| i S3 is the enthusiast’s edition of its more | | | | has a 6.5-inch screen with aux-in socket, radio, DVD |
| conservative sibling, the A3 hatchback. First produced | | | | and 2 integrated SD card slots. The Audi Concert CD |
| by Audi in 1999, the second-generation car, launched in | | | | player and radio comes as standard. |
| 2006, is significantly more muscular than its | | | | Performance — |
| predecessor. Using the same floorpan as the VW | | | | The 2-litre turbocharged engine found in the S3 |
| Golf, the Audi S3 offers standard quattro four-wheel | | | | hatchback and Sportback is an evolution of the motor |
| drive plus plenty of power and a great chassis to | | | | found in the Volkswagen Golf GTi, Seat Leon Cupra |
| deliver sure-footed performance whatever the road. | | | | and Audi TTRS. With 261bhp and 258lb/ft of pulling |
| This article aims to provide you with some information | | | | power it’s significantly more powerful than the |
| related to buying the used Audi S3 car. | | | | Golf GTi, thanks to a larger turbocharger and |
| Purchasing a used can be a painful experience, but it | | | | reworked engine and exhaust components. |
| can go much smoother if you follow a simple set of | | | | Practicality — |
| rules and checks. This article aims to provide you with | | | | Sporty hatchbacks don’t ask drivers to |
| all the advice and information to make the right choices | | | | compromise much in the area of practicality, and the |
| when buying a second-hand car. In this guide we'll | | | | S3 Sportback is even better than most. It has a head |
| explain how to buy a used Audi S3 car that is as safe | | | | start by offering five doors instead of three and there |
| and reliable as a new car - at a fraction of the price. | | | | is more rear legroom than in the S3 hatchback. It has |
| Browse the areas below to arm yourself with all the | | | | the proportions of a small estate car and its boot can |
| information you need to make the successful | | | | swallow 1,032-litres of luggage with the rear seats |
| purchase of the S3 as your dream car. | | | | folded or 302-litres with them in place. |
| Important Car buying checks: | | | | 3. Used Audi S3 Valuation: |
| View our five essential safety checks you need to | | | | Check the market value of the used S3. If it looks too |
| make before buying the used S3. | | | | good to be true, it probably is. The value of a used car |
| 1. Know the history of the used S3: | | | | is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance |
| Make sure to check the used S3’s history | | | | and popularity. Of course you want a car that is |
| before buying. Vehicle Check provides you with peace | | | | reliable and performs well. |
| of mind that you're making the right choice. | | | | 4. The visit: |
| 2. See the car: | | | | Always visit the seller at their home address. |
| Test-driving the used S3 helps you decide if it is the | | | | Don’t arrange to meet them at a motorway |
| right car for you and also if this particular car is in good | | | | service station, a lay-by or any other address aside |
| condition. Once you get behind the wheel, ask yourself | | | | from the one where they live. |
| if it is a good fit for your requirements. | | | | 5. The paperwork: |
| Exterior Looks — | | | | You must check the V5C document of the used S3 |
| The purposeful looks of the Audi S3 hatchback work | | | | car. Also check the service history, MOT etc. Do not |
| even better in Sport-back form; the extra length and | | | | accept photocopies of these documents, they should |
| rear doors give it a more grownup appearance. | | | | be original. |
| Accessories — | | | | These checks will help you know more about the car |
| The equipment includes Satellite Navigation System | | | | you are buying and you can be sure you have made |
| Plus (£1,615) which gives the S3 the level of | | | | the right decision. |
| equipment it deserves and should help resale value. It | | | | |