Used Audi Q3 review: 2011-2018 (Mk1): owner reviews

"Stylish, well-built and easy to drive, the Audi Q3 is one of the most popular compact premium crossover/SUV models"

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.2 out of 5

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Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
  • 4 out of 5
  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up79%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Brakes, Electrics, Gearbox / clutch (2 cases)
  • Suspension, Other (1 case)
  • Electrics, Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 case)
  • Other (2 cases)

Review 1 of 34

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 tdi s line plus

Year

2015

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35.4
Tell us what you think about your car?
My Q3 does everything OK, that's about as positive as i can be really. Its not going to set your world on fire every time you drive it but it should get your there. I'm amazed at people saying its spacious, i'm 6ft and can't get a baby seat behind my seat. In fact if you have children buy something else!!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 tdi 170bhp 2WD SE

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
Car is a pleasure to drive, 170bhp engine quick but also economical. Owned the car only three months, no problems at all. This is my first Audi and quality, drive experience of this car is extremely good.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0T FSI

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

33
Tell us what you think about your car?
My Q3 has many faults - at speeds between 50 and 70 it will stop. I mean stop everything locks up for about a second. The brakes will also come on one at a time whilst moving. I park it on my drive over night most mornings I reverse off ok but some mornings the brake or something will not free themselves then after about seven time it will move. I called out Audi recovery who saw this happen Audi UK will not believe the AA report. Too many other problems to mention. ,
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

1 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Petrol

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

33
Tell us what you think about your car?
Problems, problems. Will not reverse off my drive, stops when travelling at around 50 miles an hour all of drives just lock up. Sometimes different brakes will come for know reason. Problems with sat NAV/radio. Audi UK say there is known problems with this car although the AA has seen the reversing problem and I have a report from them.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

RS

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
First Audi and never going back, really really quick and a joy to drive very classy car, beats all others hands down and we have owned lots of different vehicles
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Semi Auto

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
No faults what so ever
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 TFSI 170hp

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Mileage of about 38k km, I drive ~200km each day back and forth to work. No issues so far. Engine and transmission is still as smooth as when I first bought the car.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 SE Quattro 177bhp Automatic Diesel

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Arguably the best car I have ever owned. Reliable, efficient, comfortable and really quite frugal, especially in Efficient mode. The only drawback, the relatively small boot area and the back seats which don't fold flat.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Petrol 2.0 TFSI S Line Plus

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

36
Tell us what you think about your car?
I bought this for its ride height having previously had an A6 and an A4. It's a marvelous car, which is just what I expected. There's plenty of power when it's needed and it's reasonably economical. It's just had an oil change at 15000 miles which is a bit sooner than I expected, though. Only couple of very minor things disappoint me: the storage bin on the right of the driver's side dash is very flimsy for an Audi and the rear boot has no real storage bins unlike the A4, and the covers for tools etc. are very flimsy.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

TDI S line S tronic

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
We drive down to Spain every year, other than that our trips are around 20 miles. Love the performance, although the ride has to be firm for that. Still love the looks and comfort, and the sunroof is the best we have ever had. All alloy makes it very light, but Audi needs to make a better sat-nav - our Android with Sygic is far better.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

47
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Semi Auto

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems to report
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
Not had the car long but reliability is to usual Audi standards
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
As expected so far
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

S Line, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Bought Car

Used
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 tfsi quatro

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Good car all round. Comfortable, easy to get along with really nice to drive.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

S-Line Plus

Year

2016

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
Ok so I've only had my Q3 for a few days, but so far its fabulous. The boot room is adequate for me, it is a comfy, nippy ride, with exceptional steering. It drives like it is on rails. Mine is an S-Line Plus so it is top spec, with a few additional extras. So far its averaging 45 mpg + and that's not on long distance. I do agree about the stop start issue people talk about but its no major hardship to press the button to deactivate. Very impresses with auto dipping headlights. Very happy :-)
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

177psi Se S tronic quarto

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

50
Tell us what you think about your car?
The feedback you get from this car is all you want and more, it does everything you require, this is the best car I have owned. The ride is slightly firm but forgiving and no body roll making the journey enjoyable. I am 65 and my wife disabled and we enjoy every trip. The seats are comfortable and supportive and access is good. Also when you feel the need to get a shift on, it moves very fast and smooth.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

177 quatro stronic

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

48
Tell us what you think about your car?
The best car I have owned does all things as required.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Tell us what you think about your car?
Its only 3 months old but no problems so far
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

SE, 1.6-litre to 1.9-litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Bought Car

Used
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 ltr TDI

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have a new 2016 2.0ltr TDI, it's a beautiful looking car and I wouldn't swap it for the world. The one thing I would change is the stop start system. Yes you can turn it off before you begin your journey but it's easy to forget about it. I would love the option of turning it off completely but having read the Audi forums it seems this can't be done. So even if I just pop into a shop for a few seconds, I have to turn off the stop start again. This is just a case of pressing a button on the dash and may seem trivial but I do believe the option of permanently disabling stop/start should be there. I'd give it 9.9 out of 10. It would have been a perfect 10 only for this.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

SE 177hp Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

36
Tell us what you think about your car?
Could not grow to love this car. The stop/start system is stupid, the seats are too short in depth, the cabin is cramped (how do you manage to say it's spacious?). Can't get top gear till engine speed is around 48mph unless I force it in manually. Steering it too light and numb and does not self-centre. Traded in ASAP for a BMW X3.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

52
Tell us what you think about your car?
No issues requiring return to dealer. Starts first time, every time.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Had many Audi's never had a breakdown ( tempting fate now )
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
It is only 10 week old very very good
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 TDI Quattro 184 S-line Plus

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

29
Tell us what you think about your car?
I Do like this car to Drive compared to other vehicles I have driven, although I think the Technology inside is poor compared to cheaper cars, like the connectivity such as lack of usb port, the built in Satnav is not great either, my worst gripe with the Q3 is the fuel consumption. I know it maybe as it is Quattro and a heavy but it just seems to be really bad on fuel. I have owned a VW Passat CC (same engine size and power) and a BMW 1 series and they both had 30-40% better fuel economy on the same journeys (mixed long distance and city driving) not sure if it is a problem. Other than these gripes I do like the Q3
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

SE150bhp D Quattro

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great sturdy build and good engine, especially the 4wd which really helps when towing the caravan. Apart from a few 'hiccups' with computer telling me to proceed to my dealer and have the fluid level checked immediately. This I did and they tested the car and found nothing wrong. The only problem I have on an odd occasion is with the reverse sensors which would continually beep even when there is nothing behind me. Again the dealer tested these at the service and found nothing wrong. Only complaint is with the lack of equipment inside the car in comparison to many other, cheaper cars of its class. I think of sat nav (on my model), lane assist, emergency city braking ( now becoming standard on many new cars), front parking sensors and many more. Any Audi options are quite expensive. As my 3 year lease term is coming near to an end, I will be looking round for a replacement car, whilst Audi would be an option, I will be looking at other makes. I would give it a 5 star only for the basic interior.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.4 tfsi cod ( cylinder on demand )

Year

2015

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

42
Tell us what you think about your car?
Replaced a 6 month old Honda crv 158 bhp 4-wheel drive sri ( due to continual d.p.f. problems ). Although slightly smaller , this Q3 1.4 two wheel drive petrol is alittle gem. Quick off the mark, 0-62 in 9.2 secs, easily attains 40 plus m.p.g. and if driven conservatively, with the cylinder on demand technology will reach 53-55 m.pg. !!! Excellent build quality, comfortable, and best of all no d.p.f. problems. Love it.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

SE Quattro S-Tronic 177bhp

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Tell us what you think about your car?
My Q3 has been perfect! I bought it new in June 2014 & it hasn't seen the dealer's workshop since (although it is due for its first scheduled service early next month). Likes - powerful & economical diesel engine, slick automatic gearbox, strong brakes, reliable, interior comfort, boot space, high residual value keeps my PCP monthly payments low. Dislikes - not much except stupid stop/start system (this is the same opinion on all cars with stop/start - I switch mine off every time I use the car) & ride on original Dunlop tyres is somewhat harsh on rough road surfaces. Auto gearbox can be a bit hesitant when cold & at low speed but is otherwise fine. Otherwise, little to dislike. A quality vehicle & very pleased with it.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 TDI SE 5dr

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

50
Tell us what you think about your car?
Have owned for just over 12 months and has been an excellent purchase. No issues to report so far. Very smooth engine with good if not exceptional fuel economy. Ample room inside and sufficient luggage space but not too big outside so easy around town and when parking. Just what I was hoping for and very pleased with my decision to buy it.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
everything works well and appears to have that quality build sound
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

39
Tell us what you think about your car?
Too new to tell
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Sports, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Petrol, Manual

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Bought Car

Used
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

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