Faults:

The clutch pedal broke at approximately 71,000 KMs, this is apparently a common fault with the car, and was replaced fairly cheaply, and apparently with a superior part that did not break as easily.

Also, rust started to appear on the roof rails, another very common issue, but Audi fixed it as the paint work has a 10 year guarantee.

General Comments:

When I was looking for a car my check list was 1) 4 cylinder turbo, and 2) all wheel drive, which for the money I was spending, meant either a WRX, Lancer or S3. I went the S3 for something different, and I also feel that it's a better looking car than the other options.

The performance was good; not great, as it's a heavy car, but solid. Highway driving was brilliant with the 6 speed manual, and the suspension was brilliant on good roads and holds well through corners, but not very pleasant on Adelaide's bumpy roads.

The interior was a great place to be; leather everything, and excellent quality plastics.