Audi RS3 Best and Worst Years

Audi RS3 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

There is almost no better option than an Audi RS3 if you’re looking for an opulent pocket rocket that can serve as a race car on the weekend and a sports sedan during the week.

The only issue is that, when all the extras are added up, a new Audi RS3 might cost more than $60,000 on average.

But, since the vehicle has been on the market for a while, you can find one for a decent chunk less than the sticker price if you look at the secondhand market.

And what are the best and worst years for the Audi RS3, in case you’re debating purchasing one?

Audi RS3 Best and Worst Years
Audi RS3 Best and Worst Years

Are you an Audi Car Fan? Maybe you want to check this out: reliability of Audi

VIDEO: The Audi RS3 Buyers Guide

The Audi RS3 Buyers Guide

Audi RS3 Best and Worst Years

There is no universal agreement on which years were the greatest and worst for the Audi RS3. However, Motor Biscuit advises purchasing a pre-owned Audi RS3 might be wise. The 2023 Audi RS3 was rated as the greatest one yet by Top Gear. In a comprehensive assessment of the 2019 model, Meticulist.net claims that Audi’s technology may be among the best. Car Throttle discusses their long-term test of the RS3 Saloon. To aid purchasers in making educated decisions, The Car Wizard’s YouTube channel has a video explaining frequent issues with the Audi RS3.

Audi RS3’s Overview

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Audi RS3’s Overview

The Audi RS3 is an appealing option if you often adhere to the maxim that life is too short to drive boring cars—we do, too.

The A3 line’s boiling, bubbling bowl of oatmeal is the 401-hp RS3. The base 201-hp A3 and even the 306-hp S3 are lukewarm porridge in comparison.

Together with its remarkable herd of horses, the RS3’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine pushes out 369 pound-feet of heat and transfers it to all four wheels via a snappy-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The RS3 exudes a strong bad-boy attitude in its exterior styling, interior arrangement, and aerodynamic features. The RS3’s excellent acceleration, deceleration, agility, stability, and driving thrills support its unmistakable message.

Especially for you Audi RS4 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

What has changed for 2023?

The Audi RS3 was released as a brand-new vehicle in 2022 and is a carryover from that model year. Therefore it doesn’t undergo any updates.

The 2023 RS3 has just a single trim level with a few choices. If we specify our car, the Daytona Gray Pearl Effect paint will work well with the carbon fiber extras in the Carbon Package.

In addition, we’d choose the RS Sport exhaust system with black tips, Pirelli P Zero Troffer R summer tires, and the optional RS Technology Package, mainly for the Bang & Olufsen Sound System.

Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other

The RS3’s odd five-cylinder engine, which Audi nerds know is reminiscent of the brand’s Group B rally vehicles and many of its earlier street-able models, is one of its most distinctive features.

The unusual number of cylinders in the engine gives it a distinctive thrumming tone that was especially enjoyable in the previous model and is still present in the new one.

The most recent version has a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 401 horsepower, seven more than the previous RS3 model.

The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers rapid upshifts, but the paddle shifters are preferable for grabbing quick downshifts during spirited driving. An all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a drift mode is standard.

The sportiest three sports improved brakes, several reworked chassis parts, a firmer suspension configuration, and a unique set of wheels with stickier performance tires compared to the less sporty A3 and S3.

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The RS3 we drove made thrilling noises, and the racetrack showed how feisty the vehicle was.

Also, it maintained its composure and comfort while driving slowly on public roads, even though it hums with an underlying sense of urgency at all speeds.

At our test track, the RS3 surpassed the quarter-mile mark in just 11.8 seconds at 117 mph, and we recorded an astonishingly rapid 3.3-second run to 60 mph.

Fuel efficiency and actual MPG

For the 2023 model year, we anticipate the RS3 to maintain its current EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The 2022 RS3 surpassed its EPA estimate with a 33 mpg performance on our 75 mph fuel economy route as part of our rigorous testing procedure. See the EPA website for additional details regarding the RS3’s fuel efficiency.

Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior

The RS3’s interior is identical to the A3 and S3, although its front seats are more heavily bolstered. All models of Audi come with a dashboard that is everything but boring.

The driver’s side and the instrument panel binnacle, which contains a set of digital gauges, are flanked by a pair of high-mounted air vents. A heads-up display is also available for the RS3.

Climate controls with physical buttons are located below the center touchscreen, and a bin beneath them is part of the center console.

However, a strange, stubby shifter is required for gear selection; once the RS3 moves, paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide an alternative.

Connectivity and Information

The RS3’s 10.1-inch touchscreen is situated in the dashboard’s center and is based on the infotainment system used by the A3 and S3.

It can be managed through voice instructions, buttons on the steering wheel, and touch inputs.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. Furthermore, built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot with a subscription model, and wireless phone charging are available.

Why Purchasing a Used Audi RS3 Could Be a Wonderful Choice

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Why Purchasing a Used Audi RS3 Could Be a Wonderful Choice

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The Audi RS3 retains its value admirably.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to locate an Audi RS3 in the $20,000 to $30,000 bracket. A nationwide Autotrader search will show that most used specimens sell between $40,000 and $50,000 for 2017 vehicles and between $50,000 and $60,000 for subsequent models.

Even so, that’s still a terrific value, given that the original sticker price was often reduced by about 16 percent. That also implies that the RS3 maintains its value well, so if you purchase one, it will still be worth most of what you paid if you decide to sell it.

Its approximate horsepower is 400.

The primary reason anyone would purchase an Audi RS3 is its vast power output, in addition to its responsive handling and interior designed with racing in mind. So how does a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged engine sound with 394 horsepower?

Conceptually, it sounds fantastic, but hearing those five cylinders roar to life while applying strong acceleration is magnificent. Even better, according to Audi, that magnificent engine will propel the RS3 from a complete stop to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

You get a solid warranty when you purchase a certified used model.

It’s a good thing that the older Audi RS3 model you can find on the used market was produced in 2017 because it still qualifies for Audi’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program.

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All Audi CPO vehicles are sold with an extended warranty for up to 12 months with unlimited mileage and undergo a more thorough 300+ point examination.

Although repairs can be costly, we recommend purchasing an Audi with as much guarantee as possible. The RS3 is unquestionably no exception.

Performance for a low price

The Audi RS3 is a fantastic option if you’re searching for a quick, compact sedan that can easily outperform many more expensive sports cars.

While it’s quick enough to handle any racetrack or dragstrip you want to take it through on the weekends, it’s also practical enough to fit your family inside and run your errands.

In addition, it is a beautiful car that will make you happy for years.

How Safe is an Audi RS3

The IIHS, NHTSA, and Euro NCAP have given the Audi RS3 outstanding safety ratings. In addition, the Automobile Expert gave the 2021 model a 4 out of 5 expert safety grade, with excellent ratings in both adult and kid protection.

The NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings and cutting-edge safety features of two Audi RS3 automobiles are detailed on Car Trouble Zoo. These findings support the notion that the Audi RS3 is a particular vehicle.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

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How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

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Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Audi RS3 FAQ’s

What year makes an Audi RS3 the best?

Our top recommendation for used Audi RS vehicles on a tight budget is the Audi RS3 Sportback (2011–2012). It’s one of the most popularly utilized Audi RS vehicles on the market thanks to its balance of handling, performance, and utility. It’s even more affordable than some contemporary hatchbacks!

Are Audi RS3s trustworthy?

The RS3 is a lot of fun to drive, and it appears that most owners are pleased with how dependable this car is. The RS3 is a little Audi that comes equipped with a number of high-end features and a powerful engine.

Are Audi RS3s reliable vehicles?

On the proper kind of road, the RS3 is an excellent vehicle that can be used considerably more of the year than more exotic alternatives.

Is the Audi RS3 a reliable first vehicle?

The RS3 isn’t the finest car for new drivers, despite its small size. It is highly strong, which will increase insurance rates, and it is also quite pricey, making it outside the means of the majority of drivers.

The quickest Audi RS3 is which one?

The 2022 Audi RS 3 is the quickest sedan in the compact class after shattering records on the Nürburgring with a blazing lap time of 7:40.748 minutes.

Lead Writer and Editor at Discover Seldric | + posts

John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer

Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.

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