more pictures during, but I didn't.

I basically foamed it with a combination of VP snow foam, VP orange pre wash and shampoo. Then washed via the two bucked method.

I clayed it, using Meguires pro aggressive clay, this shifted most of the tar/sap and general crap. I had to Tardis some of the bad bits. This is when I discovered the extent of the blue t-cut residue. I use makeup pads to Tardis and they were rather blue! Unfortunately I didn't take photos of this.mi ended up going over the whole car with Tardis, I figured that way I'd be sure it was naked.

This is from a week of driving, I just sprayed a bit of bilberry on them. Nowt special for now.

You can see some swirls' excuse the image quality.

The suspicious blue residue

Almost ready for action

Again I didn't take any photos during. However I settled on 2-3 passes with a Meguiars cutting pad with a combination of Menzerna IP and 3M fast cut. I then went for a 3M yellow pad and Menzerna PF and then a Meguiars finishing pad with 3M ultra fine SE and a split if Menzerna final finish.

As said it was getting dark, and a bit mild so I only got one layer of sealant on. I went for Gtechniq C1, after ChrisRS' recommendation (thanks) and some research. I also got some Gtechniq C2 to try. I've got some Fusso to layer on, again thanks for the recommendation and I'll probably top it with some DodoJuice SN, just because I've got 2/3 of a tub left.

A crappy phone flash shot, you get the picture though (excuse the pun!)

The only part decent shot I got

A couple from the gym car park on Fri morning,which don't do the car any justice

Once I'm 100% happy with the results I'll take some pictures with a proper camera, at a decent location.

Here is a "money shot" to finish with.

Great work John

Very well done ....Its looks superb

The car has come up really well John.

Nice work indeed and sounds like you really put some hours in to get this point. Take your time and work round all the areas in turn.....it will be well worth it!

I really like the engine bay shot - very nice.

Hope you enjoy the S3

Cheers guys, i put around 7 hours in. It isn't perfect, there is a light scratch on the drivers door that needs wet sanding at some point and a 1" scratch on the bonnet that needs paint. I think that's something I will do in the spring.