[Kev.k]

I always assumed RS3’s were really reliable. But I’ve seen quite a few posts on here about people having numerous issues.

I’m considering buying a 2012 car with 58k miles. Is there anything in particular to look out for?

Thanks

[T-800]

There’s one for sale in the classified section.

[Paul]

You will always find issues when you look for them. Especially on a forum that is dedicated to a model.

Mines is a 2012, maintained regardless to cost and in most cases well before its due. Many enthusiasts will have done the same.

Servicing to look for...

Brake Fluid: In certain countries: After 3 years, then very 2 years. all other countries: Every 2 years.
S Tronic Fluid: 60,00km ( 38,000 miles) *b ( *b oil change only)
Haldex Oil: 60,000km ( 38,000 miles) / 4 years
Air Filter: 60,000km (38,000 miles)
Pollen Filter: 30,000km (19,000 miles) / 2 years
Spark Plugs: 30,000km (19,000 miles) / 6 years


Some have had issue with squealing brakes - myself not so, in fact im one if the few on original fit discs and calipers, although I have swapped to red stuffs for less dust and to prevent the Audi pad rivets trashing the discs before the pad warning activated, that and drilled mtec rears to get rid of rusty hubs, although the mtec’s now have weathered in and look much the same as Audi items would.

Some suffer with wheel wobble and fussy wheel balancing.
I had some wobble on first ownership, but easily cured. John and I cleaned the hub and wheel mating faces and refitted all 4 wheels/ retorqued all bolts and never had an issue since.

The only real faults I had in warranty was front top mounts replaced and a faulty exterior temp sensor.

I can honestly say I have so far had trouble free motoring since July 2014, But I’ve also travelled 38,000 less miles than the car you are considering.

Mines just ticked over to 20k.

I’ve found in the past friendly Audi parts staff often can help with printouts of history and any warranty work carried out or due. They tend to have more time than sales or service staff, and often happy to help, although personally, for servicing and maintenance I avoid Audi like the plague, and use a trusted specialist, who have won Audi Driver Gold Award 12 years running.

[Teamgreen2]

There is a very nice 8p for sale in the classified section

[dbm]

I did 92k miles in mine before I sold it. It was maintained by a main dealer and never modified. If the car is well looked after I am sure it would click over 100k without losing a beat.

[MarkMac-RS3]

They are reliable, a small percentage have some niggles mine included. I bought mine already APR stage 2. It all depends how it’s been treated, then again somethings will go wrong regardless. I took a bit of risk when I got caught in the moment and bought one with more owners than I would have liked. Some people in the past had only kept it for 6 months, no doubt kick the arse out of it and moved it on. Cost me more in the long run but don’t regret it really, I love driving it even after over a year of ownership. Granted the money I’ve put into I could have done a lot to it performance wise. Best to have a look for ones on here that are cared for by a like minded enthusiast. I don’t think I’ll ever sell mine, the amount of owners will put off most people even though I’ve spared no expense on it.

[RS3Dell]

I've had mine 5 years & barring mods I've had no trouble fingers X 😁

I know another RS3 owner who also has had not problems & only spend out on the usual day 2 day running costs & routine servicing .😊

Dell.

[T-800]

A few key things to keep any RS3 (not just 8P) going strong

 

Oil / Filter changes and lots of em......... mines always done every 5K always use the best quality oil too.....Castrol Edge / Shell Helix / etc....

 

Very easy to do to be honest and you can still let the dealer do the main ones for service history sake.

 

Haldex fluid and filter on the 8P (Filter never gets done by dealer) more regular than the official Audi line is best, if you don't believe me go look at the Golf R MK7 filters that are absolutely caked in crud after as little as 14000 miles....... RS3 8P is the earlier system but same rules apply.

 

DSG fluid /Filter again earlier than what Audi suggest keeps the DSG in tip top condition and I've been told by a specialist there's a filter inside the box that cannot be changed at all, which makes keeping the oil nice and fresh more important in my view.

 

Brake fluid check it's been changed when it should

 

Same goes for Spark Plugs / Air Filter etc

 

Brakes oh dear hear we go.......

 

OEM pads squeal........period.

 

If i where buying one now, I'd change the discs for the latest Revision from Audi and put on Ferodo DS pads or Ferodo premier pads.

I had the above pads on my 8P and they where the only pads i had no issues with......

 

If you have deeper pockets, replace the fronts with another disc set up but do some research first, don't be fooled by flashy sales talk, speak to someone like Martin @ Reyland, someone who actually knows the technical stuff, not someone out to make a quick buck.

[sawda]

My RS3 has been fault free for over 3 years and 35k on the clock. Been mapped too. My cousin now owns it and hasn't missed a beat. Car is early 2013.

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[RS3Dell]

A few key things to keep any RS3 (not just 8P) going strong

 

Oil / Filter changes and lots of em......... mines always done every 5K always use the best quality oil too.....Castrol Edge / Shell Helix / etc....

 

Very easy to do to be honest and you can still let the dealer do the main ones for service history sake.

 

Haldex fluid and filter on the 8P (Filter never gets done by dealer) more regular than the official Audi line is best, if you don't believe me go look at the Golf R MK7 filters that are absolutely caked in crud after as little as 14000 miles....... RS3 8P is the earlier system but same rules apply.

 

DSG fluid /Filter again earlier than what Audi suggest keeps the DSG in tip top condition and I've been told by a specialist there's a filter inside the box that cannot be changed at all, which makes keeping the oil nice and fresh more important in my view.

 

Brake fluid check it's been changed when it should

 

Same goes for Spark Plugs / Air Filter etc

 

Brakes oh dear hear we go.......

 

OEM pads squeal........period.

 

If i where buying one now, I'd change the discs for the latest Revision from Audi and put on Ferodo DS pads or Ferodo premier pads.

I had the above pads on my 8P and they where the only pads i had no issues with......

 

If you have deeper pockets, replace the fronts with another disc set up but do some research first, don't be fooled by flashy sales talk, speak to someone like Martin @ Reyland, someone who actually knows the technical stuff, not someone out to make a quick buck.

 

 

Take Note All  ! 

 

Dell.

Edited by RS3Dell, 05 April 2018 - 02:45 PM.

[tommy354]

I haven’t a clue how to do all the gearbox fluids I’m ok with normal oil and filter spark plugs and brakes but I’m stuck on gearbox and Haldex stuff


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[RS3Dell]

I haven’t a clue how to do all the gearbox fluids I’m ok with normal oil and filter spark plugs and brakes but I’m stuck on gearbox and Haldex stuff
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Tommy.

If you can do all the above & you have VCDs you can change the DSG oil & filter mate.👍

Dell.

[GHD129]

I moved 5 months ago from owning an M3, the latest being the E92 - a 2009 Monte Carlo. While the RS3 does not have the technology of the BMW, I've found it a joy to drive and is very much a wolf in sheep's etc. I got disheartened with the M3 as there are so many sensors I was getting to the stage I wouldn't drive it for fear of a fault code popping up on the i screen!!!

 

If you look at the M3 Cutters website there are always posts on there with member's problems. Now I'm not sure if there are as many RS's about but certainly, the number of posts are few by comparison.

 

In my 5 months ownership, I've not had a blip of a problem. It's a late 2012 with 40K on the clock and full history. One thing I have noticed is the way it pulls and the impressive torque. Cracking little car!! 

[Roy]

8p reliable ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Vroom]

I think the base car is very reliable just the usual VAG gremlins that youll find on most cars to be fair. Most of the more fatal issues seem to stem from heat and mapping issues on modified cars. Less of an issue in the UK.

[Kev.k]

Thanks for all the replies.

There is one car that I like the look of. It’s been for sale for a while but he won’t budge on price. From what I can see they are not selling very well at the moment. I don’t wanna buy just before they drop.

I’m going to look at a well spec’d cat d 8v this weekend. I know most wouldn’t consider a cat d. But I’m thinking if the repair is well documented it’s not a huge issue to me.