Perspective S3 owner seeking advice

[The Sandman]

I'm thinking of ordering an S3 and had some questions. My current car is a 2012 Mini Clubman JCW. Its a supremely fun car to drive but it has the most harsh suspension of any road car I've ever driven (I drive lots of cars too). Its also really bad in the snow. Those are the big two reasons I'm looking at a new car.

1) My folks have driven audi's for years and I don't like the MMI navigation one bit. The dealer says it will hurt my resale value to order a car without nav. Is this true? I was just planning on using a Garmin, which I feel is the best nav system out there and is only $250, not $2600 for the MMI which I think is outrageous. Does anyone order the car without nav? Is there a way I can put Apple Carplay into the car.

2) I know its personal preference, but do I get Sepang blue or Misano Red? Which color would you get? Typically, I like "look at me" colors.

3) I use an old iPod classic for my very-large music collection. Will I be able to connect it to the car? Besides the ipod/ iphone cable, can I play music in the car via bluetooth? has anyone modded their car for an AUX jack?

4) how does the car do on unplowed, snowy roads?

5) With at APR Stage 1 tune (which I'm thinking of getting), how does the car drive differently?

My current build looks like-
S3 Premium plus
Either the blue or red exterior
Black & red Seats
B&O stereo
19" performance pack

help would be appreciated.

[ryan_sn]

1) I don't have Nav in my S3 but I personally don't need it. It might hurt resale but you're the one paying for the car. As far as Apple Carplay I have no idea.

2) I'd go wit Sepang Blue personally but you can't go wrong with any color. I just like how the blue accents the red taillights.

3) The car comes with Bluetooth audio but the sound quality suffers versus satellite radio.

4) Haven't had much chance to drive on snow but for the brief amount of time I have, it's fine. It's not going to be anywhere near as fun as an S4 or A4 because of the different AWD system but it can have its fun too. Good snow tires and you shouldn't have an issues at all.

5) Don't have an ECU tune but i've heard it's night and day. The car is already fast as is but with a simple Stage 1 you can run veryyyy quick 1/4th miles and I think the 0-60 drops to low 4s

EDIT: Forgot to mention to go with the performance pack for sure. I love the customization options.

[Euro Vs Earth]

I can only really speak out of personal preference.
I don't have an S3, but i'd be surprised if there's no aux jack; I dont think the bluetooth tech is factory for music, just phone calls.
Red color.
If you want to worry less about snow traction, get tires that are suited for the job. (RWD with snowtires > AWD)
Lastly, I love looking for used cars. 99% of the time, the vechicles with and w/o nav are indestinguishable by price tag especially 5+yrs later. To me it sounds like the salesman is trying to sell you BS. But hey if youre in the market for some BS, shop while the deals warm.

[chanlon2]

1) My folks have driven audi's for years and I don't like the MMI navigation one bit. The dealer says it will hurt my resale value to order a car without nav. Is this true? I was just planning on using a Garmin, which I feel is the best nav system out there and is only $250, not $2600 for the MMI which I think is outrageous. Does anyone order the car without nav? Is there a way I can put Apple Carplay into the car.
It will hurt the resale value a little but not a lot. Apple car play is not available currently.

2) I know its personal preference, but do I get Sepang blue or Misano Red? Which color would you get? Typically, I like "look at me" colors.
Insurance is higher on red cars... I also think the blue looks better.

3) I use an old iPod classic for my very-large music collection. Will I be able to connect it to the car? Besides the ipod/ iphone cable, can I play music in the car via Bluetooth? has anyone modded their car for an AUX jack?
No, it does not have an AUX input. It does have a memory card slot so you could just copy your music to the memory card and plug that into your car. Yes the car does have Bluetooth and it does phone calls, music, and text messages.. I do have the MMI and I'm not sure if the memory slot is only for cars with MMI. The provided USB port in the armrest is for charging only.

4) how does the car do on unplowed, snowy roads?
I have the magnetic ride control and it gives you the ability to make the car firm or comfort.. I only use the firm setting but I like a stiff ride... I would test drive one and see what you think.. The car does have AWD and with snow tires can drive pretty well in light unplowed roads.

5) With at APR Stage 1 tune (which I'm thinking of getting), how does the car drive differently?
APR Stage 1 tune will void your warranty. Audi can see if the car was tuned and re-flashed back to stock.. If you have a major failure they will check this if not they don't care.. I have tune all my other turbo cars and it's always very noticeable. I don't have my S3 car tuned but I have done a lot of research on the S3.. The 0-60 and 1/4 miles times are greatly reduced.. It put the car in Corvette accelerations numbers 3.9 to 4.1.. I will tune mine when my warranty is expired.