Used Audi Q3 review ~ station of gear

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27 Jul, 2016 2:45pm Richard Dredge

A full used buyer’s guide on the Audi Q3 featuring the Q3 Mk1 (2011-date)

Audi’s first foray into the SUV market was the Q7, which proved to be a king-sized success for the company. When the smaller Q5 came along, buyers couldn’t get enough of this stylish and capable mid-sized SUV.

So why stop there? With drivers wanting compact cars that are just as luxurious yet more economical than range-topping SUVs, an even smaller car was called for, and that’s exactly what Audi delivered with the Q3.

Shorter than the Q5 by 250mm, the Q3 is also lighter and more frugal, while most examples still come with the security of quattro four-wheel drive. Predictably, the smaller Audi went on to become another hit with buyers, so bargains are rare, but sometimes it’s worth digging a bit deeper.

Models covered

The Q3 was Audi’s first attempt at a small SUV. It went on sale 2011 and is still in its first generation, although it was updated with a facelift in 2014.

• Audi Q3 Mk1 (2011-date) – Baby SUV has all the credentials of a top second-hand buy

Audi Q3 Mk1

Prices from £15,000

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History

The Q3 reached showrooms in November 2011, with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine in 170 or 211 PS forms (168bhp or 208bhp), or a 177 PS (175bhp) 2.0 TDI diesel. The latter two engines were offered with Audi’s S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. By July 2012, there was a 2.0 TDI 140 (138bhp); 18 months later, a front-wheel-drive 1.4 TFSI appeared, and Q3 quattros got an S line Plus trim option.

Then the RS Q3 arrived in February 2014, before a facelifted Q3 hit the road in April 2015 with a redesigned front end, more standard kit and lower CO2 emissions.

Finally, the 2.0 TFSI went up to 177bhp from 168bhp, and the 2.0 TDI was offered in 150 PS (148bhp) and 181bhp forms.

Audi Q3 reviews

Audi Q3 in-depth review
Audi RS Q3 in-depth review
Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI review
Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI review
Audi Q3 2.0 TDI review
Audi Q3 S-line review
Audi RS Q3 review
Audi Q3 long-term test review

Which one should I buy?

There are no engines or transmissions to avoid in the Q3, but the 1.4 TFSI is front-wheel drive only; the 2.0 TDI 140/150 is the only other Q3 without standard quattro.

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Pin down the exact spec of any potential buy, as some cars have more options fitted than others. Still, no Q3 is poorly equipped, as even the entry-level SE features 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch multimedia screen, electric windows all round, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors. S line adds sports seats, 18-inch alloys, stiffer suspension, xenon lights and edgy trim, while S line Plus spec (introduced in April 2015) brings 19-inch rims, cruise control and all-round parking sensors.

Alternatives to the Audi Q3 Mk1

The Q3’s closest rival is BMW’s X1, which is as efficient, solidly built and ergonomically brilliant as you’d expect, although the Mk1 model (2009-2015) is rather dated now. The 2016 second-generation car is much better, but still pricey on the used market.

For a stylish and desirable choice, there’s the Range Rover Evoque, which is more widely available than the X1 or Q3. But used values are high, despite there being one on every corner. The Volkswagen Tiguan comes with some great engines and is very capable, if a little uninspiring. Or you could try the Ford Kuga, with its great design, dynamics and equipment levels.

What to look for:

Headlights

The xenon lights can flicker; it could be down to a faulty connection, or a software update may be needed to put things right.

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Image 12 of 13

Windscreen

Many owners find their Q3’s front windows take ages to clear when it’s cold outside, regardless of which heater settings they use.

Undertray

The undertray at the front of the car can come adrift, pulling the wheelarch liners out of shape. Some dealers fix it under warranty, but others don’t.

Filling up

The fuel filler flap release can seize up; lubrication is all that’s required. If that fails, there’s a red plastic pull near the jack and tools.

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Image 6 of 13

Interior

Everything you touch and see oozes quality, while the dash is easy to get on with and the seats are comfortable, too – but the interior styling is very conservative. Rear legroom is good even for three adults, while boot space is a handy 460 litres – or 1,365 litres with the rear seats folded.

Running costs

Most Q3s have a variable servicing system, which allows up to two years or 19,000 miles between garage visits. A fixed regime is offered, too, which means a service is required every 10,000 miles or 12 months.

Most services cost £250-£280, but after three years, cars are eligible for services that start at £159. Fresh brake fluid is needed after three years, then every two years (£59); the air-con is recharged every three years at a cost of £80. Only the 2.0 TDI and post-2014 1.4 TFSI engines feature a cambelt; a new belt is needed every 120,000 miles or five years, costing £599 including a fresh water pump.

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Image 5 of 13

Recalls

The only recall to affect the Q3 so far is the emissions fix required on VW Group’s 2.0 TDI engine. Apart from that, it’s been plain sailing, as since the Q3 touched down in the UK at the end of 2011, Audi has issued just eight recalls across its entire range. While virtually every car in the Audi line-up has been involved in at least one campaign since the Q3 was introduced, the baby SUV has remained unaffected, which is a good sign for used buyers.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Q3 dropped from 14th place to 31st in our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey. Fourth place for build quality is impressive, along with 17th for both performance and ease of driving. Coming 24th for ride quality is also good, but 119th for running costs and 111th for practicality are less encouraging.

The Q3’s interior focuses on efficiency rather than excitement, and the handling favours safety over fun, too. But if you’re looking for a car that copes with everyday life, the small Audi is ideal for the job. When we ran a 2.0 TDI on our fleet and racked up 26,000 miles in only 11 months, it soon proved its worth, soaking up motorway miles without fuss. With the automatic gearbox, it averaged just over 40mpg, which isn’t bad considering the car was usually either stuck in London traffic or crunching through motorway miles at speed. If you want a model that’s easy to own, put the Q3 on your shortlist.

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