Potentially looking to buy RS3, any tips?

[Nicky Scarole]

Potentially looking at buying a RS3 was wondering if there was anything I should look out for? Like mileage recommendations or maybe any model years to avoid or anything else to lookout for when buying a used one. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[S4vageB8.5]

Potentially looking at buying a RS3 was wondering if there was anything I should look out for? Like mileage recommendations or maybe any model years to avoid or anything else to lookout for when buying a used one. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I don’t have a ton for you being a new RS3 owner myself. I bought my 2019 with 48k miles on it. Big maintenance thing to look for would be the water pump to see if it’s leaking. It’s a lengthy process to replace it or pretty expensive if you’re taking it somewhere to have it done from what I’ve read online. Overall, and this goes for any car really, a maintenance record is worth its weight in gold. Find a used one with as much regular maintenance as possible if the miles are up there. I believe the schedule maintenance for the fluids to be changed is at 40k miles. Just things to consider as the RS tax adds up if you aren’t doing maintenance yourself!

One last thing, definitely take a look at the interior differences between the 8V and the 8Y. I wish I did a little more reading before I just shipped one here and bought it lol. The newer interior I like a little more personally. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a PM, I’m still learning the platform but always down to lend a helping hand if I can! Best of luck in your search, you’re going to love the RS3!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MikTip]

Dont buy one modified. Many modified RS3's are being dumped after being abused! Yes the engine and DSG and Haldex have limitations.

Many are reverted back to stock.

Get an OBD scanner and see the launch count.

Do a compression check of the cylinders.

[Cool_Breeze]

Go for the 8Y if you can swing it. The new rear diff makes a huge difference in every scenario. In my opinion, the interior takes a step back from the previous generation, but overall it's a better car. It retains the amazing DAZA motor, which is generally very solid. Things to check for are the aforementioned water pump leaks, PCV system, oil blow-by at the turbo, and oil pan gasket wear. On the suspension, clunks at the top indicate a worn shock mount, which tends to fail early. Check all suspension bushings for cracks and wear, and the struts for leaks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cooper993]

Not trying to jack your thread but I'm also considering an 8Y RS3. Beyond the two keys, do additional keys (e.g. valet key) come with it?

My S4 came with a valet key and an emergency key. Wanted to make sure everything is either included or can use that as a negotiating point.

I also have the older VCDS Hex+CAN. Will that read the 8Y or is the newer interface required?

[TurrizT]

I'd say just try to get one with some warrany left on it and no obvious signs of abuse.
The newer RS3's seem to be hard to tune so might have less to worry about with mods as the only mods people are doing on the 8y seem to be exhaust and maybe intake which I have never heard of causing too much wear and tear.

[kev0]

Get an 8Y. It's better than the 8V in every way except maybe in looks (subjective anyway).

[spiG]

Not trying to jack your thread but I'm also considering an 8Y RS3. Beyond the two keys, do additional keys (e.g. valet key) come with it?

My S4 came with a valet key and an emergency key. Wanted to make sure everything is either included or can use that as a negotiating point.

I also have the older VCDS Hex+CAN. Will that read the 8Y or is the newer interface required?

It doesn't have a valet key but you can put it in valet mode via the Audi app. I use my VCDS with it, I know it has limitations now due to SFD. Honestly haven't looked into that in a long time, not sure if that is still a limitation or not as I only used it to reset my suspension after installing lowering springs.

[Cooper993]

Thank you.

As an FYI I called Ross-Tech and they told me my older VCDS Hex+CAN will not read the 8Y, so I'd have to upgrade to their latest version