Models · Audi
Audi A3 8P buying guide
The second A3, built from 2003 to 2013 as a three-door, a five-door Sportback from 2004 and a Cabriolet from 2008, with a facelift in 2008. Engines range from 1.2 and 1.4 TFSI petrols to the 3.2 V6, with 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 TDI diesels.
The versions
- Petrol: 1.6 and 2.0 FSI early on, then 1.2 TFSI 105PS, 1.4 TFSI 125PS, 1.8 TFSI 160PS and 2.0 TFSI 200PS
- 3.2 V6 250PS, with quattro four-wheel drive as standard
- Diesel: 1.9 TDI 105PS and pump-injector 2.0 TDI 140 and 170PS until 2008, then common-rail 1.6 TDI 90 and 105PS and 2.0 TDI 140 and 170PS
- 6-speed manual, 6-speed S tronic, and from 2008 a 7-speed S tronic on the smaller engines; quattro on the more powerful versions
- Three-door, five-door Sportback and Cabriolet
What to check on a 8P A3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The oil pump drive (2.0 TDI)
What to look for: You can't see this at a viewing, so ask the seller and look in the history for an invoice showing the oil pump drive sprocket or shaft has been renewed.
Why it matters: A worn sprocket on the 2.0 TDI's oil pump drive can cut the oil supply and lead to engine failure. Specialists recommend renewing it as a precaution if there's no record. A car with that paperwork is one that has been looked after.
A rattle on a cold start (1.4 and 1.8 TFSI)
What to look for: Have the engine stone cold and stand at the front as someone starts it. A rattle or clatter from the front of the engine in the first few seconds, before it settles, is the thing to note.
Why it matters: Both engines drive their camshafts with a chain. On the 1.4 TFSI the chain itself can stretch; on the 1.8 TFSI built from 2008 to 2012 an early tensioner was the weak point and was revised. A slack chain can jump a tooth, so a cold rattle needs looking at, and paperwork for a renewed chain or tensioner is a good sign.
The cam follower (2.0 TFSI to 2008)
What to look for: Look in the history for the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower being inspected or replaced. Without a record, plan to have it done.
Why it matters: On the 2.0 TFSI the small follower between the camshaft and the fuel pump can wear through and then score the camshaft. Caught in time it's an inexpensive service part; many specialists check it routinely.
Also in the full guide
- How the S tronic takes up drive
- The change from first to second (6-speed manual)
- Air conditioning that stays cold
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 8P A3
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.