Looking to buy a used Audi A3 car? Used Car Expert has thousands of used Audi cars for sale from used Audi car dealers and private sellers across the UK.
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The A3 is Golf-based with the full range of VW group engines, a flawless interior, neat styling and the option of Quattro four wheel drive.
Highly desirable, the A3 is likely to hold onto its value which means, even though you pay more, you get that money back at re-sale. Image wise the A3 is in a class of its own and also the car is still in production which further helps residuals.
The 1.9TDi diesel engine is tough and proven and for this reason it's the one we recommend if going for pure value-for-money. It offers excellent economy of up to 53 MPG and prices are softer compared to the 2.0TDi diesel and 2.0 FSi petrol cars. But they do both drive better.
Prices for the A3 are fairly spec- sensitive. The £500 premium for sport models and £1000 premium for the S-Line spec is to be avoided as the big wheels and hard suspension ruin the A3's refined ride. Go for the SE trim.
Pay £11,000 for a three year old 1.9Tdi 5 door model with around 40,000 miles on the clock. If you can live with the bills the 3.2 petrol Quattro is a bit of a steal at £15,000 for a comparable car. These have four wheel drive and come loaded with options.
The best time to buy is at three years old when the first MOT is completed. Depreciation can be as high as 15% in that year on a petrol. After this any A3 should depreciate at a steady rate.
Used Car Expert recommends that you try to buy after a big drop in depreciation and before the next one, so with the current Audi A3 you would aim to buy a 3 year old and sell it before it is 5 years old.
Diesel Audi A3 cars lose most over the first year (from new to 1 year old), so that is the best ‘nearly new’ buy in terms of car for money.
Petrol Audi A3 cars lose least between years 1 and 3, so this is the best buy if you want to keep the car for a while.
Petrol Audi A3 cars lose least between years 2 and 4, so that is the best buy on older cars.
For advice on what to pay, see below and for more detailed depreciation and mileage & spec adjusted prices & graphs visit our price guide.