right now I wouldnt be looking at getting an S3, as been said too many around and despite the better finish as far as technology in the car its all getting a little long in the tooth (mainly refering to the RNS-E and compatible bluetooth etc) with the new A3 chassis coming out next year and spedning in the region of £30k i would either want an RS3 which will hold its value well or go for the R which will still be the current model in a years time.
Having said that I really dont like the standard cloth seats in the R the white patches dont do it for me!
I also agree with the other comments if your going to garage a car as a run around thenn a good spec and un-molested Pirelli would be the way to go as its rarer.
just my 2 pence if it were my money....