Used Audi S3 for sale near Southend-On-Sea
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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: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £23,000
FAQs
How much does the Audi S3 cost in Southend-On-Sea?
How many Audi S3 vehicles in Southend-On-Sea have no reported accidents or damage?
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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
Errol 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: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £23,000
Audi S3 8P (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 8P (2006-2012) is an understated yet formidable performance hatchback that delivers genuine speed and composure. Powered by a 265bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine, it accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds and benefits from Audi's renowned quattro four-wheel drive system, providing exceptional all-weather grip and stability. The cabin is restrained yet stylish with top-notch materials and excellent build quality, though the 281-litre boot (302 litres in the Sportback) requires careful packing for longer journeys. A 2008 facelift introduced the five-door Sportback variant and optional S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission alongside the standard six-speed manual.
The S3 excels as a long-distance cruiser, combining meaty performance with a mature, composed driving experience. However, potential reliability issues warrant careful inspection before purchase, and running costs can be substantial—cambelt changes at 70,000 miles cost around £745, whilst S tronic fluid changes every 40,000 miles cost £225. Fuel economy averages around 26mpg in real-world driving, rising to 31mpg on motorway runs. Insurance sits in group 36 of 50, and Vehicle Excise Duty ranges from £305 to £330 depending on specification. Despite these considerations, a well-maintained example offers a satisfying blend of performance, refinement, and premium appeal.
Best for: Drivers seeking rapid, composed long-distance performance with four-wheel drive security, those valuing understated premium looks, and buyers wanting a mature alternative to more thrilling hot hatches.
Not ideal for: Those prioritising driving excitement over composure, buyers concerned about potential reliability issues, or those 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 8P | 3/5 | 4.8/5 | 33.1% | 4.1/5 |
| Kia Sportage | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 41.9% | 4.6/5 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 5/5 | N/A | 58.6% | 4.1/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf Mk6 | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 37.3% | 4.5/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the S3 8P if: You seek rapid, composed long-distance performance with four-wheel drive security, value understated premium looks, or want a mature alternative to more thrilling hot hatches.
Consider alternatives if: You prioritise driving excitement over composure, are concerned about potential reliability issues, or need a spacious boot for regular long trips.
Competitive Position: The Audi S3 8P (2006-2012) remains a compelling choice for performance-minded buyers seeking composure and refinement over outright thrills. Whilst rivals like the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 offer comparable ratings and the Kia Sportage boasts superior value, the S3 8P distinguishes itself through its potent turbocharged engine, quattro four-wheel drive system, and premium cabin quality. However, potential reliability concerns and higher running costs mean careful inspection and budgeting are essential. For those valuing understated performance and long-distance capability, the S3 8P delivers a mature, satisfying ownership experience that justifies its premium positioning.
Read our full Audi S3 Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
