Buying a used Audi A3

The Audi A3 first rocked up in 1996. It started as a three-door hatchback to challenge the ever-popular VW Golf. And it certainly did that. Quickly, the A3 had a full range with powerful and sporty models like the S3. It was the perfect car for that moment and became a best seller. New editions arrived in 2005 and 2012, with the most recent Mk4 in 2020. Known for looking good and being great fun to drive, the Audi A3 is a premium desirable used car.  

Used Audi A3 
 

The Audi A3 is part of the A series (between the A2 and A4) and sits within the subcompact executive car class. Both the Mk4 and Mk5 models are relatively similar in size, but the length of the vehicle varies across the different body styles. As the Mk4 was only released in 2020, they’re still being sold as new cars. With all the latest tech and features, if you want a high spec used car that has not had as much opportunity to clock up miles, this will be your best bet. However, on the used car market, there will still be plenty of excellent Mk3’s available. Both editions of the car have that iconic A3 shape and will make practical comfortable cars for professionals or families. 

Premium cars, like the Audi A3, always have above average running costs. With lots of body styles and engine types, things like servicing, maintenance, insurance and road tax vary greatly. Generally, it’s a good idea to take an A3 in for servicing every two years or 20,000 miles and to remember that high performance models will be pricier to insure or tax. Compared to its rivals, the 2022 saloon has good fuel economy – 38.7 - 55.4 mpg for petrol and 48.7 - 67.3 mpg for diesel with hybrid engines covering up to 217.2-256.8mpg. 
 

Body styles 

• two-door convertible (Mk3) 

• three-door hatchback (Mk3) 

• four-door saloon (Mk3 and Mk4) 

• five-door hatchback (Mk3 and Mk4) 
   

Audi A3 engine options 

Petrol 

• Inline-three 1.0 L (Mk3 and Mk4) 

• Inline-four 1.2 L (Mk3) 

• Inline-four 1.4 L (Mk3) 

• Inline-four 1.8 L (Mk3) 

• Inline-four 2.0 L (Mk3) 

• Inline-four Bi-Fuel 1.4 L (Mk3) 

• Inline-four Bi-Fuel 1.5 L (Mk4) 

• Inline-four Hybrid 1.4 L (Mk4) 

• Inline-four Hybrid 1.5 L (Mk4) 

• Inline-four Hybrid 2.0 L (Mk4) 

• Straight-five 2.5 L (Mk3 and Mk4) 

 
Diesel 

• Inline-four 1.6 L (Mk3) 

• Inline-four 2.0 L (Mk3 and Mk4) 
   

 
What should you look out for in a used Audi A3? 

• Gears. If you’ve gone for an automatic, it might surprise you that there have been some problems with the gears. Check to see if the gear changes are smooth and the car doesn’t feel jerky when you pull away. If it does, that’s a likely warning sign that there is a problem which can be costly to fix. 
   

• Air conditioning. Air con is often problematic in cars and the compressors in the A3 have had a few issues. They’re expensive to replace so if you’re test driving or checking out a used model, make sure you try all the settings out. 
   

• Leaks. There have been some reports of leaking water pumps. Have a look for leaks or stains and ask the seller to find out more detail. 
   

• Bodywork. It’s always a good idea to check the bodywork for dents, scratches or poor paintwork before you buy a used model. Too much damage could mean it’s been through a lot of wear and tear which could affect the safety and driving experience. 
   

• DPF light. All new diesel models have a diesel particulate filter to prevent as many noxious and dangerous emissions being released from the car. If the light is on, it means the car needs to be taken out for a long motorway drive to clear the filter.