Models · Audi
Audi S3 8V buying guide
The third S3, built from 2013 to 2020 as a three-door, Sportback, saloon and cabriolet, with an EA888 2.0 TFSI and quattro. It made 300PS at launch, 310PS from the 2016 facelift, and just under 300PS again from 2019 when a particulate filter was added.
The versions
- 2013 to 2016: 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder turbo (EA888, CJXC), 300PS
- 2016 facelift onwards: 310PS; just under 300PS from 2019 with a petrol particulate filter
- 6-speed manual (until the end of 2017) or 6-speed S tronic, replaced by a 7-speed S tronic at the facelift
- quattro four-wheel drive with a Haldex coupling, renewed at the facelift
- Three-door, five-door Sportback, saloon and cabriolet
What to check on a 8V S3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Coolant level above the maximum
What to look for: With the engine cold, look at the coolant expansion tank. Between the marks is normal. Coolant above the maximum mark is worth asking about.
Why it matters: Early cars had slow leaks from the thermostat housing, and Audi advised overfilling the coolant on affected cars. The leak is gradual, and complete failure from it is rare, but an overfilled tank tells you the car has had it.
The water pump
What to look for: Look in the history for a water pump replacement, and with a torch look for coolant deposits around the engine.
Why it matters: The 8V S3 uses chain-driven camshafts, so the water pump isn't changed along with a cambelt as on older engines. Pumps that have never been looked at can fail, so a record of replacement is reassuring on a higher-mileage car.
Rear-wheel drive engaging
What to look for: Pull away firmly from rest. If the traction control light flashes and the car feels as though it's holding back, note it. Look for Haldex oil changes in the history.
Why it matters: Early Haldex pumps could fail, which leaves the car running as front-wheel drive. Specialists suggest an oil change every 20,000 miles or two years. Only the correct Haldex fluid should be used; differential oil in the coupling stops it working.
Also in the full guide
- DSG servicing and cold behaviour
- Manual gearbox rattle
- Clunks from the rear (Magnetic Ride)
- The cam follower (earlier cars)
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 8V S3
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.