Used Audi Q3 for sale nearPreston

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,400
Average Price: Around £18,500

Audi Q3 (2011-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Typical high-quality Audi interior	Cramped rear seats and small boot
Good-looking exterior design	Scary thirst if you choose the high-performance RS
Agile handling and a comfortable ride	Not as reliable as it could be

Quick Summary

The Audi Q3 (2011-2017) is a highly desirable compact SUV that combines premium badge appeal with impressive driving dynamics. As the smallest and most affordable in Audi's Q-range, it delivers class-leading cabin quality with high-quality materials and assembly. The first-generation Q3 offers nimble handling with strong grip and tight body control, making it feel more like a hatchback than an SUV. The ride remains smooth most of the time, absorbing lumps and bumps effectively, whilst the engine range includes impressive options with excellent perkiness, refinement and economy. The dashboard layout is intuitive with well-marked buttons and a slick rotary dial controller, making the infotainment system easy to use.

Running costs are competitive with rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, with the most efficient 2.0 TDI 140 manual returning around 54mpg according to official figures. Vehicle Excise Duty varies between £30 and £265 depending on engine choice and registration date, whilst insurance groupings range from 18 to 43. However, the rear seats are cramped for fully-grown adults, and the 420-litre boot is relatively small compared to larger SUVs. The Q3 is not the most affordable small SUV, but it does feel worth the premium you pay for its prestige, style and quality.

Best for: Buyers seeking style, image and prestige, those prioritising cabin quality and driving refinement, and individuals or couples without large families.

Not ideal for: Families needing spacious rear seating and large boot capacity, budget-conscious buyers, or those seeking maximum practicality over premium appeal.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Q3 if: You're seeking style, image and prestige, prioritising cabin quality and driving refinement, or looking for an agile and comfortable compact SUV for individuals or couples.

Consider alternatives if: You need spacious rear seating and large boot capacity, are budget-conscious, or require maximum practicality over premium appeal.

Competitive Position: The Audi Q3 (2011-2017) is a strong contender in the compact SUV market, outperforming its main rivals on expert rating and overall CarGurus rating. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class lags behind on expert rating, the BMW X1 offers a middle ground. The Q3 excels in delivering premium quality, agile handling and a comfortable ride, making it the standout choice for buyers prioritising prestige and refinement. However, it's not the most practical option for families, and reliability concerns should be considered. For those seeking practicality alongside quality, the Ford Focus Mk3 offers an alternative, though it lacks the SUV styling and premium badge appeal.

Read our full Audi Q3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.