What to buy? GTI or R20

[Lima]

Just for comparison, I spoke with some Audi dealers today to see what a bog stock S3 will cost. Found one in Canberra in stock and they're asking $65k on the road. It's a Sportback, Manual, Black. No other options. Pretty damn good price as Xenon's, Bluetooth are stock, but no sunroof, Nav etc. I believe a user on OzAudi just bought a 3 door S3, completely stock other than a FBSW for $64,400...

I thought he said it was 2010, but maybe he meant MY10 (I just checked, the car has just landed, so he'll get 2010 compliance, not that that means much, haha). The car also has the black grille package (around $800) and the titanium RS4 style wheels ($1700). The FBMFSW is just under $800 as well, so there's over $3K in options.

Also worth noting that Audi is running their free on roads campaign again this January, but entry pricing for a pov spec S3 is just under $65K IIRC.

[G-rig]

Would almost be worth getting an S3 as for and finish is still better as well as badge cred, although you'd have to limit the amount of options a bit ( in a 3dr manual I mean, a lot of ppl will be waiting to get dsg golf R I assume).

[elisiX]

So the $65k offered today by this Canberra dealer is not the best... as a 3 door with FBSW, black package and titanium wheels was $600 less.

I would therefore expect that $65k completely bog stock S3 to actually sell for $63k MAX. He was adamant that it wouldn't go for less than $65k though.

[Lima]

So the $65k offered today by this Canberra dealer is not the best... as a 3 door with FBSW, black package and titanium wheels was $600 less.

I would therefore expect that $65k completely bog stock S3 to actually sell for $63k MAX. He was adamant that it wouldn't go for less than $65k though.

I'd say haggling over the phone with any dealer will rarely yield the best price. The local guys are pretty good and are normally willing to do attractive deals. Who did you speak to?

[elisiX]

Ian McClung @ Audi Center Canberra

A bog stock 2009 S3 @ $63-65k is not as attractive to me as a relatively stock 2010 R with 2-3 options also at $65k (with some discount from RRP)

[Lima]

Agreed. Tell Ian that Liam expected him to do a better deal than that.

I guess it depends how serious you are about buying from them. You should be able to neg a better deal than that, but like any dealer, you'll need to indicate you are willing to sign on the dotted line there and then.

[elisiX]

lol .. You know Ian then I take it. And yes I imagine if I said I'd drive down tomorrow and pick it up I'd move $2k from thier advertised driveaway price. There's a similar spec with red nappa, roof, fbsw for $69k but he wouldn't move on that over the phone either. Would be a steal at $67k I think.

There's a 2008 LE with recaro's, nav and the blackout/ti wheels for $65k private sale on carsales which isn't a bad buy really. Best try get that for close to $60k though. To be honest though, I've gt a good $2k deposit with the VW dealer and I'm not about to throw it away / forfeit to switch to an S3. Just hoping the R is in my $65k max without being too stock.

[iBoost]

I'd wait for the R and see if it's worth it over your optioned up GTI. The S3 doesn't do it for me like the Golf GTI or R. The current S3 is also a couple of years old now isn't it? So you'd probably be envious once everyone's GTIs and Rs show up in a few months time.

I give SFA about the supposed brand snobbery of an Audi over a VW, go for the actual car you like best.

[elisiX]

I easily prefer the interior of the GTI (and R I guess) over the A3/S3.

I'm an ex Audi driver so I do have some history to the brand - all great cars.

As you suggested, I am waiting for RRP to be released but I am excited to swap to the R.

[G-rig]

The fit and finish is still better on Audi, although the MK6 are slowly catching up.