Used Audi Q3 2018-present review

A branded watch is a nice thing to have; it looks smart and people are often impressed by it, but is it worth paying extra for one when a cheaper, non-branded watch does exactly the same job?

Of course, you can circumnavigate this issue by buying a used branded watch, much like you can with a used car. For example, you could get a premium-badged used Audi Q3 of around a year old for the same money as a new Nissan Qashqai, or a new Peugeot 3008, or even the Q3's close cousin the Volkswagen Tiguan, and you'd certainly impress the neighbours while doing so.

Engines: The engine range of the Q3 is mostly made up of petrol engines, with three supping fuel from the green pump and a couple of diesels drinking from the black one. There's a 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI, a 187bhp 2.0-litre 40 TFSI and a 227bhp 2.0-litre 45 TFSI for petrol fans, or a 148bhp 2.0-litre 35 TDI for high-mileage diesel users. The other diesel is a 187bhp 40 TDI. There's also a plug-in hybrid version called the 45 TFSIe and a super-sporting version called the RS Q3, although few examples of either are currently on the used car forecourts.

The lower-powered petrol and diesel can be had with a manual or automatic gearbox, while the 40 and 45 TFSI petrols and 40 TDI are automatic only. Quattro four-wheel drive is standard on the 40 and 45 TFSI and 40 TDI, but was an option on the 35 TDI.

Trims & equipment: As for trim levels, there are four to choose from. Entry-level Sport comes with plenty of equipment including 18in alloys, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, an electric tailgate, rear parking sensors and cruise control. S line has larger 19in alloys, privacy glass, Audi’s virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster and sports suspension, while Edition 1 cars have 20in alloys and heated front seats with electric adjustment. Top-of-the-range Vorsprung Q3s have an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system and adaptive suspension.

Ride & handling: Handling, particularly on S line versions with sports suspension fitted, is rather nimble for an SUV, resisting roll and dive under braking better than most of its rivals. The trade-off is a stiff ride that thumps over potholes and fidgets over rough sections of Tarmac. Sport models on smaller wheels and softer standard suspension will be better, while Vorsprung versions with adaptive suspension that can be set to a more supple Comfort mode should be better still.

Interior & practicality: Interior quality is up to the usual standards in most places, but you will find hard plastics further down, which is more indicative of a Volkswagen than a pricey Audi. Still, space up front is fine and there’s lots of adjustability in the seat and steering wheel for a driver to find a comfortable position.

Those in the back can also adjust both the angle of the seat and the amount of leg room, which is a great feature to have for taller passengers. Ultimately, a Volvo XC40 still has more room and is a better choice if you have children that need child seats.

The boot is one of the biggest (on paper) in the class and is improved by a standard adjustable height floor and the added flexibility of a 40:20:40 split-folding mechanism.

For those who really want to impress the neighbours, there's also the option of a sleeker-looking, slightly less practical coupe-style version of the Audi Q3 known as the Sportback. There are currently fewer examples of this version on the used market but if you fancy a bit of extra style it's certainly worth checking out. There is a small price premium to pay on the used market for one over the standard car, however.

If you're interested in finding a used Q3, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Generally, the Q3 is a popular second-hand buy and therefore holds on to its value well. Prices for a used Audi Q3 from 2019 start at around £18,000 for a 35 TFSI Sport version, and you'll need between £20,000 and £22,000 for higher specs S line or top-spec Vorsprung. Spend a little more on the 2021 versions, say between £22,000 and £25,000, and between £25,000 and £30,000 on 2022 and 2023 cars. Spend a little more on the sleeker Sportback version and 2024 models.

To keep up to date with used Q3 prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Audi Q3 with What Car? Valuations

MPG

Running costs should be fairly reasonable for the Q3, unless you go for the 45 TFSI petrol since that only manages 31.7mpg, under the WLTP tests. The less powerful 40 TFSI is marginally better at 32.5mpg, but you’ll have to drop down to the 35 TFSI if you want a petrol that offers diesel-like fuel economy of 42.2mpg. The TFSI e is best suited to those who can make full use of driving in full-electric mode by doing short journeys and charging up regularly. We were disappointed by the low to mid 30mpg figures we achieved when the battery was depleted.

Speaking of diesel, a 35 TDI manages 48.7mpg. The 40 TDI averages 40.4mpg.

Road tax (VED)

All Q3s of this generation will fall under the current, fixed-rate road tax system. Watch out for any Q3s that cost in excess of £40,000 new, as these will attract an extra luxury car tax between years two and six. The current road tax rate is £190 a year and £180 a year for the hybrids. The luxury tax is £410. To find out more about road tax costs, click here.

Servicing costs

You can either pay for two consecutive services upfront, or through monthly payments, and the cost is rather reasonable as far as premium brands go. At the time of writing, it’ll cost you £468 or £19.50 per month, which compares well to the £792 or £33 the same two services will cost you for an equivalent Mercedes GLA.

Reliability

According to our 2023 Reliability Survey, Audi Q3 models show mixed reliability and service experiences. Owners frequently report electronic issues, especially faulty sensors and warning lights, leading to multiple costly and time-consuming dealership visits.

Engine reliability is also a concern, with fuel system and turbocharger problems mentioned. While some Audi dealerships are responsive and helpful, others offer inconsistent service, with long waiting times and poor communication reported by some owners.

Discover more about used Audi Q3 reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page

Specification

Since the equipment level of the standard Sport version is so good, there’s really no reason to go further up the range.

Engine

Even though it can occasionally be a bit too coarse under hard acceleration, the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI has enough mid-range shove for most situations and it has the best fuel economy of the petrol range. If you do lots of motorway miles, there’s always the lone diesel option.

Our favourite Audi Q3: 1.5 35 TFSI Sport

The Volvo XC40 has won the family SUV category numerous times at the What Car? Awards because it is very practical, relaxing to drive and very safe. It also, strangely, has a nicer interior than the Q3’s, which is a bit of a win for a Volvo.

Perhaps you don’t mind having an SUV without the four rings of Audi on its nose. If that’s you, try a Volkswagen Tiguan. Essentially, it’s the same vehicle under the skin, with the same engines, gearbox choices and, often, similar technology inside. Aside from having a slightly bland dashboard, the quality of the plastics isn’t much different from the Q3.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here

If you're interested in finding a used Q3, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.