Used Audi S3 for sale near Southampton
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Buying Advice
Audi S3 8P: The CarGurus Rating
Shop for Audi S3 8P »CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 370
Average Price: Around £23,000
FAQs
How much does the Audi S3 cost in Southampton?
How many Audi S3 vehicles in Southampton have no reported accidents or damage?
What fuel types are available?
4.8 Overall rating
Customers say
The Audi S3 is praised for its impressive performance and enjoyable driving experience, making it a favorite among drivers seeking a combination of power and comfort. Many appreciate its well-featured interior and value for money. However, some owners feel the pricing is a bit high, and there's a desire for improvements like better tires for enhanced aesthetics and ride quality.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews.
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What people say
Rellum M
Reviewed a 2016 Audi S3 on 18 Dec 2024
The car was even better than I had thought , clean inside and out . Definitely well priced aswell
Rich H
Reviewed a 2017 Audi S3 on 5 Aug 2025
Love the car and its performance, and yes, good value for money. This car's air con was not working, which is disappointing and frustrating.
Anonymous
Reviewed a 2014 Audi S3 on 8 Oct 2024
Great car, good power when you need it but also decent comfort would say it’s a great all rounder.
David C
Reviewed a 2017 Audi S3 on 21 Aug 2022
The car was nice, and lacked nothing other than 19” low profile tyres to make the look and ride of the vehicle more appealing.
Audi S3 Variants
| Variant type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| S3 Tfsi Quattro 333 Black Edition 5dr S Tronic | £44,740 |
Audi S3 price trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of Audi S3 prices has changed over time.
See more price trendsAudi S3 8P: CarGurus Buyer Insights
overall
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 370
Average Price: Around £23,100
Audi S3 (2006-2012) Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very quick, with the all-weather security of four-wheel drive | Not as exciting as a Ford Focus ST |
| Comfortable and capable on a long journey | Iffy reliability could lead to a big bill |
| Subtle good looks | Small boot means packing light |
Quick Summary
The Audi S3 (2006-2012), known as the S3 8P, is an understated yet potent hot hatch that delivers impressive performance without shouting about it. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI petrol engine producing 265bhp, it accelerates from 0-60mph in just 5.6 seconds with 258lb ft of torque available from 2,500rpm. The quattro four-wheel drive system provides exceptional all-weather grip and stability, making it a composed and rapid point-to-point performer. A 2008 facelift introduced the five-door Sportback variant and optional six-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, alongside an updated quattro system.
The S3 offers a premium cabin with excellent build quality and a comfortable driving position, though the 281-litre boot (three-door) or 302-litre (Sportback) means packing light for longer trips. Running costs are reasonable for a performance car, with servicing available through Audi's fixed-price plan. However, potential buyers should be aware of reliability concerns and budget for significant maintenance items, including cambelt changes every 70,000 miles and S tronic fluid changes every 40,000 miles. Fuel economy averages around 26mpg in real-world driving. The S3 delivers mature, composed performance rather than raw thrills, making it ideal for those seeking a capable, classy performance car.
Best for: Drivers seeking a rapid, composed performance car with premium looks and all-weather security, those prioritising comfort and long-distance capability, and buyers wanting understated performance.
Not ideal for: Enthusiasts seeking raw excitement comparable to a Ford Focus ST, those concerned about potential reliability issues, or buyers needing a spacious boot for regular long trips.
Comparison vs Key Rivals
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S3 | 3/5 | 4.8/5 | 28.9% | 4.1/5 |
| Kia Sportage | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 39.2% | 4.6/5 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 5/5 | 5.0/5 | 35.9% | 4.5/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf Mk6 | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 36.8% | 4.5/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the S3 if: You seek a rapid, composed performance car with premium looks and all-weather security, prioritise comfort and long-distance capability, or want understated performance without ostentation.
Consider alternatives if: You desire raw excitement comparable to a Ford Focus ST, are concerned about potential reliability issues, or require a spacious boot for regular long trips.
Competitive Position: The Audi S3 (2006-2012) is a mature, capable performance car that excels in delivering composed speed and premium comfort. Whilst it may lack the raw thrills of rivals like the Ford Focus ST or the practicality of larger SUVs, its combination of four-wheel drive security, sophisticated engineering, and understated styling makes it an excellent choice for discerning buyers seeking refined performance. The S3 represents a different philosophy to hot hatch ownership—one that prioritises composure and capability over outright excitement, appealing to those who value long-distance comfort alongside genuine performance credentials.
Read our full Audi S3 Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
