Item: Used Audi A3 Saloon 2013-2020
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

One of the most obvious rivals in this compact executive class is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/used-review/n801">BMW 3 Series</a>&nbsp;saloon. This is the car that has for years defined the class, although we think the Audi A3 Saloon certainly gives it a run for its money. The BMW is great to drive, with a strong range of engines and a class-leading iDrive infotainment system. It’s powerful, punchy, economical, classy, good to drive and nice to be in, so it’s no wonder it’s been top of the tree for so long.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/used-review/n796">Mercedes-Benz C-Class</a>&nbsp;saloon has been held in similarly high regard over the years. It’s comfortable, classy and efficient. Only next to the 3 Series does it seem less refined and not as good to drive, with its ride being a little lumpy on some roads.

There’s also the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla-class/coupe/used-review/n17564">Mercedes-Benz CLA</a>, which is stylish and, in diesel form, highly economical. The ride is firm, though, and interior space isn’t great due to the swoopy shape.

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If you're interested in finding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/audi/a3?nearlynew=true&amp;used=true&amp;yearTo=2020&amp;sort=desc&amp;sortBy=year">a used A3</a>, or any of the other cars&nbsp;mentioned here, head over to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Car Buying</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

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Some owners have reported issues with rattling from the centre console area, mainly from the trim surrounding the gearlever, and from the boot locking mechanism. Also, there have been reported problems with the sat-nav screen, which rises out of the dashboard and can creak in use. The A3 also rated worse than average for headlight bulb failure.

There have been a couple of recalls for the A3. They only apply to a small number of vehicles, but it’s still worth checking to see if your car is affected. The first applies to A3s built between 1 July 2014 and 15 November 2014 for the passenger airbag, which might not deploy in an accident. The second relates to rear wheel bearing housings that might not have been manufactured correctly on cars built between 1 August 2017 and 31 August 2017. Check with your local Audi dealer if you are in any doubt.

<h3 dir="ltr">Rear hub carrier</h3>

On certain A3s produced between 1 August 2017 and 31 August 2017, there was an issue with the rear hub carrier not being manufactured to the correct standard, so&nbsp;in extreme circumstances, the car could lose a rear wheel. A recall was issued to replace the carriers on affected cars.

<h3 dir="ltr">Passenger airbag</h3>

Vehicles produced between 30 June 2014 and 15 November 2014 had to have their passenger-side airbag module replaced because of a faulty weld on the gas generator inside. In extreme circumstances, internal components could break off, enter the interior and cause injury.

<h3 dir="ltr">Rear head restraint</h3>

Poor welds attaching the rear headrest to the rear backrest of some A3s manufactured between 20 May 2018 and 2 September 2018 posed a safety issue. Affected cars had to have the whole backrest replaced, so check with your dealer that this has been done.

<h3 dir="ltr">DPF</h3>

All diesel models will come equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that’s designed to trap soot from the exhaust and then burn it off later. If the DPF light comes on, you must take the vehicle on a longer drive at a higher speed to clear the filter.

The A3's reliability depends on which engine it has. In last year's reliability survey, petrol models finished further down the rankings in 17th place, but diesel models managed to climb up to the lofty heights of 2nd, just behind the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i30/hatchback/used-review/n768">Hyundai i30</a>. In the latest survey, the A3&nbsp;finished in 18th place out of 24&nbsp;cars in the family car class.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a>&nbsp;as a brand finished 22nd&nbsp;in our most recent Reliability Survey, out of 31 manufacturers. However, the A3 has been around for a while and its tried-and-tested major components are shared with many other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/seat">Seat</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/skoda">Skoda</a>&nbsp;models,&nbsp;so it should be easy to source the parts and, if you seek out a trusted independent dealer, is not unduly expensive to repair.

If you would like to see the full reliability list for family cars, head to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-what-car-reliability-survey/n17798">What Car? Reliability Survey pages</a>&nbsp;for more information.

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Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The Audi A3 Saloon is a superb compact executive car. It’s great&nbsp;to drive, with low running costs

Used Audi A3 Saloon 2013-present

The A3 Saloon comes with a wide variety of petrol and diesel options, including a 148bhp 1.4 TFSI engine that can automatically cut off two of its four cylinders at a cruise to save fuel. With an official average fuel economy figure of 57.6mpg (under the older NEDC tests) and £30 road tax, it should be cost-effective to run. Diesel variants include the popular 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI 150, both of which are surprisingly refined. The 1.6 TDI should be the cheapest version to run, with road tax costs of £20 and a 68.9mpg average in some models. The more powerful 2.0 TDI is a little down on that but, at 58.9mpg and £30 to tax, it’s hardly expensive to run.

On the high-performance spectrum, the 296bhp S3 averages 39.8mpg and costs £195 in road tax, while the bonkers 395bhp RS3 can potentially return 34mpg and costs £250 to tax. Like the fuel bills, insurance will be high for these models.

Various engines were introduced later, but it was the 2016 facelift that brought a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. This sweet and economical engine is great in town and never feels short of puff, and fuel economy is a highly commendable 61.4mpg NEDC and road tax costs £20.

It’s worth noting that any A3 registered after 1 April 2017 will be charged under a different taxing system. Most models will be charged a flat-rate yearly fee of £155, but some high-spec S3s and all RS3s will have an additional annual charge of £335&nbsp;up until the car is six years old.

Servicing is due every two years or 19,000 miles, with Audi main dealers offering a comprehensive service plan for cars aged three years and older. From new, many A3s had an Audi Service Plan that could be used to cover the cost of routine servicing for up to five years or 50,000 miles.

The A3 was also covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty from new, with the option to extend it to four or five years.

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Used Audi A3 Saloon 2013-2020

The Audi A3 Saloon is a superb compact executive car. It’s good to drive, with low running costs

On the second-hand market, there’s little to choose between the petrol and diesel versions, although there are inevitably more diesel A3s around.

Prices start at around £6000 for an early car from 2013 with more than 100,000 miles or possible Category D write-off issues. Move up to £7000 and you can bag yourself a car with less than 100,000 miles from 2013 or 2014, with a good service history, bought from an independent dealer.&nbsp;

Shell out £8000 and upwards and you should find a 2014 A3 with an average mileage and full service history. Upping your wedge to between £10,000 and £14,000 should bring in a manufacturer-approved used facelifted A3 from 2016 or 2017 that’s carrying a fairly nominal mileage. Spend between £15,000 and £17,000 on a 2017 or 2018 car, and £17,000 to £19,000 on a 2018 or 2019 model. Run-out 2020 cars should set you back between £19,000 and £22,000.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-valuation/">Check the value of a used Audi A3 with What Car? Valuations</a>

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The entry-level 1.0-litre engine still has plenty of pep, coping with motorways without too much difficulty. Even so, we'd recommend the more powerful and refined 1.4 TFSI or, in later cars, 1.5 TFSI engine, if you’re after a petrol-powered car. Sitting at the top of the petrol range in the RS3, there’s a 395bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder motor that not only sounds fantastic but also has a serious turn of pace. It’s one for the well heeled, though.

The 1.6 TDI 110 diesel engine is the best in the line-up for CO2 emissions. It’s also smooth and has enough low-down punch for comfortable motorway cruising. We think the 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine (in this 148bhp tune) is worth the premium over the 1.6 because it’s a little smoother and offers punchier performance. It should still return about 50mpg, too, keeping running costs down. It’s our pick of the range if you’re after a diesel-powered A3.

Sport is the entry-level trim and it has more than enough kit, with dual-zone climate control, 17in wheels, DAB radio, a 5.8in colour screen, Bluetooth, a USB socket and a leather steering wheel complete with audio controls. It’s worth noting that you could specify a more comfortable suspension set-up for no extra cost when new, so it’s worth checking if the car you’re looking at has had that done. S line trim is focused on sporty looks; you get 18in wheels, a bodykit, xenon headlights and part-leather upholstery.

Our favourite Audi A3:&nbsp;2.0 TDI 150 Sport

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

Check the bodywork for scuffs caused by car parking in tight spaces and look at the alloy wheels for any kerb damage.

There have been a number of issues relating to the A3’s long-term use, most notably a problem relating to rattles from the 1.4 TFSI engine, traced to vibration of the wastegate actuator rod. Diesel particulate filter warning lights have been known to come on, although driving the car on an open road for a few minutes is usually enough to turn it off again. There have also been issues with clutch failure, so check its operation carefully.

For those who find that the excellent 2013 to 2020&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/used-review/n17405">Audi A3</a>&nbsp;three-door hatchback and five-door Sportback aren’t quite their style, take a look at&nbsp;the A3 Saloon, a conventional three-box-style, four-door <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/executive">executive car </a>with a stubby boot at the back.

The good news is that it shares its underpinnings with the other A3s, meaning this smart and handsome car is great to drive and a pleasure to travel in.

Part of its appeal has always been the wide range of engines available. Over the years, the saloon has been powered by a variety of petrol engines, from a lively 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit up to the sporty RS3’s 395bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Diesels range from the economical 1.6 TDI (with an official 68.9mpg average) through to a smooth and punchy 148bhp 2.0 TDI engine. With most of the engine options available, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are among the best in class.

In 2016 the A3 saloon was facelifted, with a refreshed look, some engine updates and the option of a new digital instrument display. It also received a number of new safety systems, such as a semi-autonomous traffic jam assist function. Among the&nbsp;revisions, a&nbsp;sweet and lively 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine was added to the range, effectively replacing the earlier 1.2-litre unit.&nbsp;The facelift also meant the popular 1.4 TFSI 150 petrol engine was replaced by a more efficient 1.5-litre TFSI unit, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/s3">S3</a>’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine gained an extra 10bhp, taking it to 306bhp.

At its original launch, the A3 saloon was available in a choice of three trims: SE, Sport and S line. An SE Technik trim was added to the range a short time afterwards, and in later versions this version actually replaced SE as the entry-level trim. Over the years, there have been a number of limited editions and special trims with various cosmetic and equipment upgrades,&nbsp;most notably the Black Edition.&nbsp;

Opt for an earlier SE A3 and you'll find 16in alloys, xenon headlights, cruise control, rear parking sensors and auto lights and wipers fitted as standard on the outside. Inside, there's&nbsp;air conditioning, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and Audi's MMI infotainment system complete with a 7.0in display, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as&nbsp;smartphone integration. Upgrading to the SE Technik trim&nbsp;added&nbsp;sat-nav and a three-month trial to Audi's online connected services.

If you seek out a Sport trim&nbsp;the A3 gains 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front sports seats and touches of aluminium, while S line cars get LED headlights, a sporty bodykit, lowered, firmed-up suspension, ambient interior LED lighting, part-leather upholstery and 18in alloys. Topping the standard range is the Black Edition models which get fancy 18in alloys, an improved audio system and lots of gloss black exterior styling.

On the road, you'll find that every version, no matter of what age, is&nbsp;great to drive. The 1.4 TFSI was smooth and powerful and reasonably economical. The replacement&nbsp;1.5&nbsp;(badged in later cars as the 35 TFSI)&nbsp;balances&nbsp;strong, flexible performance across the rev range with decent economy, too. Of the diesels, the 114bhp 1.6-litre engine (later called the 30 TDI) provides solid pace and makes for relaxed progress. The&nbsp;148bhp 2.0-litre engine (badged as the 35 TDI) pulls harder across the rev range and the more powerful 187bhp 2.0-litre (called 40 TDI) is useful if you need even more oomph. Both the six-speed manual or the automatic gearbox option&nbsp;shift cogs effortlessly and smoothly.&nbsp;

Added to all that, the A3 Saloon handles brilliantly, with plenty of grip and precise steering. All models are capable and composed, and there’s even the option of four-wheel drive to help you out if you do a lot of travelling on slippery surfaces. As a further bonus, it rides well, with a firm but comfortable set-up, although we would advise against cars with the sport suspension option because they can be a trifle too firm. The A3 is also an impressively refined car; that's one of the reasons why it's one of the most desirable cars in its class.

The interior is classy and well built, with a widely adjustable driving position, good visibility and an excellent infotainment system. The only drawback to the saloon model is that space is rather limited in the rear, especially behind a taller driver, and the boot isn’t one of the biggest.

The A3 is well equipped, though, and the solid build quality translates into a good record for reliability, so this should make this enticing premium product an even more appealing used proposition.

If you're interested in finding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/audi/a3?nearlynew=true&amp;used=true&amp;yearTo=2020&amp;sort=desc&amp;sortBy=year">a used A3</a>, or any of the other cars&nbsp;mentioned here, head over to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Car Buying</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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Used Audi A3 Saloon 2013-2020 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Audi A3 saloon?