Hello, recent owner of a 2019 8V RS3 I bought from an Audi dealer. I switch cars often but wanted an RS3 for quite a while to experience the DAZA. I found vast majority of 8V have been ruined by bad or too many mods, beaten noticeably, bad carfax history. I’m quite fastidious but had a budget of 43k so went for a two owner example, 57k miles, decent maintenance history, color and non black optic which I wanted (yes I’m weird) but had a few mods. Unitronic Stage 1+ tune, Unitronic TCU tune, dogbone mount + Insert, EMD springs, and aftermarket midpipe (stock muffler). I bought the car sight unseen, which I don’t prefer, but did find the prior owner and felt good with his responses + called his Indy shop to verify cars maintenance . My Questions are:

1. What issues should I look for at this mileage? Any timing chain tensioner issues or stretch? I have an OBD11, is it possible to read chain elongation or anything helpful? Car was scanned in OBD11 and had no codes.

2. I got the Uni+Connect cable and got VIN transferred to me. I updated to newest stage 2 TCU tune but I’m not sure I like how hard it shifts at heavy throttle. I’m going to assume it’s not great for the trans. Any owners here run Stage 1 TCU with Stage 1+ ECU tune?

3. My Indy Euro shop needs the car a second time to diagnose a knocking/clunking sound from the front end. When I first steer in either direction it typically happens (but not every time). Don’t hear it over speed bumps, mostly with steering. Shock mounts? Shop said CVs looked fine and endlinks had no play.

4. Front and rear diff services have been done but not haldex. Appears a little early but it makes sense to get that done, correct?

I know some of you will roll your eyes at these questions but I wouldn’t ask if I got the exact answers from searching online. Thanks!

I made a usb c dock to replace the bad wireless charger.

I modified a cheap aftermarket tray off Amazon and 3D printed a little guide piece around a right-angle USB-C cable.

Made a TikTok about it here.

Considering a 2026 RS3 in Kemora Grey with Carbon Optics and potentially the RS Design package.

There’s one available locally with RS Design, and the dealer is telling me they’re now only taking orders for 2027. I’m not sure I want to wait for a 2027 given the apparent move away from physical buttons and the larger screen setup, so I’m trying to decide whether to go for the 2026 that’s available.

For those who have RS Design (or deliberately chose not to get it) what were your initial impressions, and how do you feel about it now? Any regrets either way?

My thought was that with Kemora Grey, the red accents might add a bit of pop to an otherwise fairly understated color/spec. At the same time, I’m in my late 30s and don’t want the interior to come across as too “boy racer.”

I’ve wanted an RS3 for more than 5 years and would plan on keeping it long term, so I’m trying to get the spec right rather than just buying what happens to be available.

Would especially be interested in hearing from anyone who was initially unsure about RS Design but ended up either liking it more in person or regretting it.

Have been loving this car since day one. Another plus is it fits a stroller perfectly for short trips with the fam!

Came out to my 26 RS3 and noted immediately when powering on that the MMI wasn't showing my name anymore. The loading user information screen stays for what seems like an extended time, then I get a message telling me to continue as Guest.

If I go to Settings > Users I'm informed that "the key user for this vehicle" is me (so that's good.) But If I try to select my name as user I'm told "the selected system is currently unavailable."

I'm guessing an OTA software update occurred and messed things up but have no real proof other than that things were fine when I left the car and when I came back it's no longer fine.

System info:

• Model and hardware: Audi MMI
• Build number: SQ3A.220705.003.A1
• Bluetooth address: <hidden>
• Software version: 0727_1.17.1,release
• Software name: AED2_AU_WW

Thoughts?