Used Audi Q3 Sportback cars for sale

Used Audi Q3 Sportback pros and cons

Is a second hand Audi Q3 Sportback a good car?

The Audi Q3 Sportback is a good car, but is it the right car for you? That depends on how you weigh up style versus practicality.

The Sportback is much the same as the regular Q3 under the skin, only Audi has given its SUV a coupé-style makeover. So, there’s less headroom in the back but a sportier, more dynamic side profile.

Although adults may find the roof close to their heads in the back of the car, otherwise you lose surprisingly little compared with the normal Q3. There’s still a large boot, with a capacity of 530 litres with the back seats upright.

In the front, the driver and passenger have plenty of room. It’s just a shame Audi has made no design changes, as the dashboard looks the same as the regular Q3’s. While the cabin is well made and stylish, some tweaks would make the Sportback’s interior stand out compared with the regular SUV’s.

To drive, the Q3 Sportback is comfortable, quick, but not especially exciting. The BMW X2 is more entertaining, but the Audi counters with a well-judged ride and a choice of efficient engines.

The entry-level 35 TFSI petrol has 150hp and is good value on the used market. It’s also the only engine with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The 40 TFSI has an extra 40hp for stronger performance. The diesels suit high-mileage drivers, while the plug-in hybrid promises low running costs if you have somewhere to charge overnight.

Sport models are the most affordable but don’t skimp on standard kit. The S line has extra toys and sportier looks, while the Black is the most generously equipped but will cost more to buy.

What to look for when buying a used Audi Q3 Sportback

Most of the mechanical components in the Audi Q3 Sportback have seen service in many VW Group cars. Major problems with these proven components should be rare so long as the car has been serviced on time, although the Audi isn’t quite in the same league as the Lexus UX when it comes to reliability.

Electrical issues crop up from time to time, and there can be problems with the infotainment system.

Check carefully for any damage to the alloys. You’d expect to do so with any car but the finish on some of Audi’s alloys can be expensive to repair.

If you are looking at the plug-in hybrid 45 TFSI e, make sure the car still has its charging cables – there should be three of them; one for a 32-amp charge, one to fit an industrial socket, and one for a domestic socket.

The Audi Q3 Sportback comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, so any car that’s younger than three years old and has covered less than 60,000 miles should have some cover remaining.

Audi Q3 Sportback FAQs