Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 184bhp - advice

[Anneke2013]

I'm going to look at an Audi Q3 2.0 TDI [184] Quattro S Line Plus 5dr on Monday. Super excited as it is a manual with full leather which has been super hard to find.

I'm buying from an Audi dealership so it is Audi Approved

Is there anything you guys (and gals) would advice me to look out for or a question I should be asking? The only things I could think of is asking about servicing.

I just didn't know if there is any known issues I should be aware of. Thank you

[Adrian E]

Check that the spec actually matches the advert - assume nothing has been done just because it's Audi approved used - still need to go over it with a fine toothed comb, and check the service history stacks up in terms of it being done when it should be. Also check for previous bodywork repairs and that they're of an acceptable standard if you find any.

Check tyres and brakes for life left in them - it'll pass the approved used check with little life left in either, but more of a bargaining tool on price than something you're likely to get them to replace for you.

Basically don't treat it as any less likely to have hidden/dodgy history, or be mis-described, than a car bought from a non-franchised dealer. Most of their stock comes via VWFS and the dealer doesn't know what condition it's in until it shows up on a transporter

[Anneke2013]

Adrian E said:

Check that the spec actually matches the advert - assume nothing has been done just because it's Audi approved used - still need to go over it with a fine toothed comb, and check the service history stacks up in terms of it being done when it should be. Also check for previous bodywork repairs and that they're of an acceptable standard if you find any.

Check tyres and brakes for life left in them - it'll pass the approved used check with little life left in either, but more of a bargaining tool on price than something you're likely to get them to replace for you.

Basically don't treat it as any less likely to have hidden/dodgy history, or be mis-described, than a car bought from a non-franchised dealer. Most of their stock comes via VWFS and the dealer doesn't know what condition it's in until it shows up on a transporter

Thanks for the heads up! You are right I just assumed because it is part of Audi (although franchised) that it would all be as described.

I did ask about the bodywork before making the appointment and was assured they're not allowed to sell anything that isn't basically perfect and that the tyres need 3.5mm of thread.

But know I will definitely make sure to check everything out.

[Adrian E]

They’ll lie through their teeth to get you on site - I went to view an S5 Sportback at a main dealer on the far side of the M25 from me, described as ‘immaculate and never accident damaged’

Dings in every panel and clear evidence of a replacement front wing and poor panel alignment. Told me the wing had been off the car to replace the washer bottle (yeah, right!)

Heard lots of horror stories of cars way more expensive than that too - just walk in with eyes open and assume nothing

[loskie]

Look at a Q5 instead they are far nicer but not available as a manual

[Anneke2013]

loskie said:

Look at a Q5 instead they are far nicer but not available as a manual

I think you might be right. I thought the Q3 was the same size as my Kia but it is a lot smaller. Was not that impressed with it either. Might be too fussy!

[loskie]

I went and drove both a completely different driving experience. It was a base Q3 with 150 BHP derv I think, didnt feel anything like premium. Price wise too there was nowt in it but this was in Feb pre covid.
In fact Q5 Sport worked out the same price as top spec Karoq Scout. Audi were far more generous on the discount than Skoda.