2000 AUDI S3

This Audi S3 is a superb example of a stylish modern classic hot hatch, presented in very good condition throughout, and which remains highly original. Under the bonnet is a 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four, which has been remapped to produce 260bhp, with Quattro all-wheel drive via a six-speed manual transmission.

First registered on 27 December 2000, there are five previous keepers on the log book, and the vendor has owned the car for the last nine months.

The bodywork and paint are reported to be in very good condition, with the latter having been refreshed at the beginning of the year. The previous owner operated a car paint care business, so given the fact that he did not need to pay retail rates for the work, decided to treat this S3 to a full respray in the original colour to rectify all of the small blemishes you would expect of a 20-year-old car. Today, the vendor notes the only exterior imperfections as being very small/fine scuffs to the rear bumper, the rear offside corner, the front bumper, on the fuel flap, and a tiny indentation on the offside rear panel. At the same time as the paintwork, the owner at that point also had all four wheels professionally refurbished.

The vendor notes that the body trims and light lenses are all in good order, with no cracks or chips visible on the latter. Its twin exit exhaust tailpipe is original and in good condition, and the car rides on the correct 17-inch ‘Avus’ monoblock alloys, which are all in great shape.

In the cabin, the high-quality black leather Recaro seats are in excellent condition, showing only modest creasing to the bolsters, and no heavy discolouration or damage. The car was photographed without the floor mats in place, but the original items are in good order and accompany the car. The only real sign of age noted by the vendor is that the headlining is sagging - which is clearly shown in the photo gallery.

All of the switches and controls work as they should, though the LED dashboard display is showing the early signs of pixelation - though it is still fully usable. While the stereo system is the original Audi Concert unit with six-disc CD changer, it has been fitted with an aftermarket Bluetooth and USB kit that is hidden from view, but provides up-to-date connectivity. There are gloss black trim inlays around the cabin, which are all in good order, showing only minimal wear.

The vendor states that the car runs and drives very well, benefiting from typically robust Audi build quality and mechanicals. The last scheduled maintenance was at Autostore Cambridge at 96,963 miles, which comprised a basic oil and filter service. Prior to this, it also received oil services at 92,506 miles and 90,627 miles. A summary of the mileages at the service intervals is included below.

Beyond the Revo engine remap, the only mechanical modification to this car is that the suspension has been treated to polyurethane bushes. The cambelt, water pump and rear springs were all replaced at 84,160 miles, and the front and rear brake pads have been replaced recently.

This S3’s last MOT test was on 9 October 2020 at 100,671 miles, which resulted in a pass with a few advisories. The tester was not able to inspect the offside rear passenger belt due to the fitment of a child seat, they noted the rear brake discs were worn, and also that the front Macpherson strut bushes were worn. The wheels are fitted with matching Continental winter tyres on all four corners, which have covered less than 1,000 miles.

Accompanying the car are all of the original handbooks in the black wallet, including the stamped service record. The original unused Audi warning triangle and spare wheel are also present, as well as two keys.

This Audi S3 is a very well-presented hot hatch, with a cosmetic appearance that looks more like a car with half the stated mileage. The 260bhp on tap and polybushed suspension mean it drives superbly. It is a sophisticated modern classic that can be enjoyed all year round, and with understated styling that makes it fit into any scene. This era of S3 makes for a thoroughly enjoyable B-road companion or daily driver alike, and this car’s highly original status means it would also be a great addition to any collection.

Summary of service history - most recent first:

• 96,963 Autostore, Cambridge (Oil service)
• 92,506 Autostore, Cambridge (Oil service)
• 90,627 Autostore, Cambridge (Oil service)
• 87,700 Autostore, Cambridge (Oil service)
• 84,160 Autostore, Cambridge (Inspection service, oil service, cambelt, water pump, Haldex filter)
• 82,528 John Ford & Sons, Shefford (Oil service)
• 71,137 Lansdowne MOT Centre (Oil service)
• 67,051 Bedford Audi (Inspection Service, Oil Service)
• 65,746 The Chevronic Centre, Hitchin (Longlife Service Oil Service)
• 50,805 Roy Chapman Berkhamsted (Inspection service, cambelt, additional work service)
• 39,139 Aylesbury Audi (Inspection service, Oil service, Haldex filter)
• 22,358 Aylesbury Audi (Inspection service, Oil service)
• 6,000 Smith Knight Fay Audi (Longlife Service)
• VWG UK Pre-delivery Inspection

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.