Is buying the S3 a good option for future tuning?

[unix4linux]

Hello Members! Happy Holidays if you're in the US!

I've set myself to purchase a 2023 S3 Prestige. In the future and if/when available, I'd like to purchase the Stage 1+ from Unitronic. On the 2022 model, you get roughly an additional 140 HP gain pushing you into the 400+ HP territory with Unitronic.

That makes me wonder if I should consider the RS3 model, which is $10k more with the same options I'd get on the S3 and it's already a 401HP vehicle from factory. If I later decided to get Unitronic for the RS3, I'd probably be in the 500HP territory due to the larger and additional cylinder engine. Again, this would be an assumption as there are no options for RS3 from Unitronic. I'd like to purchase with the assumption that Unitronic may never release an option for the 2023 S3 or RS3.

I most likely won't ever track the car but having previously owned a C63 507 Edition with Renntech and about 600HP a few years back, I wonder if spending the extra $10k for the RS3 is the best bang for my buck if I'm just interested in staying in the ~400HP territory.

So I'm debating the following:

* 2023 S3 with the option of upgrading the tune from Unitronic Stage 1+ to break into the 400 HP numbers IF they even release an option for the 2023 S3

OR

* 2023 RS3 and keep it factory 401 HP

I know the first option is less expensive even if I get a Unitronic upgrade but the second option is a peace of mind factory issued 401 HP but for a bit more $$$. I also know that in the future, I'd have a lot more room for tuning on the RS3 vs the S3. That is what makes me think the RS3 is just the better all around option if.

Looking for some experiences from you members when considering future mods and upgrades on an S3 vs RS3. When modding the S3, did you regret not getting into the RS3 as your starting point? If so, why?

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[MikTip]

Lol! No one keeps the RS3 factory 401hp!

[JRYtheS4]

The new RS3 will have a lot better resale than an S3.

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Audizine Forum mobile app

[unix4linux]

Lol! No one keeps the RS3 factory 401hp!

The majority, but if a vehicle has some good options I'm happy with, I typically do.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[unix4linux]

The new RS3 will have a lot better resale than an S3.

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Audizine Forum mobile app

I agree but this isn't something I'm worried about. I also just found that my dealer or surrounding dealers don't have any RS3 and the wait is roughly 7+ months out. Considering the scarcity, they also have some big markups. Apparently if a dealer has one and you try to get it to your dealership as a trade, they'll want a significant amount more than the current markup.

I'll find out more tomorrow but if this is the case, the RS3 just becomes a lot more expensive. Considering I'm just looking for something around the 400 HP range with upgrades, the S3 may be the better option for me in terms of cost and performance desires. I can get an S3 for MSRP.

The RS3 would have been nice to leave alone/stock (for me).



Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[texasboy21]

RS3 > S3 no matter what way you look at it. If you can swing the price difference it a no-brainer.

[unix4linux]

RS3 > S3 no matter what way you look at it. If you can swing the price difference it a no-brainer.

I disagree and agree. If you're going to spend $20k over MSRP because they are hard to get a hold of, that's just plain stupid no matter how you look at it. Apparently, this is what most dealerships are doing with the harder to find vehicles. It's not a matter of not being able to afford it, but more about what makes more sense financially.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get the RS3 but spending that much more over MSRP just isn't smart. If you factor in someone needing to finance at the ridiculous rates as well, it doesn't matter how much better the resale value of the RS3 is compared to the S3 if you spend so much. You'll never get any of it back.

Things were looking promising when I started this post earlier but these rates for the RS3 are just wild now that I've been getting confirmation from a few places.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[b1aZe]

If you can stomach the MSRP and/or markup price difference, you’ll be very happy you splurged for the RS3.

[texasboy21]

I disagree and agree. If you're going to spend $20k over MSRP because they are hard to get a hold of, that's just plain stupid no matter how you look at it. Apparently, this is what most dealerships are doing with the harder to find vehicles. It's not a matter of not being able to afford it, but more about what makes more sense financially.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get the RS3 but spending that much more over MSRP just isn't smart. If you factor in someone needing to finance at the ridiculous rates as well, it doesn't matter how much better the resale value of the RS3 is compared to the S3 if you spend so much. You'll never get any of it back.

Things were looking promising when I started this post earlier but these rates for the RS3 are just wild now that I've been getting confirmation from a few places.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Agreed on paying over MSRP. I cannot imagine a world in which I could justify it. FWIW there are plenty of dealers that have a strict no-overage policy. Find the closest one (might be out of state) and enjoy the deal.

[XMetal]

I agree but this isn't something I'm worried about. I also just found that my dealer or surrounding dealers don't have any RS3 and the wait is roughly 7+ months out. Considering the scarcity, they also have some big markups. Apparently if a dealer has one and you try to get it to your dealership as a trade, they'll want a significant amount more than the current markup.

I'll find out more tomorrow but if this is the case, the RS3 just becomes a lot more expensive. Considering I'm just looking for something around the 400 HP range with upgrades, the S3 may be the better option for me in terms of cost and performance desires. I can get an S3 for MSRP.

The RS3 would have been nice to leave alone/stock (for me).



Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

I was in your exact situation a bit over 5 years ago. I was all dead set on getting a 2018 RS3, only to find out that there were very few available and the wait time was 6 months+. On top of that, there were unknown emission delays to delivery and dealers wanted mark up as well (not as significant as today, but still didn't sit well with me as I had never paid MSRP for any car, let alone above MSRP!). What was supposed to be an approx. $10K difference between the S3 and RS3 became $20K+. After finding an S3 with the exact options that I wanted without having to wait for a factory order (the cherry on top was that I got about $5k under MSRP), I snagged it and never looked back. I just did an EQT stage 1 a few months ago and couldn't be happier. The only down side is that it is missing a cylinder that I craved (something about that 5 cylinder sound that's missing on the EA888). It's not all about outright power for me - I care more about the overall driving experience than just sheer numbers. With that said, I may end up grabbing an 8Y RS3 (probably the last production year) if prices ever comes back down to earth, which will make a great companion to my current 8V S3.

[unix4linux]

If you can stomach the MSRP and/or markup price difference, you’ll be very happy you splurged for the RS3.

Indeed! The MSRP doesn't bother me too much but the markup above it in today's market is a bit harsh. I'm still keeping hope. I'm going to visit an additional dealer I haven't been too yet to see. I'm hoping I can get to one that has better pull for meeting my expectations.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[unix4linux]

Agreed on paying over MSRP. I cannot imagine a world in which I could justify it. FWIW there are plenty of dealers that have a strict no-overage policy. Find the closest one (might be out of state) and enjoy the deal.

"no-coverage" as in gap insurance? I'm in FL and that isn't required, if that's what you mean. I typically get it, though.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[unix4linux]

I was in your exact situation a bit over 5 years ago. I was all dead set on getting a 2018 RS3, only to find out that there were very few available and the wait time was 6 months+. On top of that, there were unknown emission delays to delivery and dealers wanted mark up as well (not as significant as today, but still didn't sit well with me as I had never paid MSRP for any car, let alone above MSRP!). What was supposed to be an approx. $10K difference between the S3 and RS3 became $20K+. After finding an S3 with the exact options that I wanted without having to wait for a factory order (the cherry on top was that I got about $5k under MSRP), I snagged it and never looked back. I just did an EQT stage 1 a few months ago and couldn't be happier. The only down side is that it is missing a cylinder that I craved (something about that 5 cylinder sound that's missing on the EA888). It's not all about outright power for me - I care more about the overall driving experience than just sheer numbers. With that said, I may end up grabbing an 8Y RS3 (probably the last production year) if prices ever comes back down to earth, which will make a great companion to my current 8V S3.

Yes, THIS! For me, I know I'll be happier with an RS3 according to specs, overall performance, feedback from members, reviews, etc. It fits my driving style and I'm ok with the price difference (not markup). When I created my initial post, I was trying to understand a little better if paying the price difference is worth it if my goal is to sit around the ~400HP mark considering both cars can achieve this (factory vs tuned). Considering both cars look the same, I felt that for my goals, the S3 was/is the smarter deal but if I'm going to spend on upgrading the S3 to get to the RS3 numbers, the RS3 is a no-brainer due to getting a bigger displacement and an extra cylinder. It obtains the ~400 HP more efficiently too. I know, I know...the 5 cylinder does indeed sound better but that's just a preference rather than an actual enhancement. The S3 won't ever sound that good and I'll secretly envy that too

But then my parade go rained on when I started to receive confirmation that it's a long wait for the RS3 and that doesn't guarantee I could get one plus the big markup over MSRP. So financially, the S3 seems smarter. I know I may regret not getting an RS3 but I know I'll feel good about not spending more than I should for something I want rather than for something I need. It's tough. I'm trying one more dealership today and see if I can make better progress but if the ridiculous markup over MSRP still haunts me, I'll make the best of an S3.

I considered the S4 and test drove it. It's a very pleasing luxury/comfort vehicle but very different driving characteristics. I don't think I'd have as much fun in it, though. However, it would indeed be more comfortable for my family (wife and two children). Plus, I'm getting older

Anyway, let's see if I can nail the RS3 and if not, I'll make the best of an S3 and call it a financial win.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[texasboy21]

"no-coverage" as in gap insurance? I'm in FL and that isn't required, if that's what you mean. I typically get it, though.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

No I said no - overage, meaning seeing over MSRP. There are lots of dealers selling those special cars at MSRP, you are not forced to pay over asking.

[XMetal]

Yes, THIS! For me, I know I'll be happier with an RS3 according to specs, overall performance, feedback from members, reviews, etc. It fits my driving style and I'm ok with the price difference (not markup). When I created my initial post, I was trying to understand a little better if paying the price difference is worth it if my goal is to sit around the ~400HP mark considering both cars can achieve this (factory vs tuned). Considering both cars look the same, I felt that for my goals, the S3 was/is the smarter deal but if I'm going to spend on upgrading the S3 to get to the RS3 numbers, the RS3 is a no-brainer due to getting a bigger displacement and an extra cylinder. It obtains the ~400 HP more efficiently too. I know, I know...the 5 cylinder does indeed sound better but that's just a preference rather than an actual enhancement. The S3 won't ever sound that good and I'll secretly envy that too

But then my parade go rained on when I started to receive confirmation that it's a long wait for the RS3 and that doesn't guarantee I could get one plus the big markup over MSRP. So financially, the S3 seems smarter. I know I may regret not getting an RS3 but I know I'll feel good about not spending more than I should for something I want rather than for something I need. It's tough. I'm trying one more dealership today and see if I can make better progress but if the ridiculous markup over MSRP still haunts me, I'll make the best of an S3.

I considered the S4 and test drove it. It's a very pleasing luxury/comfort vehicle but very different driving characteristics. I don't think I'd have as much fun in it, though. However, it would indeed be more comfortable for my family (wife and two children). Plus, I'm getting older

Anyway, let's see if I can nail the RS3 and if not, I'll make the best of an S3 and call it a financial win.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

If you can get an RS3 at MSRP, I would go that route. Have you tried dealers outside of your area? A few members here reported that they were able to secure cars at MSRP if you're flexible with your option choices. You can always make a roadtrip out of it driving it home - what better way to get acquainted with your new toy! Or paying a couple of grands on delivery is way better than those outrageous markups.

[unix4linux]

If you can get an RS3 at MSRP, I would go that route. Have you tried dealers outside of your area? A few members here reported that they were able to secure cars at MSRP if you're flexible with your option choices. You can always make a roadtrip out of it driving it home - what better way to get acquainted with your new toy! Or paying a couple of grands on delivery is way better than those outrageous markups.

I just got back from a few dealers. The two best options I got was to order one and get it at MSRP but it's 10+ months out. This is what 4 different dealers told me. Finally, there is one I can have traded to my dealer but they want $13k over.

No dealer within a 500 mile radius has one. I didn't go past that. I thought about flying out if I found one within a 500+ mile radius but I don't know that I want to drive too far or book travel expenses, etc. It'll probably be less expensive than the markup but still an unnecessary expense, in my opinion.

My local dealer found another but it's $10k over MSRP. Considering I don't want to pay that much over MSRP, the only somewhat reasonable deal is to order one and wait 10+ months but so many things can happen in that time frame that I don't want to commit to something I won't have for almost a year with the unknowns.

With that said, I took the S4 and the S3 again for a spin. Still love the S3 more all around and I'm getting into that. I'm content because I was able to get it for $1,700 below MSRP with Premium Plus and all of the other options such as Tech package. I'll miss the RS3 sound/touch/power but that just wasn't enough to warrant the markup. Whenever I'm ready for another car in a few years, I'll see what else there is.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the S3, wait for tuning options if/when available and every time I think about the RS3 or see one, I'll just be thankful I didn't commit to outrages prices

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[unix4linux]

No I said no - overage, meaning seeing over MSRP. There are lots of dealers selling those special cars at MSRP, you are not forced to pay over asking.

Ah, ok...read that wrong. Sorry about that. I didn't ask but the two that could get them were not willing to do anything less anyway

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[CavEsk1337]

RS3+ Tune is the best scenario! The S3 is a great car, but it will never hold to an RS3 with the 5 Cylinder note and DQ500 transmission.

[beebon619]

RS3! The sound itself tells all!