Audi Q3 8U facelift 2.0 TDI, 120 PS, 6-speed manual (2015–2018)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Audi Q3 8U (2011-2018): known problems and buying guide

  Mostly sound, with no confirmed engine failure; check the Haldex coupling, the S tronic shifts and the recall campaigns before you buy.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. On a lift, check the stabilizer links and front silent blocks for play. On older cars, check the springs. Bad result: play in the links or bushes, or a broken spring. No scanner needed.
2. Look through the wheels at the brake discs. Bad result: deep grooves, rust or discs worn to the limit. No scanner needed.
3. At night, switch on the xenon lights and watch for flicker. Look inside the lamps for fog or moisture. Bad result: flicker, or moisture behind the lens. A fix needs a workshop.
4. Open the fuel flap with the release, then with the emergency cable. Bad result: a stiff or seized release, or a flap the cable cannot open. No scanner needed.
5. Stop and start the engine at traffic lights several times. Bad result: the start-stop fails to restart the engine or cuts out. Ask a dealer to check it.
6. Ask a dealer for all open recall campaigns by VIN, including the brake light and LED indicator updates. Bad result: an open campaign. The repair is free.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions