Buying an RS3: What to Look for and RS3 feedback?

[phillisc]

Hello All,

I'm new to Audi's and am actively looking to buy an RS3 for my daily driver to replace my Focus ST and Z06 and then focus on building a track-only vehicle separately. I've done a fair amount of research on the RS3 and it seems to be a pretty solid platform with minimal issues. I plan to find a car with the technology and dynamic packages so that I get the nice dash and sound system and also the dynamic exhaust. I would like to maintain the magnetic suspension and I have ZERO interest in the carbon ceramic brakes. I would plan to keep the factory exhaust (neglecting downpipe) since this will be my street car and I'd like it to be comfortable for longer road trips. I have a few questions and concerns that I'd like to hear everyone's input on.

1) What's everyone's opinion on the digital dash with the tech pack? I've heard nothing but good reviews, but I'm typically a fan of "real" gauges
2) Any issues with the magnetic suspension? It appeals to me for the highway ride quality but the ability to stiffen up for spirted driving. How's everyone feel about theirs?
3) Opinions on the dynamic exhaust? It looks like most cars have this option, love the idea of quiet highway driving vs hearing that glorious 5 cylinder when I want to
4) Would you recommend this car for a 5+ hour road trip? Fairly quiet at 85mph? What kind of highway mpg can I realistically expect at 80mph?
5) Any specifics I should keep an eye out for when I'm looking at used RS3's? Problems I'm not aware of?

Sorry for the long list, please do not feel like you have to answer all of them, I appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks in advance!

-Scott

[Oluwaolo]

So I had the same thoughts on the digital dash, but it’s honestly wonderful. The ability to go back and forth between different info screens is great.

I have the dynamic plus package which deletes mag ride so I can’t speak to that specifically.

The exhaust is nice especially since it’s valved and switching between drive and sport definitely makes a difference in sound. I recently added mid pipes, but I think down the line I’ll consider a full exhaust, no rush for now though.

I’m 6’3” and I’ve found the interior a little small, which is weird because I came from a MK7 GTI and it just seemed there was more space in that car. With that said I would drive the car 5+ hours as it’s very comfortable and the seats provide great support.

As far as problems I’d look for as much maintenance records as possible especially depending on mileage. These cars love their general upkeep so I’d make sure scheduled maintenance has been done.


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[phillisc]

Thanks for the feedback! The rear seat space was something I was concerned with. I'm only 5'10" so it shouldn't be nearly as cramped for me.
Glad to hear you've enjoyed yours, it sounds like I'm looking for the right things.

How is the ride quality without the magnetic suspension? If I recall correctly, that package also comes with the carbon brakes?

[Oluwaolo]

Thanks for the feedback! The rear seat space was something I was concerned with. I'm only 5'10" so it shouldn't be nearly as cramped for me.
Glad to hear you've enjoyed yours, it sounds like I'm looking for the right things.

How is the ride quality without the magnetic suspension? If I recall correctly, that package also comes with the carbon brakes?

Yes I did get the carbon ceramics, I was honestly looking for a car without them simply due to cost of maintenance, but I found an Ara blue one with literally every option I wanted for $49,000 and I couldn’t pass it up. The fixed suspension to me feels like a middle ground, sometimes it’s a tad bouncy for me but overall it’s solid. I do have plans to replace the suspension with coilovers early next year. Also, I have a friend with an rs3 that has mag ride and he has never had issues with it, and when I drove his car I found comfort mode like a cloud and sport incredibly stiff, I believe I’d have it set and in the middle so fixed suspension works well for me anyway.


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[JOBJOB]

Hi,

1) It’s nice but I don’t really care about that. The other screen kinda looks silly and I think you can’t force it down with newer models.
2) Don’t have it can’t comment
3) hated the valve behavior so i bought plugs to keep them opened all the time. The few times I drove it on the highway the drone didnt bother me
4) i bought the car 600km from my house and drove it back. Seats are good but not as good as my 2018 golf r. Sounds dampening on this car is good, a bit too good, so i gutted the trunk and drive with seats down. Mileage was 33.6 but that’s only highway and thats better than mu golf r. It gets worse with town driving though but who cares when it roars.
5) Not an expert so I don’t have an advice except for general stuff like maintenance

Last thing, you want to buy the midpipes that delete the 2 little cats :)

[AeyBeCei]

The digital dash is great, it gives you the ability to swap through menus to find the perfect setting you want. I personally like having the tachometer right in the middle with boost and tire pressure readings to the side.

My car has the mag ride and you can certainly tell the difference when you switch settings from comfort to dynamic. In dynamic you can definitely tell the car is a bit stiffer and the steering is sharper. In comparison to comfort, where the steering is less sensitive and the ride quality is a bit softer. Although I've had friends in the car tell me the car is quiet stiff in comfort mode in which I agree and that is coming from a person whos had coilovers and springs on their previous cars.

The exhaust is great and definitely adds to the driving experience but I absolutely hate the valve logic. In dynamic mode the exhaust flaps aren't open all the way unless you're in 1st gear or you're above a certain rpms on the rest. If you plan on keeping the stock exhaust I would recommend adding a midpipe and maybe adding a valve controller if you dislike it like me. I personally swapped out the stock exhaust for an AWE switch-path exhaust and added the Unitronic midpipe.

To give you an idea I am 5"6" and the interior is perfect for me where the car has enough room but also feels snug. I would definitely recommend taking this car on a long road trip. As far as MPG I was able to get 300 miles for one tank on one of my road trips I've done which was all highway.

With everything said, I would recommend you taking the car out for a test drive and see if the car fits you and how you like certain features. Since there's a pandemic going some dealers allow you to take the vehicles out on a test drive on your own without a salesmen due to social distancing, so this would allow you to drive comfortably and see whether you do like the car or not.

[phillisc]

Appreciate all of the responses guys! Sounds like I'm looking for the right car with the right options. Also good to know that there's a separate controller out there for the exhaust valves... I ended up making my own for my vette since I wasn't happy with it's factory behavior either. However, it was vacuum actuated so it was much easier.

It's crazy the highway mpg these cars get, that's an area I was a bit concerned. My father's MK5 R32 is what originally got me interested in Audi. Solid little car, tons of fun, and great AWD but the highway mpg is low 20's at best, as was his 996 911. Was beginning to think it was just the unfortunate compromise of AWD until I drove my buddy's A6 and it topped 30.

Hoping to get a test drive here in the next few weeks. Unfortunately haven't been able to find many RS3's within a reasonable distance, but will definitely plan on making a trip after the holidays.

[AudiRS#]

1) What's everyone's opinion on the digital dash with the tech pack? I've heard nothing but good reviews, but I'm typically a fan of "real" gauges

—I like the tach in the center and i like how it has dynamic shift lights on the tach in manual mode but that is where it ends for me. Quite honestly it is not as configurable as i thought it would be and the left and right side are useless to me on what you can choose. I have a 2020 so cant put the screen down but i think if i could i would use virtual cockpit more. I also thought the redline would be dynamic as the car warms up like a BMW but it goes to 5500 when cold and then snaps to 7000 when warm. But honestly it moves before i feel comfortable getting on it (no oil temp reading). Anyway i wish it incrementally increased. (Just so you know the good speakers were standard on 2020 and werent paired with the gauges). I am not an audiophile but like the upgraded stereo.

2) Any issues with the magnetic suspension? It appeals to me for the highway ride quality but the ability to stiffen up for spirted driving. How's everyone feel about theirs?

—Im very happy i got the mag ride. It is more different from comfort to dynamic than other cars ive had. The 19” wheels and stock tires def contribute a lot to the harshness.

3) Opinions on the dynamic exhaust? It looks like most cars have this option, love the idea of quiet highway driving vs hearing that glorious 5 cylinder when I want to

—i like it a lot. Add midpipes. No drone with them and a lil more sound. I too dont like how the exhaust dynamically opens and closes the valves but it technically is fixable.

4) Would you recommend this car for a 5+ hour road trip? Fairly quiet at 85mph? What kind of highway mpg can I realistically expect at 80mph?

—Definitely recommend for a road trip but i would get 18” wheels and michelin tires to optimize the suspension.

5) Any specifics I should keep an eye out for when I'm looking at used RS3's? Problems I'm not aware of?

—i got nothing here.






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[carlosvjr92]

1) What's everyone's opinion on the digital dash with the tech pack? I've heard nothing but good reviews, but I'm typically a fan of "real" gauges

I'm in the same boat as you, but this virtual guages feels very natural to me. I feel like most look too obviously like a screen.

2) Any issues with the magnetic suspension? It appeals to me for the highway ride quality but the ability to stiffen up for spirted driving. How's everyone feel about theirs?

0 issues. I work in an area with not so great roads and I have never once been bothered by poor ride quality. Important to note I am on completely stock suspension

3) Opinions on the dynamic exhaust? It looks like most cars have this option, love the idea of quiet highway driving vs hearing that glorious 5 cylinder when I want to

Its good, but I haven't heard without it though. I think it comes as part of the dynamic package?

4) Would you recommend this car for a 5+ hour road trip? Fairly quiet at 85mph? What kind of highway mpg can I realistically expect at 80mph?

MPG is good depending how you drive (I think I speak for everyone here when I say we all average less than advertised, but it has more to do with driving habits. I blame the 5 cyl sound for this). I did 12 hours to North Carolina from Miami and back and it was not bad. The only thing I would say is the seat is hit or miss for longer rides for people. Some people (like myself) struggle to get comfortable. I'm 5'7" ish and 165 lbs I've found a position that is bearable and doesn't bother me while driving, but its not perfect by any means...but that is a downfall of having a manual seat for me more than the seat itself.

5) Any specifics I should keep an eye out for when I'm looking at used RS3's? Problems I'm not aware of?

I don't see a whole lot of odd issues with them. There are some people with Haldex problems but that seems to go for the S3 as well. On the earlier production models there were some brake issues I think, but they have since been resolved. Just something to keep in mind and research as I don't know much about it. When I purchased mine a friend who's an Audi service advisor said to keep an eye out for cracks on the top of the windshield. Guess it was an issue for some people.

[AudiRS#]

Oh i forgot to add. Someone made a post about window tint affecting the digital dash brightness and this is definitely true. Its always readable but dimmer than i would like it to be sometimes. Not sure where the sensor is


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[phillisc]

It seems like a lot of you guys think/care about the same things I've been considering. Glad to hear that the digital dash isn't a deal breaker, good to know about the Tint. Not something I would have thought about, but tint is definitely a hard requirement in SC for summer... I suppose I'll keep it around 15-20% and hope that doesn't cause too many issues with the display brightness. Is it not separately dimmable, only automatic?

Midpipe seems like a common trend. I've never had a car with stock exhaust for very long, but both of my cars are louder than I would like after a few hours at highway speeds (getting old I guess haha). I'm sure the RS3 is a huge step up for sound deadening but I'll proceed with caution on the exhaust once I get to the point of mods, especially since it seems like a downpipe offers pretty solid power gains and I would assume adds quite a few dB.

[AudiRS#]

There is a dimmer switch but the display still automatically brightens and dims based on ambient light. It is actually a little annoying to me but it isnt the end of the world. I have 15% all around.

I run full bright in the day then manually turn it to full dim at night.


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[Skunkwerx]

Hello All,

I'm new to Audi's and am actively looking to buy an RS3 for my daily driver to replace my Focus ST and Z06 and then focus on building a track-only vehicle separately. I've done a fair amount of research on the RS3 and it seems to be a pretty solid platform with minimal issues. I plan to find a car with the technology and dynamic packages so that I get the nice dash and sound system and also the dynamic exhaust. I would like to maintain the magnetic suspension and I have ZERO interest in the carbon ceramic brakes. I would plan to keep the factory exhaust (neglecting downpipe) since this will be my street car and I'd like it to be comfortable for longer road trips. I have a few questions and concerns that I'd like to hear everyone's input on.

1) What's everyone's opinion on the digital dash with the tech pack? I've heard nothing but good reviews, but I'm typically a fan of "real" gauges
2) Any issues with the magnetic suspension? It appeals to me for the highway ride quality but the ability to stiffen up for spirted driving. How's everyone feel about theirs?
3) Opinions on the dynamic exhaust? It looks like most cars have this option, love the idea of quiet highway driving vs hearing that glorious 5 cylinder when I want to
4) Would you recommend this car for a 5+ hour road trip? Fairly quiet at 85mph? What kind of highway mpg can I realistically expect at 80mph?
5) Any specifics I should keep an eye out for when I'm looking at used RS3's? Problems I'm not aware of?

Sorry for the long list, please do not feel like you have to answer all of them, I appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks in advance!

-Scott

My 2 cents.
Digital Dash - Has a good many options and layout configurations to possibly suit your user/visual needs. Not terribly hard to navigate and change once you get the hang of it and find the settings you like. Easy to control via the steering wheel without too much distraction whilst driving.

Magnetic Suspension - Nice to have option to switch between comfort and dynamic. Depending on what type of ride you're used to or have experience tolerating... comfort is fine and will feel like a Honda Civic. Small car smooth but light car feel. Dynamic you will feel the road a lot more but not terrible harsh if stock. Though rough roads will be tough on your fillings.

Dynamic exhaust has been fine, sounds great and for my performance needs doesn't need an upgrade. OEM valves are helpful for keeping the the car quiet.

Road Trip - You can manage but its a small car and for passengers it may be tight and reclining (due to non power and VW knob adjustment) can be a pain for your co-pilot. You'll have fun as a driver... opening it up on long (un-patrolled) stretches.

Look out for - Just check the service history for solid maintenance history, any mods (if you want them or not), depending on model year.. (check front rotors - there was an issue on initial 2017*2018 versions... (search)), some owners complained of creaking sunroofs, exhaust valve solenoid rattle on cold startups,

[S3DUDE]

Hi Scott, former C6 Z06 owner rolling brand new from the dealer back in March 1 2008(I did tons of engine work at the 4 month mark). In no specific order, I dislike the Magnetic ride paired with the retarded low profile tires. I recommend that one of the first things to do to prevent breaking wheels and safeguard your back and quality of life is to change the profile tires. I have done a few long trip on the RS3, some of them 12+ hours but like last year I did 4000 mile trip(Arizona to CAL, back to AZ, to TX and back to AZ), I drive my car 95% of the time in comfort but I wished I had the regular fixed suspension. On that note I just couldn't justify the extra $4500-$5000 of the ceramic package and something else.

The digital dash is lovely although back in the day the HUD on the Z06 was nice. I opted for the regular exhaust, it sounds great specially with the midpipe delete, in ding so I used the money on safety(DAP package) which I use it all the time. I had a previous S3 with a black optic package and yes they look nice but is up to you, the alu optics also looks great in my opinion.

I have got about 27mpg ish driving at low 80s in the deserted roads of Interstate I-8 and deserted roads of East Texas, when I mean deserted I mean hundreds of miles without even having to pass through a small town with posted speeds of 80 mph. I love my car, it is quiet(I want it like that) and it gets decent gas mileage when running stock or 91oct tune but in summary I dislike the suspension and low profile tires. The digital dash is beautiful, not that you need it but you wouldn't regret.

[JKWMD]

Where do you live, Scott?


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[JKWMD]

Sorry, I saw in your profile, you’re in SC.


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[phillisc]

Great to hear feedback from another Z06 owner and that you've enjoyed the RS3 as a replacement! I will miss my vette, but plan to build a C5 vette kart as my track car so I'm no longer attempting to make a streetable toy. It will be hard going away from a stick shift, but it's hard to argue the performance of the DSG.

Good to know about the tires, I hadn't really paid much attention to how low of profile the factory ones are... wow you're right. Those wheels wouldn't survive long on SC roads.

- - - Updated - - -

Email sent, thanks for reaching out!

[TheContrarian]

Biggest issues with the RS3 are poor structural rigidity which makes itself known by the creaking, popping sunroof/headliner. Every time I am on any ramp making a turn I hear it. This problem will make your feel like you are driving something much less expensive.

Also, early and frequent failures of the water pump. Mine lasted 7,000 km.

Paint will quickly flake off the black painted exhaust tips, mine looked terrible after one year. Now I keep them sooty because at least it covers up the chipping paint.

It's a FWD biased AWD system and you definitely feel that. You cannot tighten the radius of a turn with throttle unless you are on ice.

[jernt]

Purchased my 2018 RS3 with a 64k MSRP for 44k with 39k miles

[phillisc]

I hear people complaining about the sunroof creaking. I can't stand holes being cut in the roofs of cars... hopefully if I never use it it'll stay quiet and I won't be tempted to seal it with silicone .

That's awesome, I'm hoping to find something in the <$45k market with <35k miles. Seems like there's several in the surrounding areas, planning to pull the trigger after the holidays.

[o1turbo30v]

Hi! my 2c.

1) What's everyone's opinion on the digital dash with the tech pack? Having had it in both my Golf R and S3, its something i can live without, the digital dash is a little gimmicky for me, there's something elegantly simple to a black faced cluster and watching those needles. The navigation using apple car play on the dash mounted screen is more than sufficient for me. Love the traditional cluster in my RS3.

2) Any issues with the magnetic suspension? No issues, currently lowered on Eibach pro kit springs and rides awesome. Rides better than traditional springs and dampers on the S3.

3) Opinions on the dynamic exhaust? Standard exhaust sounds just fine driving around town, sport exhaust adds a little more volume at WOT but not much. Everyone complains about the black painted exhaust tips, i solved it with 3 coats of Rust Olemum gloss black engine enamel for $6 and 30 minutes.

4) Would you recommend this car for a 5+ hour road trip? Fairly quiet at 85mph? What kind of highway mpg can I realistically expect at 80mph? Yes, yes, ive never gotten better then 25mpgs lol

5) Any specifics I should keep an eye out for when I'm looking at used RS3's? Problems I'm not aware of? Nothing consistent, some water pumps and oil pan gaskets leak but what VAG car doesnt, buy it and drive it, what goes bad, goes bad.

[S3DUDE]

Biggest issues with the RS3 are poor structural rigidity which makes itself known by the creaking, popping sunroof/headliner. Every time I am on any ramp making a turn I hear it. This problem will make your feel like you are driving something much less expensive.

Also, early and frequent failures of the water pump. Mine lasted 7,000 km.

Paint will quickly flake off the black painted exhaust tips, mine looked terrible after one year. Now I keep them sooty because at least it covers up the chipping paint.



It's a FWD biased AWD system and you definitely feel that. You cannot tighten the radius of a turn with throttle unless you are on ice.

I hear what you are saying but is not unique to the RS3, I had a few other new Audis with moonroof and they all make the same noises when going up on my garage ramp in an angle, I would go further to say that just about other new cars that I owned with moonroof also make the noise. I am by no means trying to contradict you, in fact, I agree with what you said 100% but all I amassing is that it is very common on other brands and platforms.

[itr325]

I personally like having the tachometer right in the middle with boost and tire pressure readings to the side.

How did you get the pressure readout? I thought that was only available with the Dynamic Plus pack.

[AeyBeCei]

I have the 2019 but correct me if I'm wrong but I think the pressure readout came standard with the Dynamic package after the 2018 model year.

[itr325]

In 2018 the Direct TPMS came with the dynamic plus pack. All i have is the ability to "store" the tire pressures, not actually see them. Unless there is something I am missing!!

[starsh0t]

I got my RS3 only a few months ago but I've already put in significant miles on it so I will give you my perspective.

1) What's everyone's opinion on the digital dash with the tech pack? I've heard nothing but good reviews, but I'm typically a fan of "real" gauges
>>Bought used and it did not have the digital dash, so I cannot give you feedback on that. But! the analog gauges work fine for me. It took so long to find a solid RS3 to buy that I just pounced on one that came up but if I had the choice having driven the S3 with the virtual cockpit, I'd opt for the virtual cockpit over this.

2) Any issues with the magnetic suspension? It appeals to me for the highway ride quality but the ability to stiffen up for spirted driving. How's everyone feel about theirs?
>>No. I was worried reading all the reviews regarding ride stiffness even in comfort etc. but its been pleasant as a daily driver. I had more issues finding the sweet spot on the seat for comfort than anything else.

3) Opinions on the dynamic exhaust? It looks like most cars have this option, love the idea of quiet highway driving vs hearing that glorious 5 cylinder when I want to
>>I think the car is quietish on comfort and it really comes alive when opened in sport. To me, there is a night and day difference driving around in comfort vs dynamic and how you apply the throttle.

4) Would you recommend this car for a 5+ hour road trip? Fairly quiet at 85mph? What kind of highway mpg can I realistically expect at 80mph?
>>Yes! I think this car is comfortable. I switched to this from a loaded A6 and to me, the comfort level is slightly lower but it doesn't feel as "glidy" when I drive. Plus its a lot of fun passing people and if there's curves its just a blast. The car in comfort is quiet and it is quiet at 85. MPG though is horrible and I think I sit around 25ish most of the time on long drives.

5) Any specifics I should keep an eye out for when I'm looking at used RS3's? Problems I'm not aware of?
>>I'd definitely opt for the tech package. The only issue I have is sometimes... the car feels like its hunting for power from stops? I don't know how to explain it. Also at certain speeds around like 35-40ish the car seems to want to shift a lot depending on traffic... Maybe just my way of driving. Either way I'm going with a tune to smooth this out in the spring.

[phillisc]

Thank you again everyone for all your feedback! I picked up my 2018 RS3 last night and couldn't be any happier!

[Jon B.]

Yet another Corvette RS 3 guy here. Building a Spec C5 for all the track fun, and we'll probably AX the RS. I'm looking to change to 18" tires when I can, but for now it's been great. No complaints with anything, and my car seems to be optioned like what you were looking for.

Enjoy!

[jernt]

Thank you again everyone for all your feedback! I picked up my 2018 RS3 last night and couldn't be any happier!

CONGRATS!

The pic is not showing up tho