Audi Q3 F3 35 TFSI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual (2018–2025)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Audi Q3 F3 (2018-2025): known problems and buying guide

  Usable buy if the panoramic roof is dry and the 2022 rear window recall is checked; listen to the front end on a rough road.

• Engine guide VW 1.5 TSI and eTSI (EA211 evo) petrol: problems, costs and what to check

  Cold-start judder, oil use, coolant leaks and 48 V faults are the risks, so buy a late car with software and service records and check the oil and coolant.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Press the carpets and footwells on both sides, and look at the roof lining near the mirrors. Bad result: any damp carpet, water stain or musty smell.
2. Open the panoramic roof and press the seal edge at the front and rear. Bad result: a gap in the foam tape or a seal that is not flush. A seal fix needs a workshop.
3. Drive over a rough road with the windows shut and listen to the front end. Bad result: knocks over bumps or squeaks from the front. No scanner needed.
4. Ask for the front brake history and check the discs and pads. Bad result: discs or pads due soon, or a wear warning on the dashboard. No scanner needed.
5. Ask a dealer to check the 2022 rear window campaign by VIN. Bad result: an open campaign. The repair is free.
6. Ask a dealer for all open recall campaigns by VIN. Bad result: any open campaign. No scanner needed.

From the engine guide

1. Oil use (no scanner). Check the dipstick and top-up history. Bad: low level, blue smoke, or ring work without an invoice.
2. ACT and camshaft (scanner). Listen for a shudder when the engine switches from two to four cylinders, and read faults. Bad: constant shudder, EPC light, or camshaft codes.
3. Coolant (no scanner). Check the level cold; look for white residue or a sweet smell near the thermostat module. Bad: low level, stains, weak cabin heat.
4. Particulate filter (scanner). On a short-trip car, read soot load and GPF codes. Bad: GPF lamp or regeneration faults.
5. Cold start (scanner). Start stone cold; pull away in 1st and 2nd. Bad: judder between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm. Ask for the update record; a scanner shows the ECU version.
6. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 24ER, 24EV or 24EP campaign.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions