Ara Blue Crystal or Nardo Grey

**Velicos** · 03-24-2019 09:10 PM

Hey all! Relatively new here, been trolling for a few weeks as I've decided on this car.

The thing I am struggling WAY too much on - color. I know this has come up before, but I'm looking to see what current owners think. I feel either way, whichever color I order I will end up wondering what the other was like - they both are so solid in their own right.

Either option I'd drop the black optics on there - what do you guys think? Nardo Grey or Ara Blue Crystal?

Wife votes for Ara Blue (and most any other woman I've asked.. they think it's 'pretty') - but I also like the stealth and uniqueness of the Nardo Grey.

Thoughts?

**RSKYBET** · 03-24-2019 09:17 PM

Blue, have you seen it in person? Nardo seems to be a dime a dozen.

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**Potatohead_RS3** · 03-24-2019 10:07 PM

I didn’t realize there was more than one option.

**jd_rs3** · 03-24-2019 10:18 PM

I receive more compliments on my nardo grey color than I have received in total about all of the other cars I have owned. Plus grey is great for hiding dirt and swirls, which both drive my OCD nuts. So my unselfish vote is for nardo. But less people with nardo makes mine more rare, so, selfishly, I vote blue.

Can't go wrong with either color!

**mugenr** · 03-25-2019 12:21 AM

There are a few Ara Blue, White and Red RS3s around my neck of the woods. I know of a guy with a Nardo, but haven't seen it in the wild around here.
Same with my 2017 Navarra Blue S3. to this day, I have not seen another Navarra Blue S3 in the wild where I'm at. Ara blue I've seen a few times.

So yea. in my book around where I am. Nardo is rare because I haven't seen ANY Audi on the streets of Seattle with Nardo. Not to say they don't exist.

But I was in the same boat. Ara or Nardo... Nardo for me because it's unique around here. Also Ara Blue is too glittery in the sun for my taste.
Now, If I had the option of going Navarra Blue, I would have. There was also no option for exclusive when I placed my order.

**lalalaprise** · 03-25-2019 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by RSKYBET

Blue, have you seen it in person? Nardo seems to be a dime a dozen.

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Most are Nardo but the chances of actually seeing an rs3 out in the wild is rare. I see more Ara blue non rs3 Audis around. There are two R8s in town that are Ara and I've yet to see another Nardo rs3

**Jesse S.** · 03-25-2019 04:45 AM

You could get one and when you get tired of that color vinyl wrap it to the other color.

**Baylorguy** · 03-25-2019 04:59 AM

I like the idea that Nardo is exclusive to Audi sport models. With black optics it looks wicked.

**TZilla** · 03-25-2019 05:21 AM

As mentioned by JD, Blue is going to be more similar to a black car to maintain. Nardo is going to be much easier. Do you care if the car looks dirty or has swirl marks and/or like cleaning or detailing frequently? If not, Nardo would be the better choice.

**UNFUXWITHABLE** · 03-25-2019 05:34 AM

I was gonna go for the nardo but after paying more attention I've noticed that it isn't a unique color here in MD at least. I see it on everything from a Scion TC to a Toyota Tacoma and now even Hyundai's. I also went up to the Audi dealer and saw it on an rs7 and rs3 in person and to me it wasn't as cool looking as in the pictures. It kinda just blended in with the asphalt it was on. I ended up going with white but in your case would go with the blue. I think The nardo seems like a cool idea when somebody has it . Again just my opinion and in terms of taking care of it I'd get the whole car PPF'D

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**TheContrarian** · 03-25-2019 06:34 AM

I have Ara blue, there are no swirl marks. Audi clear seems pretty hard, so as long as you use basic common sense in washing and drying, you shouldn't have an issue.

**ItsRainingLead** · 03-25-2019 06:39 AM

I am biased, but Ara blue. The pop of color is ridiculous and with so much metal flake in the paint, swirls are nothing I worry about. I am reasonably careful washing, and reasonably careful on a black car results in swirls for me.

**typer317** · 03-25-2019 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by UNFUXWITHABLE

I was gonna go for the nardo but after paying more attention I've noticed that it isn't a unique color here in MD at least. I see it on everything from a Scion TC to a Toyota Tacoma and now even Hyundai's. I also went up to the Audi dealer and saw it on an rs7 and rs3 in person and to me it wasn't as cool looking as in the pictures. It kinda just blended in with the asphalt it was on. I ended up going with white but in your case would go with the blue. I think The nardo seems like a cool idea when somebody has it . Again just my opinion and in terms of taking care of it I'd get the whole car PPF'D

Ugh- Another white RS3 in MD? Do you know how many of us have them here already! LOL!

I would go Ara Blue between the two choices. It was the other color I debated on during my purchase process.

**UNFUXWITHABLE** · 03-25-2019 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by typer317

Ugh- Another white RS3 in MD? Do you know how many of us have them here already! LOL!

I would go Ara Blue between the two choices. It was the other color I debated on during my purchase process.

Lol my baaad man . It seems like MD has a lot more RS3's than I thought. Did you ppf yours ??? Btw I'm in the Baltimore you ?

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**Skunkwerx** · 03-25-2019 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by jd_rs3

I receive more compliments on my nardo grey color than I have received in total about all of the other cars I have owned. Plus grey is great for hiding dirt and swirls, which both drive my OCD nuts. So my unselfish vote is for nardo. But less people with nardo makes mine more rare, so, selfishly, I vote blue.

Can't go wrong with either color!

^This...and agreed there are other manufactures making similar flat / non metallic grey paint options however my personal taste is drawn to white, grey and black and I'd be fine lining up with a Scion, Kia, BMW or Tacoma to compare and admire our similar colors and then compare our launch performance too. :)

I do wash my car regularly and agree that similar to white, nardo is good at hiding dust and dirt from daily driving.

Nardo + Black Optics

**context.eax** · 03-25-2019 07:27 AM

Ara all the way.

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**RS3_993** · 03-25-2019 07:31 AM

I think mythos black metallic w/BlkOptics looks really sharp. I own a 2018 here in MD and have yet to see another mythos around.

My vote would be go for Ara blue. Also, are you planning on going with a set of aftermarket wheels at some point? Thats a pretty important factor for me in relation to the cars color.

**Velicos** · 03-25-2019 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by RS3_993

I think mythos black metallic w/BlkOptics looks really sharp. I own a 2018 here in MD and have yet to see another mythos around.

My vote would be go for Ara blue. Also, are you planning on going with a set of aftermarket wheels at some point? Thats a pretty important factor for me in relation to the cars color.

I don't plan on doing a wheel swap - rather spend my money on beefing up the performance a bit (and/or my 3 kiddos..). I don't think you CAN do black on black - it won't let you select that option.

Seems pretty split overall so far.. no doubt the Blue is prettier, but in terms of upkeep I have to pay someone to mow my lawn, much less washing the car. Good points being made about the Grey hiding dirt better, as I just don't have the time to wash the thing pretty much ever. I do have a solid detailer lined up, but struggle to justify paying him all the time for something I COULD feasibly do on my own, so perhaps that's something I need to consider a bit more.

Ordering this thing tomorrow (I hope, unless dealer screws me) - we'll see what I decide. I definitely am hoping they'll have some form of both on lot so I can have a look in person.

**typer317** · 03-25-2019 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by UNFUXWITHABLE

Lol my baaad man . It seems like MD has a lot more RS3's than I thought. Did you ppf yours ??? Btw I'm in the Baltimore you ?

I have PPF and ceramic coating. I'm out to the west in Montgomery County.

**typer317** · 03-25-2019 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Velicos

I don't plan on doing a wheel swap - rather spend my money on beefing up the performance a bit (and/or my 3 kiddos..). I don't think you CAN do black on black - it won't let you select that option.

Seems pretty split overall so far.. no doubt the Blue is prettier, but in terms of upkeep I have to pay someone to mow my lawn, much less washing the car. Good points being made about the Grey hiding dirt better, as I just don't have the time to wash the thing pretty much ever. I do have a solid detailer lined up, but struggle to justify paying him all the time for something I COULD feasibly do on my own, so perhaps that's something I need to consider a bit more.

Ordering this thing tomorrow (I hope, unless dealer screws me) - we'll see what I decide. I definitely am hoping they'll have some form of both on lot so I can have a look in person.

Ara will take more work to keep it looking nice... Nardo is great at hiding road grime. I haven't changed my preference but if giving bath's aren't your thing...

**Dopeb** · 03-25-2019 09:37 AM

You CAN do black on black, my dealer has one on order. They said the order guide trumps the website, and the guide let them do it. I almost took it but I swore I’d never own another black car.

**SlackerMN** · 03-25-2019 09:48 AM

Nardo got my vote! :)

**NelsDMAX** · 03-25-2019 10:14 AM

Nardo, but I’m partial...here is a pic with the sun out (unfiltered)IMG_7930.jpg

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**OE2** · 03-25-2019 10:29 AM

I have Ara, if I knew then what I know now i would have gone with graphite grey. I looked at the volume of each color and grey is in the lower tier builds. I also really like white with BO

**sd761** · 03-25-2019 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by NelsDMAX

Nardo, but I’m partial...here is a pic with the sun out (unfiltered)IMG_7930.jpg

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Nice wheels ( and car). What are the wheels

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**NelsDMAX** · 03-25-2019 11:18 AM

Signature Wheels, SV303S, 2 piece.
Flat black spokes, gloss black barrels, stainless hardware.
9.5" front +41, 9.0" rear +40
Michelin PS4S, 255/30R19 Front, 235/35R19 Rear
MSS track springs set all the way down in front, +5mm in rear

**S3DUDE** · 03-25-2019 01:01 PM

The color is strictly up to your taste and to whatever is going to make you comfortable. I am personally sick of seeing nardos on every wheel review or picture or photoshop, I am not saying that is not a "cool color but so many people order it already that is absolutely nothing special, as a matter of fact, lots of cars makers have the same color theme.

The nardo is the only color free of charge ($0) and ironically the ara blue is also the most expensive($1075) while the other 4 standard colors cost you $595 unless you go to special custom colors which I think they are all very nice.

Audi offers a nice dark gray(nano gray) on the lesser A3s buy not on the RS3(inexplicable), neither they offer the sepang blue which was a good selling car as well. My best advice is keep clicking on images on google and see and compare what you like the best.

**Potatohead_RS3** · 03-25-2019 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by S3DUDE

The color is strictly up to your taste and to whatever is going to make you comfortable. I am personally sick of seeing nardos on every wheel review or picture or photoshop, I am not saying that is not a "cool color but so many people order it already that is absolutely nothing special, as a matter of fact, lots of cars makers have the same color theme.

Says the guy with.... White

**RSKYBET** · 03-25-2019 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Velicos

I don't plan on doing a wheel swap - rather spend my money on beefing up the performance a bit

Drop 40-60 lbs of un-sprung & rotating weight and let me know if you still don't consider it something that "beefs up performance a bit".

**thebc** · 03-25-2019 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by RSKYBET

Drop 40-60 lbs of un-sprung & rotating weight and let me know if you still don't consider it something that "beefs up performance a bit".

Nothing like 28lb factory wheels:)

Also, for the record there another gray, it’s called Daytona and used to be an RS exclusive color as well.

It’s also the fastest, it’s at least 5-10whp more than the other colors offered.

I originally ordered Nardo and was also torn between Nardo and Ara but ended up switching to Daytona. I was not a fan of Nardo in bright light, looked too washed out. Seeing a Nardo Rs7 and Daytona R8 next to each other under the dealership showroom lights really sealed the deal for me, I love deep paints with lots of flake/pearl.

In the end color is a really subjective thing when it comes to taste and aesthetics, but at least we know Daytona is fastest.

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**Nardo_RS3** · 03-26-2019 07:28 AM

I love Nardo but man I wish that RS5 color Sonoma Green was available for the RS3...

**myrder** · 03-26-2019 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by S3DUDE

The color is strictly up to your taste and to whatever is going to make you comfortable. I am personally sick of seeing nardos on every wheel review or picture or photoshop, I am not saying that is not a "cool color but so many people order it already that is absolutely nothing special, as a matter of fact, lots of cars makers have the same color theme.

The nardo is the only color free of charge ($0) and ironically the ara blue is also the most expensive($1075) while the other 4 standard colors cost you $595 unless you go to special custom colors which I think they are all very nice.

Audi offers a nice dark gray(nano gray) on the lesser A3s buy not on the RS3(inexplicable), neither they offer the sepang blue which was a good selling car as well. My best advice is keep clicking on images on google and see and compare what you like the best.

Hey now. Your white is a stock color option on an A3... while there are more Nardo RS3s than the other colors, Nardo as a whole is still a lot more rare.

**naudirs3** · 03-26-2019 08:43 AM

I went with Ara Blue with black optics... so I would choose that. But I am bias :)

**Bezlar** · 03-26-2019 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by thebc

Nothing like 28lb factory wheels:)

Also, for the record there another gray, it’s called Daytona and used to be an RS exclusive color as well.

It’s also the fastest, it’s at least 5-10whp more than the other colors offered.

I originally ordered Nardo and was also torn between Nardo and Ara but ended up switching to Daytona. I was not a fan of Nardo in bright light, looked too washed out. Seeing a Nardo Rs7 and Daytona R8 next to each other under the dealership showroom lights really sealed the deal for me, I love deep paints with lots of flake/pearl.

In the end color is a really subjective thing when it comes to taste and aesthetics, but at least we know Daytona is fastest.

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I humbly agree. Plus it’s a proven fact that Daytona drivers are better looking, Last longer in bed and smile more often. Lol

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**thebc** · 03-26-2019 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Bezlar

I humbly agree. Plus it’s a proven fact that Daytona drivers are better looking, Last longer in bed and smile more often. Lol

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Wasn’t going to mention that part, don’t want to hurt feelings.

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**RS-AudiSport** · 03-26-2019 10:40 AM

My Biased opinion....here

46888745_10157177548462994_5650252691633340416_n.jpg 20190311_180503.jpg 20190311_180509.jpg

**WAF** · 03-26-2019 10:41 AM

Am i the only one that like Panther black? In the sun it looks amazing, personally I didn't want to blend in with all the others.

**RSKYBET** · 03-26-2019 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by WAF

Am i the only one that like Panther black? In the sun it looks amazing, personally I didn't want to blend in with all the others.

If it didn't cost $3,900 here in the US, it absolutely would have been my first choice. It reminds me a bit of Black Opal that Nissan used on the R35 GTR Spec-V.