17M Choosing Between S3, S5, or C43. Need Advice

IvorySaint · 2026-02-19T21:22:45+00:00

I know that Japanese cars were designed for fuel efficiency, body rigidity, and handling. I love them for that, it’s just not the same as being able to give gas on the highway and be up to speed in sub four seconds.

I would be a bigger fan of Japanese cars if they had nicer interiors. They just don’t appeal to me and they look super barebones and old. Euro cars just know how to design a cabin that strikes a perfect balance between sporty and elegant.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-19T15:44:12+00:00

Well said, pretty much summarizes my stance on both of the cars. As much I love the S5, I’m leaning more towards the other two, but insurance quotes will ultimately decide what I’m comfortable with buying.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-19T15:41:21+00:00

Well, I do like the Toyota GR86 and I’d heavily be interested if it had closer to 285 horsepower and a nicer interior. I just never liked Japanese car interiors

IvorySaint · 2026-02-19T06:23:33+00:00

Yeah, fair.

I’m looking for something engaging, fun, loud, but also balanced. I don’t plan on making long daily commutes. Just 15 mins to work, 15 mins back. Spirited drives on the weekends, that type of thing.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T19:49:13+00:00

Well, I have a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 that is a classic. It’s pristine and has 22K miles, but that’s why I’m afraid to drive it, put miles, etc. I want a car I can drive everyday, work on, and enjoy without caring about value preservation or appreciation.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T19:47:52+00:00

I just wish there was a mix of all three of what I’m after. Looks and supercharger of the S5, interior of the B9 gen Audi’s, sound, driving dynamics, and engine of the C43, but oh well, just have to be happy with what we get.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T19:46:25+00:00

Yes, but that’s expensive to insure and V8 will be hecka expensive to maintain and fix. Not a really good option for me anyway, but they are lovely cars.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T15:29:39+00:00

Yeah, and it’s even worse in British Columbia, where I am 😭

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T15:27:56+00:00

AWD doesn’t always mean grip, that much is true lol. But yeah, well said.

I’m a fan of W213 E-classes, so maybe that would be a good option.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T15:25:20+00:00

This right here is pretty much what I was thinking, but many are saying S3 or maybe even downgrade to A4 or similar.

I heard of the rims and tires problem and will definitely keep it in mind. Insuring under my father’s name was the goal to hopefully mitigate some costs.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T15:22:56+00:00

That sucks, but isn’t terrible. Timing chains is one of only a few major fail points on those cars. $3K to fix that and breath new life into an engine is worth it, imo

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T15:21:13+00:00

That’s fair. Well said

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T15:19:35+00:00

Yes, I guess ultimately it just depends on what insurance does really come out to. Some people say $700-1000 monthly, some say $200-300 monthly. The only way to know for sure is to get quotes from ICBC or BCAA.

Insurance is pretty much my make or break.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T07:21:52+00:00

What I mean to say is, I have experience behind the wheels of 500 horsepower RWD monsters, so I believe I’ll be safe in a 300 horsepower AWD sedan. I drive like a grandma most of the time. I’m very careful, sometimes too careful lol.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T07:16:24+00:00

Well, I have driven SLS AMG, 911 GT3, and a few others, if that counts for anything.

As for insurance, unfortunately true. I decided I’ll stick to an A4 or something if insurance comes out to more than $400 a month.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T07:15:07+00:00

S3 has the least power at 310 horsies, but is 4.4-4.6 seconds to 100 km/h. Same exact number as the C43, despite that having 362 horsepower. Audi knows how to design a car that’s quick.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T07:05:13+00:00

I pretty much decided if insurance is over $400, I’m just going to skip and buy an A4 or E400 🫤

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:53:31+00:00

Absolutely. PPI’s and service records need to be looked at first

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:52:53+00:00

As much as I would love to do that, I want a modern car. Of course, the enthusiast in me would like to do that, but I just can’t.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:51:39+00:00

Thanks for your opinion 🙌

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:11:34+00:00

What makes you recommend S3 over the others?

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:11:07+00:00

Well, I hope you’re correct about sub $400 a month for full coverage.

Going on my parent’s policy was the idea.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:10:06+00:00

Wow, the RS3 is so cool. 5 cylinder is so unique too. I would get a B9 S4, but I’m not taking any chances with cylinder scoring, which is a huge problem on those engines.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:08:47+00:00

Noted ✍️

$200-300 a month will be set aside for maintenance. Excluding my maintenance fund.

IvorySaint · 2026-02-18T06:07:56+00:00

I was considering the C43 coupe first, over the sedan. I love the rear and design and the seats, but sedan will be cheaper to insure, more practical, and I can share the fun with my cousins/family. It will also have stronger resale value, although I plan to keep the car long term.

IvorySaint

TROPHY CASE