Used Audi Q3 (2015-2018) Guide

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By the time Audi brought its Q3 compact sport utility to the Canadian market in 2014, it had already been on the market in Europe and other areas — since 2011. It was Audi’s entry into a very packed and competitive arena populated with the likes of Mercedes’ GLA class, BMW’s X1, Acura’s RDX, and Buick’s Encore GX.

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Canadian sales of the model averaged around 3,700 units per year between 2015 and 2018; so the availability of used Audi Q3 units is healthy.

2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 engine options and trims

The only powertrain layout available was a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive Quattro system was an option and the two-wheel drive variant powered the front wheels. With 200 hp on tap, the Audi Q3 is peppy but won’t beat a BMW X1 in a sprint. The Audi Q3 was launched in two trims in 2015 and for the 2016 model year, a new base trim, Komfort, was introduced.

2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 price range

The availability of different trims and variants, along with healthy sales over the years, brings a wide price range of pre-owned Audi Q3s from lows of $17K up to $26K with the presence or absence of the Quattro system being a major cost factor. With good quality winter tires, a front-drive version should provide plenty of traction for most driving conditions and save a bundle.

2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 interior & practicality

Interior fit and finish is high as you would expect from Audi, but there is a lot of hard plastic trim that may catch some buyers by surprise. Its short length makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight traffic. A low roof line means it fits easily into smaller home garages. As with most vehicles in this class, rear cargo space is limited unless you fold the second row seats down. A common complaint from Q3 owners was related to cramped interior space, so be advised to test the fit for you and your regular passengers before signing on the dotted line.

Road manners and noise levels are fine, with a little extra body roll on heavy cornering at speed due to the narrow width of the Q3’s layout.

2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 efficiency and ownership costs

Some owners complained of less than expected fuel economy. With premium fuel, the NRCan ratings were 11.8 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway for a combined score of 10.2. Quattro equipped units will drink a little heavier.

Maintenance costs are reasonable, and if you do a little shopping you won’t break the bank with the Audi Q3’s need for Euro-blend synthetic engine oil. The same goes for routine replacement parts such as brake pads and rotors. But even with smart buying, you can expect oil changes to be north of $200.

According to a Euro-vehicle repair specialist colleague of mine, most Audi owners would benefit greatly by cutting Audi’s recommended maintenance schedule in half by getting oil changes and inspections done bi-annually instead of once a year.

2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 problems

He’s worked on a few with secondary air-injection emission problems and some cases have required engine cylinder head replacement. Secondary air systems inject fresh air into the exhaust stream to improve emission control.

Another potential engine problem relates to the turbo-charger. Audi uses a variable geometry turbo which can vary the amount of boost based on demand. This feature uses mechanical vanes in the unit to make the changes and as with any metal moving device that doesn’t have its own lubrication system, if it doesn’t regularly move through its full travel distance with some spirited sprints, things get sticky. There are no serviceable internal parts for a turbo-charger, so an expensive unit replacement is the only cure. Basically the Audi 2.0 L likes to be exercised, so if you’re a light-footed driver, you may want to consider something else.

2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 reliability

After a few camshaft and water-pump problems with the early pre-2015 models were resolved, the 2.0 L in the 2015-2018 models proved relatively trouble-free.

Which used 2015-2018 Used Audi Q3 should you buy?

If you have a choice and the price difference isn’t insurmountable, opt for the 2018 model year as pretty much any assembly or design problems were worked out by that year.

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