Models · Audi
Audi Q3 F3 buying guide
The second Q3, on sale since 2018 as an SUV and from 2019 as the lower Q3 Sportback, with 1.5 and 2.0 TFSI petrols and 2.0 TDI diesels. Most early software and electrical niggles have been dealt with by now, and the main checks can be done at the viewing.
The versions
- 35 TFSI: 1.5 TFSI four-cylinder petrol, 150PS, able to shut down two cylinders on light load
- 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI: 2.0 TFSI petrol with quattro and S tronic
- 35 TDI and 40 TDI: 2.0 TDI diesel with AdBlue, the 40 TDI with quattro
- 6-speed manual on some versions, otherwise 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch
- SUV and Sportback bodies; a 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid exists but isn't covered here
What to check on a second-generation Q3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Hesitation from cold on the 35 TFSI
What to look for: Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive. In the first few minutes, pull away gently and drive slowly. Note any jerking, bunny-hopping or hesitation. Ask whether the dealer has applied the engine software update.
Why it matters: The 1.5 TFSI is known for a low-speed hesitation while warming up, often called kangarooing. Volkswagen Group released a software fix across its brands in 2020, Audi included. Most cars should have it by now.
S tronic behaviour at low speed
What to look for: Do plenty of slow driving: gentle pull-aways, creeping in traffic, reversing and a hill start. Take-up should be smooth and prompt. Note any judder, a pause before drive engages, or a gearbox warning. Look for gearbox oil services in the history.
Why it matters: Light-throttle hesitation and shudder were reported on early cars and were often fixed with software. Persistent judder points at the clutches or the mechatronic unit, and later failures are mostly on cars that missed their gearbox oil changes.
Recalls by build date
What to look for: Before you travel, give the chassis number to an Audi dealer and ask whether all recalls are done.
Why it matters: Recalls on this Q3 include the bolted rod between the brake servo and brake pedal, which could loosen and affect the brakes, front seat frames that might not be correctly bolted to their rails, and trim on the engine that could come loose. Each was a dealer fix, and a car with them done is what you want.
Also in the full guide
- Coolant around the front of the 2.0 TFSI
- Diesel filter and AdBlue
- Infotainment and the digital dashboard
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the second-generation Q3
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.