2002 AUDI S3

This Audi S3 is a smart example of the marque’s millennium-era hot hatch, finished in a vibrant factory colour, and remaining highly original throughout. Under the bonnet is a 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four, producing 221bhp, with Quattro all-wheel drive via a six-speed manual transmission.

Built in 2002, this S3 was initially registered overseas in Germany to a multi-national business. It is assumed to have been a company car for a British employee who often worked on the continent, especially as there are UK service stamps for 2004 and 2006 in the accompanying record. It was imported to the UK in 2007 where it was re-registered in May that year. There are five previous registered keepers on the UK log book, and the car is now offered for sale by the trade.

This car’s Imola Yellow paintwork is reported to be in superb condition, clothing panels that remain straight and smooth, with no sign of any prior damage. All of the body trims are also in good order, and there are no cracks or chips visible in any of the light lenses. At the rear, where is a twin exit exhaust tailpipe, while black side mouldings protect the sill panels and door bottoms. It rides on the 18-inch nine-spoke Audi alloys, which are all in excellent condition having just been refurbished.

Inside, there are supportive Recaro front sport seats, and black leather upholstery throughout. The door cards are also accented by gloss black finishers. All of the trim is presented in good condition, with only modest wear commensurate with the age and mileage, and signs of use around the steering wheel rim and gear knob. Like the exterior, the cabin remains wonderfully original, specified with air-conditioning and the Bose sound system, and even the Audi Concert stereo system remains in place. There are no known faults, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in December 2019 at 87,361 miles, when the car received an oil change and inspection at VW and Audi specialist M-Tech in Dorset. More recently, in September 2020, the car was fitted with new rear brake lines. The wheels were refurbished and tyres replaced at the same time.

Prior to this, other work in recent years has included a cambelt replacement in January 2018 at M-Tech, and another oil change service in November 2017 at the same specialist. The vendor states that the car appears to have been superbly maintained throughout its life, and there are no reported faults with the way it runs or drives.

The most recent MOT test was on 18 June 2020 at 87,831 miles. This resulted in a first-time pass with the only advisories regarding some corrosion on the rear brake pipes and wear to the rear tyres - both of which have since been rectified. The online MOT record dating back to 2007 shows it failed an MOT in 2013 for a faulty offside front sidelight, but that it has otherwise passed every year at the first attempt - which is good evidence of a car that has been looked after.

The wheels have just been fitted with a fresh set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, which remain in as-new condition. Accompanying the car is an original Audi handbook pack, including the service record.

This Audi S3 is a very well-presented modern classic, which looks restrained and sophisticated compared to the flamboyant aero features on many of today’s hot hatches. This era of S3 boasts performance that will still excite on a great B-road, while benefiting from typically robust Audi build quality and mechanicals, and remains in original and unmolested condition.

Summary of service history:

• 23/09/2004 - 18,564 miles (Charles Audi)
• 28/04/2006 - 38,476 miles (Crewe Audi)
• 03/07/2008 - 52,839 miles (Dave Isaacs)
• 14/01/2010 - 67,728 miles (M-Tech) inc. timing belt
• 19/02/2011 - 71,182 miles (M-Tech)
• 20/03/2012 - 75,439 miles (M-Tech)
• 12/04/2013 - 77,846 miles (M-Tech)
• 28/07/2015 - 82,203 miles (M-Tech)
• 03/11/2017 - 83,454 miles (M-Tech)
• 30/01/2018 - 83,588 miles (M-Tech) - timing belt only
• 20/12/2019 - 87,361 miles (M-Tech)

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. 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.