On the market for an S3

[tumeki]

So i've been looking for the last few months for a mew replacement Audi

And I've been keeping my eye on this one for $12k - http://www.autobase.co.nz/cars-for-sale/Coupe/Audi/S3/1155101.htm
Cons
 - Non metal mirror (kinda like this smart look)
 - Older model headlights & rear lights don't appear as they updated model
 - Driver seat seems pretty well used

Pros
120k
Body looks pretty tidy
Paint looks quite nice
Wheels looks in good nick

but I've just noticed this one today $15k @ 143km - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/audi/auction-404361407.htm

Cons
 - price seems pretty steep
 - haven't heard great stories about these guys
 - what is MTM upgrade? Carjam reports this model as 154 KW as they report
 - mtm tuned? what else are they referring too?

Pros
 - good look in silver
 - metal mirrors
 - updated single headlights and rear light flashings
 - tidy body & paint

Here's my queries...

is the 2001 model done 30 more km's with metal look mirrors and lights worth another 3k?

I'm not an expert on the S3's so im a bit uhm & ahh.

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers

[CBRT]

I wouldnt worry what it says on the price tag, turn up have a look at both and make a decision and start haggling....

Cambelts done?
FSH?

[tumeki]

No idea on Cambelt
FSH? Referring to Haldex?

[tumeki]

Oh Full Service History - I think the Fast 4's one has a history from Giltrap, but the fact fast 4's have this car doesn't bode well.

Red one from Palmy is from Armstrong Dealer, so assuming it has full history

[Poonmobile]

The later 2001 model would be the one i'd go for, if you want to do a few mods, it has the the 225BHp engine and facelift. as ballin said- haggle- it pays to front up with cash and say this is what i want to pay as well.

I had a 2000 and it was a nice car, i do miss it. I sold it for 15k so i think 15k is not bad, but you should be able to get it for a little less. remember, sometimes you get what you pay for... and sometimes you could get a good deal. That red one has been on there for AGES, started out at 18k close to a year ago before i bought my Imola S3. So could be good buying depending on condition and Service history. red is way cooler than silver IMO too

[Trofeo]

If car jam is correct then the silver one has the earlier 210hp engine. But it will be around 240 with the mtm chip. Will need clutch if not done already. Later ones have ESP which is pretty good.otherwise not too much between them. Check all electrics work incl seats lumbar etc.
Also check for rust in roof seams. Great cars these things!

[rambo_005]

The red one has been at Z-One for ages, now that Armstrong has taken over the price has dropped to what it currently is.

It's a neat looking car and well priced now.

[wgtngti]

Z-One had that S3 when I ordered my Golf R from them back in December.

[tumeki]

Thanks everyone for your input - i have some discussion points with the dealer when i return back from holiday.

Sent the old man to the Fast 4's in Auckland to take that one for a test drive and see how far he can bend the dealer, i'm going to annoy the crowd in Palmy about the Red one - see what happens

Thanks again

[CBRT]

Fast4's 

[xring]

I considered the red one just before Christmas. I haven't seen or driven it myself, but a VASK member from Palmerston North had a look at it for me. He reckoned it was in good condition etc. Their asking price has certainly dropped since then. I think it would be a good buy, even though it is a pre face lift model.

[xring]

Or you could buy my 2003 VW Bora V6 4Motion 

2.8 litre V6, 6spd manual with full leather interior, including electric 'memory' Recaro front seats (also heated), original equipment electric sunroof, 18 inch OZ alloys with new Bridgestone tyres, and only done 71,000 k's.

[Poonmobile]

Go the red, at that price leaves you open for some mods and a good service!

[tumeki]

Well - i snoozed and i lost!

Rung up the dealer and it's gone - some young fella bought it yesterday for 11,900 the dealer reckons. After talking to him further, he said they have sold that car 3 times over during it's lifetime.

Oh well - back to the drawing board.

[Poonmobile]

Bugger!