r/AudiRS3

Hi everyone, I need some advice please.

I live in LA and went to an audi dealer and test drove an RS3 two days ago. Deeply impressed by the car. Really wantes to make the purchase. But then when I was considering it in the past two days and drove around, I realized that LA's crappy roads, whether local roads or freeways, might just make owning an RS partially meaningless. I worry that the thin tires just won't be able to handle all the potholes and bumps. If I drive an RS3 but have to drive it very cautiously to dodge the potholes and still risk running over one especially on the freeways, owning one just becomes too impractical. So I told the dealer's I will have to pass this time. Still, I can't stop thinking about the RS3.

Owners in LA or other places with crappy roads, what's it like to driving an RS3 in those areas?

Edit: Thank you all for your valuable feedback. I come to the conclusion that RS3 and I are not the most suitable pair for now. Hopefully in the future when things align, it will still be as cool and unique as it is now.

So hello everyone this is my first reddit post and i wanted to ask iff its worth to make my a3 look like an rs3 because it looks way cooler ect. I wuoldnt do like the fake badgets ect. Bc i find them a bit cringe and i cant get the many for it bc im a new driver and the intrest gas protection ect. Wuols cost a lot of cash and the car wuold be to fast and i just want it to look cooler and at 18 i dont have like 40bands to get a 2018 used one

So thank you everyone for telling me to not try to make my a3 look like rs3 but now i have a questions how to make a3 look cooler without spending to s of money like 1,5k+ can be parts from ebay bc there cheaper there

Hey everyone! What windscreen wipers have you been happy with?

I’m looking for replacements on my 2018 RS3 and I have been unhappy with my Rainx I feel like they haven’t lasted very long (my inspection is tomorrow so I know they are going to suggest it and it did rain last night so I know they are faded).

Just curious what people are using and happy with these days, tried searching but came up blank.

Thanks!

Hey peeps. I’m doing it. 2026 RS3 sedan, cashing out in full. Don’t get the hatch here, and I kinda prefer the sedan anyways.
I have 3 in sight. A new red one at the dealer, 70km on the clock. An Ascari blue with less than 1500km, and a Kemora grey with 1800km. All have the options I want. I’m going to see the two used ones in person then decide.

Regardless, I’m modding. It’s been my dream to have a sick RS3 with a boosted 5-cylinder and aesthetic mods for over a decade. I’ve only modded one car before, a Mini Cooper S, and I’m trying to go a whole other level with this one.

To the people knowledgeable about the current RS3 tuner and mod scene, drop your suggestions! Price and shipping origin don’t matter.

My current priorities are:

1. Power, not looking for the crazy numbers, 550hp on pump gas tops.

2. Hood, fender, splitter, side skirt etc. body kits. My taste is a bit more ABT, not Mansory. My initial thought was to just go full ABT everything, but I wanna know what else is out there.

3. Wheels. Silver, grey. I’ll consider white painted.

4. Spoiler, suggest all types.

5. Exhaust

6. Steering wheel.

I don’t think I’m going to mess with the suspension too much, maybe just balance it to the increase power. Car already comes with really good brakes, but, maybe down the line I’ll upgrade.

I bought a Audi RS3 with 12k miles 6 months ago, since i got the car it had a little vibration after 40mph at first i thought it was the tires because they were scalloped. I then order new wheels and new tires had them balanced but vibration did not went away. Took the car to Audi dealership and they said everything was ok and they did not found nothing wrong. I then bought KW Suspension Coilovers to have a better driving quality since iv heard they are the best in the market and the vibration did not change at all. I have spent $400 on local shop to have them diagnosed the vibration but no luck. The dealership does not want to help me find the issue now because they don’t want to work on anything that has to do with suspension due to the aftermarket coilovers.

Has anyone had this same issue before… what could it be? Wheels and tires are not it because i have also tried stock wheels nothing changes. The local shop i took the car check axles and driveshaft and said they’re in good condition. None of the suspension have any grease that will indicate wear are damaged except the front toe arm but i was also told that it should not cause vibration.

Please help me out here. Im honestly thinking of getting rid of this car due this annoying vibration that i can’t find whats causing it.

Btw I’m located in Orlando Florida if theres any mechanic here that would help me check the car I’m willing to drive any where thats located in FL no matter how far away you are. Thanks everyone in advance!

Do you guys swap left to right wheels? Is it necessary on our cars?

Just had this exhaust delivered and before I start installing it I wanted to know if anyone who has installed this exhaust has any tips or anything they wish they would have known before? Just unboxed it and it seems like there's a few differences with how the stock valves are used and a lot more control of how the hangers sit, which doesn't seem like a bad thing. I'll have it on a lift, so that should make it a little easier. It came with instructions and I currently have the AWE exhaust installed so I doubt it's much different, just wanted to double check before I spend the day working on it.

The build quality looks amazing, can't wait to see how this sounds vs the AWE touring.

Thanks.

Hi all,

Does anyone know if there's any fitment issues with an Australian 2026 RS3 Sportback RHD with the OPF/GPF with stock sport exhaust? Or would it be just a direct bolt on without any modifications needed?

Or any other exhaust recommendations? I don't believe 485 fits.

Thanks!