Faults:

The clutch pedal broke at approximately 71,000 KMs, this is apparently a common fault with the car, and was replaced fairly cheaply, and apparently with a superior part that did not break as easily.

Also, rust started to appear on the roof rails, another very common issue, but Audi fixed it as the paint work has a 10 year guarantee.

General Comments:

When I was looking for a car my check list was 1) 4 cylinder turbo, and 2) all wheel drive, which for the money I was spending, meant either a WRX, Lancer or S3. I went the S3 for something different, and I also feel that it's a better looking car than the other options.

The performance was good; not great, as it's a heavy car, but solid. Highway driving was brilliant with the 6 speed manual, and the suspension was brilliant on good roads and holds well through corners, but not very pleasant on Adelaide's bumpy roads.

The interior was a great place to be; leather everything, and excellent quality plastics.

Faults:

I've only owned the S3 for 3 months, and the only problem is that when I shut the drivers door, it still tells me it's open. This happens when it feels like it, and seems to happen more when the weather is warmer. Sometimes I have to shut the door several times, and if I'm on the outside it has to be shut properly in order for the interior light to go out, and more importantly, the alarm to be set. Will get it fixed at the next service, at a cost, but I'm wondered if it was something I might be able to sort out myself.

General Comments:

The 6 year old S3 is a great car and feels expensive. The leather is nice and the car still smells new. It handles well and the power is smooth.

My previous car was an Impreza which had similar performance and handling, but a crazy insurance premium. The S3 came in at exactly half, and I didn't have to have a tracker device fitted either.

Faults:

Nothing major so far (touches desk), just one tyre to replace, 225 R18 40...£200 from Kwikfit... grumble (only place I could find open on a Sunday afternoon).

Annoying rattle from trim underneath the exhaust.

General Comments:

Was looking for a quick 4WD car for a while, Subaru's & Evo's were a bit too in your face for my liking, eventually decided on the S3 over the Cupra as I didn't like the looks or the depreciation.

Stunning car, Black, sits on 18" RS4 alloys & silver mirrors (were on the car before I got it), silver cream interior, 6 CD changer etc.

What can I say, goes like stink and I've driven quick cars, used to have a VTS and owned a GSXR600 as well. Superb handling, grip is superb although like all Audi's it understeers at the oddest times, usually wet roundabouts or junctions, but generally it's a superbly balanced and well composed, performance is superb and 6th is surprisingly torquey on the motorway, driven it to Scotland from London a few times. Induction hiss from the Turbo is addictive. Exhaust seems to get louder as the journey goes by.

Interior is a very nice place to be, Recarro's key you firmly in place and you need them in this car. Stereo sounds great, but can be a bit fiddly on when pressing on.

Great build quality, great driving experience. There are faster cars on the road and cheaper VAG part bins specials I know, but the overall package is superb and I'd highly recommend this car. Rare too which adds to the appeal. Hard to find a good one as a lot are stolen recovered.

Only downsides are poor legroom in the back due to the large Recarro's, but then I don't have kids so who cares. Boot space is really poor, but enough for a suitcase and a biggish bag.