Models · Audi
Audi A3 8Y buying guide
The fourth A3, on sale from 2020 as a five-door Sportback and a four-door saloon, with a facelift in 2024. Petrol engines run from a 1.0 three-cylinder to a 2.0 with quattro, alongside 2.0 TDI diesels; the plug-in hybrid TFSI e exists but isn't covered here.
The versions
- 30 TFSI: 1.0 three-cylinder, 110PS
- 35 TFSI: 1.5 four-cylinder, 150PS, with a 48-volt mild hybrid system when fitted with S tronic
- 40 TFSI: 2.0 four-cylinder, 190PS, with quattro
- 30 TDI and 35 TDI: 2.0 four-cylinder diesel (EA288 evo), 116PS and 150PS
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic; Sportback and saloon
What to check on a 8Y A3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Recall work
What to look for: Ask an Audi dealer, with the chassis number, whether all recall work has been done.
Why it matters: Recalls on this generation include the front seatbelts, the connection between the electric brake servo and the brake pedal, and an interior electrical connector. Most have been done by now, and a dealer can confirm in minutes.
Judder pulling away (1.5 TFSI)
What to look for: From cold, pull away gently a few times and drive at low revs in a high gear. The car should move off smoothly. Hesitation, judder or kangarooing at low revs is the thing to note, most often on manual cars.
Why it matters: The 1.5 TFSI is the same engine used across the Volkswagen Group, including the A1, and low-speed judder linked to its cylinder deactivation is a known trait. Revised software improves it, and an Audi dealer can confirm the software level from the chassis number.
How the S tronic takes up drive (35 TFSI)
What to look for: Spend time at walking pace: pulling away, creeping and reversing. Drive should engage smoothly and promptly. Judder from rest or flaring revs between changes is the thing to note.
Why it matters: The 35 TFSI's 7-speed S tronic is a dual-clutch gearbox, so smooth, prompt take-up at walking pace is the thing to confirm. Gearbox faults are a small share of what owners report on this A3, and a specialist can read the clutch adaptation values to see how worn the clutches are.
Also in the full guide
- Exhaust and emissions warnings (diesel)
- Infotainment and screens
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 8Y 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.