Long time Audi owner, but it's time for me to jump into something newer. My 2nd motor in the B5 is done. If I didn't live in SoCal, I would be more inclined to rebuild the car. But due to emissions/CARB it's just that much more of a headache and the reality of the situation is the parts are NLA, which totally sucks for all B5 owners. The only thing to really do with the car is go "full race" (gut and cage) or part it out/sell the car.

When the RS3 was first released in the states, I immediately thought it would be a great replacement for my B5 and thought that I could pick up a used one down the road. I've driven an RS3 on track and it's a great car. Feels and drives like my B5 but with a bit more TQ and HP.

I understand the car market (new or used) is out of whack right now, but it's a little difficult for me to justify paying $60+K for an 18,19,20 car, even with low mileage. I know the 22's are coming out, but there's no way they'll be selling them at MSRP and I'm not going to pay $80+K for an RS3. I really think the true value (not market value) is around $45-50K on the majority of the vehicles listed for sale. It seems like a lot of RS3 owners dumped their cars during covid and sold them off to dealers, who are now trying to make some money on the cars that they bought for $50-55K and are selling them for $55-65K. It is also rare to find a CPO RS3 at Audi dealer these days.

1. How do you think the interior of your car is aging (infotainment, touch points, all the electronic bullshit). Neither of my cars have any tech and I kind of like that.
2. What options would you say are a must have for the RS3? I've always been a fan of BO and the MMI.
3. Pro's and Con's to the specific model years? 18 as burbles and retractable nav? anything else that I'm missing?
4. Stuff to look out for besides, oil pan drip and water pump.
5. Trying to time the market for this purchase, wait a couple of months or just get it over with and buy now?

I'm not really looking to modify this car (at least that's what I'm telling myself today). I have a dedicated "track car" now (997GT3) and the RS3 would be my daily/rainy day "track car" with a back seat. I like to keep my cars for a long time and I think the RS3 could last me at least 10yrs. I've contemplated getting an A4 Allroad, but it would need wheels, suspension and chip at a minimum to make it tolerable. Model 3 dual motor, kind of makes sense, but I don't think I could keep it for 10yrs, I think teslas don't age well and it's a soul-less appliance. M2 or M3 (F80) is kind of interesting, but I've been a VAG guy for so long and no AWD. 2022 VW R, kind of small, kind of boy racer and kind of down on power compared to RS3 or M cars and to get one in SoCal is $55K.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.