Don’t sell your RS3!

[joe_100]

I have bought and sold many, many cars over the years. It’s been about 7 months since I sold my 2019 RS3 and it’s the only one I’ve ever regretted selling.
It was replaced with a 2022 BMW M4 Competition Xdrive, which is beautiful and fast but it doesn’t compare to the dynamics and fun of the RS3. I did have my RS3 dialed in with about $15k in upgrades with a lot of that towards suspension but even with the $15k that’s still $25k less than the M4.
I’m too deep in the M4 to sell but if I could go back I would have never sold my RS3. BTW, it was greed that made me sell it. I had bought it for $53k, put 15k into it and was able to sell it for $65k two years later. Just thought I would vent a little to a group that would appreciate it.

[kuattroo]

A good friend of mines bought the M3 competition he's at stage 2 right now. It's an awesome car. But I do feel your pain though....money wise

[o1turbo30v]

I appreciate your advice, i get the greed part, was in a very similar situation, bought mine new in Dec 19 for $46k, put 30k miles on it, was offered $59-62K for it at the height of the madness, was going to trade it in on a manual M3, couldn't do it, glad i made the right decision lol.

[8STTRS]

My last car that I sold to get my TT RS is miss more than I can rationally explain. If I ever happen to see it out there for sale, I might do some rather poor decision-making to get it back. It was my 2019 C7 Z06. Granted, it was nowhere near as fast as my TT RS is but, my TT RS will never have the road presence of that car. We think about selling our TT RS and RS3 on the regular.

[noseyp]

Curious how you feel about the rs3 with its negatives (mqb, transverse, fwd bias awd) vs what's "supposed to be" much better bmw rwd bias x drive with longitudinal engine. It's probably the biggest reason for the cost difference.

Sounds like you spent some time 'fixing' the mqb suspension. Would be curious what the key upgrades were that lead to regrets over what's generally considered more of a driver's car (not that I agree!).

[TheContrarian]

Think of the suckers in Canada who sold their 8V only to find out it will be the only generation of RS3 ever sold here, making it quite rare.

[rs3_guy]

I have bought and sold many, many cars over the years. It’s been about 7 months since I sold my 2019 RS3 and it’s the only one I’ve ever regretted selling.
It was replaced with a 2022 BMW M4 Competition Xdrive, which is beautiful and fast but it doesn’t compare to the dynamics and fun of the RS3. I did have my RS3 dialed in with about $15k in upgrades with a lot of that towards suspension but even with the $15k that’s still $25k less than the M4.
I’m too deep in the M4 to sell but if I could go back I would have never sold my RS3. BTW, it was greed that made me sell it. I had bought it for $53k, put 15k into it and was able to sell it for $65k two years later. Just thought I would vent a little to a group that would appreciate it.

At the end of the day, it’s just a car. If you’re that upset, just buy the same car again. Life is too short to be consumed by this sort of thing IMO.

[joe_100]

Curious how you feel about the rs3 with its negatives (mqb, transverse, fwd bias awd) vs what's "supposed to be" much better bmw rwd bias x drive with longitudinal engine. It's probably the biggest reason for the cost difference.

Sounds like you spent some time 'fixing' the mqb suspension. Would be curious what the key upgrades were that lead to regrets over what's generally considered more of a driver's car (not that I agree!).

I noticed a big difference after I installed the engine and transmission mounts and the dogbone. I also had front and rear sway bars with endlinks and sport springs

[Hollingsworth]

My last car that I sold to get my TT RS is miss more than I can rationally explain. If I ever happen to see it out there for sale, I might do some rather poor decision-making to get it back. It was my 2019 C7 Z06. Granted, it was nowhere near as fast as my TT RS is but, my TT RS will never have the road presence of that car. We think about selling our TT RS and RS3 on the regular.

I definitely hear you. My previous was a 2018 C7 Grand Sport M7. Sold it for a '21 TT RS. I am very happy with the TT RS, but certainly miss the GS. I love how much quicker the TT RS is, along with the AWD, nicer interior, better visibility, smaller compact footprint and it's flickability factor. However, despite all my suspension work, the TT RS can't even come close to the stock handling, braking, balance, steering feel, and grip of the vette - as you know, it is in a different league.

[Alex D]

As someone mentioned, there are still a ton of them on the used market. It would be pretty easy to just buy another one in the next few years. I think in the next 10 years or so it might be alittle tougher.

[JBones81]

Agreed. I've never kept a car longer longer than 3 years, but am at 4.5 now with the rs3. I've done all the stage 1+ stuff along with lighter wheels and brakes, and suspension stuff. The car is just so amazing in every facet - power, braking, handling. Honestly my only complaint is the poor gas mileage driving 90% around town on e85, along with the tiny stock fuel tank.

[brobst]

Agreed. I've never kept a car longer longer than 3 years, but am at 4.5 now with the rs3. I've done all the stage 1+ stuff along with lighter wheels and brakes, and suspension stuff. The car is just so amazing in every facet - power, braking, handling. Honestly my only complaint is the poor gas mileage driving 90% around town on e85, along with the tiny stock fuel tank.

Is the tank 13 gal or 14 gal? I've never added more than 12 gals in a fill

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[JBones81]

Is the tank 13 gal or 14 gal? I've never added more than 12 gals in a fill

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Yea I think it's 14 but I fill up when I get down to 2 bars (when my range gets to 50 or below). So I'm filling up way more than I should be, given that I don't commute at all

[8STTRS]

I definitely hear you. My previous was a 2018 C7 Grand Sport M7. Sold it for a '21 TT RS. I am very happy with the TT RS, but certainly miss the GS. I love how much quicker the TT RS is, along with the AWD, nicer interior, better visibility, smaller compact footprint and it's flickability factor. However, despite all my suspension work, the TT RS can't even come close to the stock handling, braking, balance, steering feel, and grip of the vette - as you know, it is in a different league.

Exactly. I was just talking to a couple of friends of mine about that car last night and while the MQB chassis can certainly handle with some massaging and aftermarket coilovers, camber plates, etc., etc., my C7 Z06 with just a solid alignment and some tweaks made by me via a DSC Sport controller made it an absolute animal around the bends. In stock form it was quite nervous but, that was an easy fix. The Grand Sport, in my opinion, was the sweet spot of the C7 generation. Sure, I loved the power and absurdity of the Z06 but, I always argued that the Grand Sport was an overall better vehicle and what the Z06 should have been (with more power but still N/A). I still have an inclination to get a Grand Sport and do a 427 on that LT1 and make it a stout performer.

[Rod Paine]

Soon to be 83 years old, I've also bought and sold a great many vehicles indeed
and now at 43,462 miles on our 2019 RS 3, driving it 3 days a week as weather
permits, racking up 31,269 miles of very fast back road runs, it is a KEEPER.
Only changes I made were 245/40/18 tires on Neuspeed RSe10 18x8.5 wheels
making our fast country back road runs much more accurate and faster.

A great vehicle indeed and certainly one of the best I've had during my 66 years
of driving high performance vehicles in California and Virginia.

[Hollingsworth]

Exactly. I was just talking to a couple of friends of mine about that car last night and while the MQB chassis can certainly handle with some massaging and aftermarket coilovers, camber plates, etc., etc., my C7 Z06 with just a solid alignment and some tweaks made by me via a DSC Sport controller made it an absolute animal around the bends. In stock form it was quite nervous but, that was an easy fix. The Grand Sport, in my opinion, was the sweet spot of the C7 generation. Sure, I loved the power and absurdity of the Z06 but, I always argued that the Grand Sport was an overall better vehicle and what the Z06 should have been (with more power but still N/A). I still have an inclination to get a Grand Sport and do a 427 on that LT1 and make it a stout performer.

My feelings exactly. Chose the GS for it's balance and NA. I thought I could be satisfied with the HP, but no....I should have known! Rather than building the engine or adding a supercharger, thought I'd try a TT RS (which had previously been on my short list, along with an Evora, when I ended up buying the GS.) I solely miss how the C7 was designed and engineered for the track, with everything functional, dry sump, monster brakes, 335's in the rear, aluminum tub with carbon fiber hood, roof & hatch, and no nanny features.

[joe_100]

Soon to be 83 years old, I've also bought and sold a great many vehicles indeed
and now at 43,462 miles on our 2019 RS 3, driving it 3 days a week as weather
permits, racking up 31,269 miles of very fast back road runs, it is a KEEPER.
Only changes I made were 245/40/18 tires on Neuspeed RSe10 18x8.5 wheels
making our fast country back road runs much more accurate and faster.

A great vehicle indeed and certainly one of the best I've had during my 66 years
of driving high performance vehicles in California and Virginia.

Rod, I’ve been reading your posts every since I joined and they have been very helpful. I definitely know you love your RS3.
I wish I had a nickel for every time you mentioned “country back roads”! LOL. You’re awesome!
Get some front camber plates and run about -2.8degrees. That made a big difference on mine and no noticeable tire wear.

[Chimpzilla]

Rod, I’ve been reading your posts every since I joined and they have been very helpful.

I feel the opposite. If I could figure out how to block their comments I would.

[CavEsk1337]

I feel the opposite. If I could figure out how to block their comments I would.

He's almost 83 and on a forum, cut him some slack lol.

[Plake]

He's almost 83 and on a forum, cut him some slack lol.

Agreed! And his home page is awesome.

[RudyH]

Think of the suckers in Canada who sold their 8V only to find out it will be the only generation of RS3 ever sold here, making it quite rare.

It sounds like that is about to change though with the new face lift. It's really the only car on the market that is worth buying and if VAG can figure out their supply chain disaster, they might be able to keep up with demand...I don't believe for a second it had anything to do with emissions in Canada.

I have to admit there really isn't anything as good as the 8V RS3 on the market here in Canada. Most of the desirable cars have become executives and not fun to drive. Then there is a whole bunch of terrible SUV's that people buy. Even the M4 or RS5 I like, but would still find myself regretting not getting a RS3 instead.

If I wasn't getting engaged back in late 2017, and the RS3 was available - I would have definitely bought one. I just had no choice because my B8 S4 was burning a quart with every tank of gas, The R was a smart purchase at the time, for sure. The plan was in 2020 when my 3 yr lease was up to grab a RS3, instead I bought out the R. Again the sensible thing, as in June my mortgage is paid off and I could buy the car I want....which has become the RS3 still...lol

[sol_survivor]

Sheesh... I'm about to list my 2019 Nardo Gray on C&B this Friday. I've been seriously contemplating this sale for months now but posts like this make me think twice

[JBones81]

Sheesh... I'm about to list my 2019 Nardo Gray on C&B this Friday. I've been seriously contemplating this sale for months now but posts like this make me think twice

Dont sell unless you're in financial dire straits, or you are 100% sure of what you're getting next

[djjacks77]

Thanks, Joe_100. I picked up a 23 M3 Comp and have been making every excuse possible to not list my 2018 RS3 for sale. Looks like I'll hold for a few more weeks!

[eastbayrae]

Just In Time inventory works, until it doesn’t and then your screwed.

[Rod Paine]

Joe,
What are you running for tires and wheels. I am very pleased with our 245/40/18
on alloy 18x8.5 wheels, but always interested in what RS 3 owners are running
on fast back road runs... now at 31,269 of the total 43,462 as of yesterday.

Our runs are still 70-90 miles per run, not including getting to the roads we run,
3 days a week as weather permits. Tues, Weds and Thurs still the best days as
traffic is still pretty much nill 10am-2pm on these days, weather permitting.
-Rod

[Roadtrippn]

Think of the suckers in Canada who sold their 8V only to find out it will be the only generation of RS3 ever sold here, making it quite rare.

Hmm maybe accidently getting a "Canada VIN" RS3 will pay off

[joe_100]

Thanks, Joe_100. I picked up a 23 M3 Comp and have been making every excuse possible to not list my 2018 RS3 for sale. Looks like I'll hold for a few more weeks!

Hey, if you’re in Cali I’ll buy it!! Jk, LOL.
You are the perfect example owning the M3 and RS3. Depending on what you have done to the suspension on the RS3 and tune, it would be great to get your input on going from one to the other.
I’ve already decided when my M4 is paid off in 3 years I will be getting an RS3 and have both.

[joe_100]

Joe,
What are you running for tires and wheels. I am very pleased with our 245/40/18
on alloy 18x8.5 wheels, but always interested in what RS 3 owners are running
on fast back road runs... now at 31,269 of the total 43,462 as of yesterday.

Our runs are still 70-90 miles per run, not including getting to the roads we run,
3 days a week as weather permits. Tues, Weds and Thurs still the best days as
traffic is still pretty much nill 10am-2pm on these days, weather permitting.
-Rod

Rod, I had Neuspeed RSe10 18x9 square with Michelin Pilot Super Sports 255/35. It was a great setup, never had any issues.

[denz50]

I bought an extra set of stock wheels & went square 19X8.5 on my Mythos Black 19 RS3.Added 10mm spacers & Bridgestone Potenza S04’s 245/35R 19.Adjust tire pressure-39F & 35R- & car handles great.S04’s so much better than crappy staggered P zero’s(2 blowouts).Bought my 19 coming off lease this past summer with $35K residual & plan to keep along time.Do a couple Audi Club NW events during the year!

BTW,kudos to Rod Paine as I’m 72 & been a car guy since I was a kid. The RS3 is the best Audi of the 10 I have owned & other than my 68 1/2 428 Cobra Jet Mustang I had when I was 18 almost as great! Sorry for hassle all are having to get the 8Y model!

[Rod Paine]

Thanks denz50 and I hope your experience with your RS 3 is as good as ours has been, with the 31,269 fast country back
roads we've run thus far, out of a total of 43,462 miles on it today. A great macinne indeed, only needing the 245/40/18 tires
and Neuspeed wheels we involved within 3 days. Why Audi put such a poor tire/wheel configuration on our Audi I'll never
understand... as I've never had such a poor tire configuration on any car I've purchased over the past 66 years I have been
buying cars and driving a great many miles on country back roads for the past 66 years in Calif, Arizona and now Virginia.

Good luck with yours and happy motoring!

-Rod

[djjacks77]

Hey, if you’re in Cali I’ll buy it!! Jk, LOL.
You are the perfect example owning the M3 and RS3. Depending on what you have done to the suspension on the RS3 and tune, it would be great to get your input on going from one to the other.
I’ve already decided when my M4 is paid off in 3 years I will be getting an RS3 and have both.

The M3 is in a different class. But the size of the RS3 is perfect. I'm 1+ tuned on E85 and on a set of 3 year old springs that should be replaced with coilovers. The RS3 is so much fun to drive because you almost always feel completely in control, at its incredibly fast...the M3 you can lose very fast if you're not careful. People also notice the M3 more...it's not the sleeper the RS3 is (my favorite aspect of the RS3).

[RS3TP]

Agreed, I wish I still have his passion and enthusiasm when I'm 83 :) keep having fun Rod

[JBones81]

The M3 is in a different class. But the size of the RS3 is perfect. I'm 1+ tuned on E85 and on a set of 3 year old springs that should be replaced with coilovers. The RS3 is so much fun to drive because you almost always feel completely in control, at its incredibly fast...the M3 you can lose very fast if you're not careful. People also notice the M3 more...it's not the sleeper the RS3 is (my favorite aspect of the RS3).

See, that is probably the reason why my RS3 is my favorite out of all the cars I've ever owned. It's so fast, but you never feel like it's going to go sideways on you randomly. The zl1 is scary fast, for example, and I don't trust it. You really can't even use the power if you're going under 50mph - you'll just spin. The rs3 is so great at all speeds. This car really is a cheat code.

[joe_100]

The M3 is in a different class. But the size of the RS3 is perfect. I'm 1+ tuned on E85 and on a set of 3 year old springs that should be replaced with coilovers. The RS3 is so much fun to drive because you almost always feel completely in control, at its incredibly fast...the M3 you can lose very fast if you're not careful. People also notice the M3 more...it's not the sleeper the RS3 is (my favorite aspect of the RS3).

Yes, I agree 100%! The M4 needs a lot more input to keep it in control. I also love how the RS3 is a sleeper, my M4 gets so much attention which I also like. My RS3 was also 1+ on E85, very fast.

[HODL_B58]

See, that is probably the reason why my RS3 is my favorite out of all the cars I've ever owned. It's so fast, but you never feel like it's going to go sideways on you randomly. The zl1 is scary fast, for example, and I don't trust it. You really can't even use the power if you're going under 50mph - you'll just spin. The rs3 is so great at all speeds. This car really is a cheat code.

This thread is making me excited. I dont trust my N54 even at highway speeds its trying to put down too much power, my 340i is x-drive but still more rear biased so if you accelerate too hard around a turn it wants to oversteer, so having a FWD bias will be so fun not not worrying so much about too much powa

[8STTRS]

This thread is making me excited. I dont trust my N54 even at highway speeds its trying to put down too much power, my 340i is x-drive but still more rear biased so if you accelerate too hard around a turn it wants to oversteer, so having a FWD bias will be so fun not not worrying so much about too much powa

Haldex has its pros and cons. While most people will tell you that it's basically all cons, I disagree for the reason you outlined. However, that isn't to say that it's perfect, either. Haldex being a FWD-bias AWD system does pose some interesting issues when you're trying to launch higher powered cars. But I know that unless I'm doing something utterly asinine, the car will behave and perform as I expect it to. I can full send from idle at a dig, I can full send basically anywhere so long as the steering wheel is straight. I can launch the car on shitty pavement, and I can launch it at the track. It's almost painfully predictable. Something that some folks really don't like and end up accusing these cars of being boring because you can't power slide everywhere. At 800+whp, the car is completely civil and can put its power down with relative ease and not even bat an eye. I don't suspect having any less confidence even with 200+ more whp. You just need tires that can cope with that level of power.

[S3DUDE]

And here is #2 reason(I just posted this 2 minutes ago):
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...if-you-ordered

By the way, I let go my well maintained RS3 for only $48K it sold in less than 2 weeks for $57k but I don't mind because I HATE dealing with low ballers. I traded mine and I got a tax rebate of $4500 so efectively it is like selling my car for $52500. It was going to be hard to sell my 2018 for more than $50k when you could get a new one for $59K although my car was a low mile car at 27000 miles.

[denz50]

Rod,going square with stock 8.5” rims, even though they are heavy, helped with ride and handling. I actually have my winter wheels as Neuspeed RSe10 18X8.5 with 225/40R 18 Blizzak LM101’s that I had left over form my 2 previous S3’s.Neuspeeds are only 19 lbs are can feel the difference especially with turn in! Anyways,may get some Rse10’s in 19” now that they offer in Hyper black! Audi stock wheels are for the most part heavy. Safe motoring to you!

[Rod Paine]

denz50,
How much mileage have you racked-up making very fast country back road runs?

Our 31,269 country back road mileage has shown us that the 245/40/18 is the best
configuration, given the many poorly maintained streaches of back roads we run at
speed 3 days a week, as weather permits. I started running back roads in Tucson
AZ when I turned 17 and my Father gave me my first automobile.

And fortunately still driving fast back roads today, as weather permits here in
northern Virginia, 3 days a week. My current wheel/tire configuration on our
2019 Audi RS 3 is based on many miles and automobile configurations over
the past 66 years. Plus the guidence of the late Roger McClusky and Phil Hill
when I lived in Tucson and Santa Monica many years ago was PRICELESS,
to say the least, in terms of me learning about vehicle setup and good tire
configurations, along with proper suspension configurations.

I just wish more young drivers had access to such professional drivers
today. It certainly made a MAJOR difference in my driving skills and
SAFETY, having access to professional race drivers! I don't see this
happening much at all today, unfortunately. :-(

FWIW,
-Rod