The Audi A3 is Audi’s smallest sedan and is well-known for having luxury features, cushioned rides, and a selection of turbocharged engines.
The A3 is a slick, stylish subcompact family car introduced first in 1996, manufactured and marketed by the infamous German automobile maker Audi AG.
Before purchase, you should do research about Audi A3 Reliability, its longevity and other factors. Keep reading to learn more about the Audi A3.
Audi A3 Specs
The Audi A3 offers one petrol engine of 1968 cc, and it uses an automatic transmission. There are in total of 4 cylinders and 16 valves per cylinder.
A3 is a sedan that can seat five people comfortably and comes with many safety features. Child safety locks, passenger-side seat-belt reminder, and high-speed alert system, it has got all.
This car is also packed with many advanced technologies regarding comfort for the consumer, such as Apple CarPlay, infotainment screen, walk away auto car lock, and many others.
The Audi A3 is perfect for people who want a small car with more facilities.
How Long Does the Audi A3 Last?
Proper maintenance and smooth driving will get your Audi A3 to last up to 200,000 miles or even more sometimes before requiring extensive repairs.
If you drive your car an average of 13,500 miles per year, the A3 can provide service for up to 10 to 15 years.
To take care of your car correctly means 5K oil changes, 100K changes for the timing belt, water pump, suspension parts, and 50K transmission fluid changes.
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Audi A3 Reliability: Is the Audi A3 a Reliable Car?
According to RepairPal, Audi A3 has a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, which is 4th out of 17 for compact luxury cars.
On average, owners have to bring their vehicles to a repair shop 0.7 times for compact luxury cars, and for an Audi A3, the frequency of getting the car for repair is 0.5 times.
Audi A3 vehicles have a 9% probability of needing repair due to severe issues, which is less than the probability for average luxury compact cars.
Overall, the Audi A3 is a pretty reliable car, according to various consumer reports and surveys hosted by different websites.
Reliability Scores of the Audi A3 and Other Vehicles
Car Models | Reliability Scores |
| Lexus IS | 86/100 |
BMW 4 Series | 85/100 |
| Lexus RC | 83/100 |
Audi A3 | 82/100 |
| Acura ILX | 81/100 |
BMW 2 Series | 81/100 |
| INFINITI Q50 | 80/100 |
BMW 3 Series | 80/100 |
| Genesis G70 | 78/100 |
Mercedes-Benz CLA | 75/100 |
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How Long Does the Audi A3 Last Compare to Similar Vehicles?
Comparing the Audi A3 with vehicles of the same category will give you a clearer idea about its longevity and some factors.
Audi A3 vs. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a collection of wonderful sedans that promises to deliver a comfortable ride and consists of advanced technology.
A typical BMW 3 Series vehicle will last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance, more than the miles expected from an Audi A3.
When dealing with luxury vehicles, maintenance costs are bound to be high. The BMW 3 has a maintenance cost of $773, and Audi A3 costs $741 on average.
As reported by Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 4.0 out of 5 and gets 63% recommendation. As for the Audi A3, the Consumer Rating is 5 out of 5 and 100% recommendation.
According to J.D. Power, judging for quality and reliability, the A3 scores 82 and the 3 Series gets 80 out of 100.
Reliability ratings for both vehicles are fantastic, but the BMW 3 Series takes the trophy regarding handling.
Audi A3 vs. Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 is an executive sedan produced by Genesis’s Korean luxury automobile maker.
When it comes to miles, both G70 and A3 can be expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Considering the Genesis G70 is a luxury vehicle, it does not have high-cost maintenance. Only $565 annually is enough for the G70’s servicing.
Kelley Blue Book rates the G70 4.9 out of 5, and has 98% recommendation, whereas the A3 gets 5 out of 5 and 100% recommendation.
J.D. Power scores the Genesis G70 78 out of 100, and Audi A3 receives 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Passengers might feel a bit more squished in the Audi A3 than in the Genesis G70.
Audi A3 vs. Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a compact car marketed and manufactured since 2000 by the Swedish automaker Volvo Cars.
Volvo S60 can be expected to last for an average of 250,000 miles or up to 15 years, more than the anticipated miles from A3.
The annual maintenance cost for a Volvo S60 is $750 on average, similar to the maintenance cost for an Audi A3, $741.
Volvo S60 gets 4.2 out of 5 Consumer Rating and 83% recommendation from Kelley Blue Book.
According to J.D. Power, the S60 scores 77 out of 100, and A3 gets 82 out of 100 regarding quality and reliability.
The Volvo S60 offers more power advantage than the Audi A3.
Comparison Chart
Car Models | Audi A3 | BMW 3 Series | Genesis G70 | Volvo S60 |
Expected Miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles | 250,000 miles |
Annual Maintenance Cost | $741 | $773 | $565 | $750 |
Kelley Blue Book Ratings | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
J.D. Power Scores | 82/100 | 80/100 | 78/100 | 77/100 |
Price Range | Starts from $33,900 | Starts from $41,450 | Starts from $37,525 | Starts from $38,950 |
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Best and Worst Years of Performance for Audi A3
Like any other car, the Audi A3 is imperfect and has had its fair share of ups and downs.
Best Years
The 2020 A3 comes with four engine options and an extensive list of available features. The lineup gained some minor changes, but the convertible option was excluded.
If you are searching for a compact sedan with modern amenities and many safety features, the 2016 Audi A3 is a good pick. Pre-owned 2016 A3 cars are also reliable.
2019 Audi A3 model is identical to the 2020 model in styling, performance, and safety. The RS 3 performance model is also available in this lineup.
Worst Years
The 2015 model of Audi A3 had one of the worst ratings and many complaints, mostly related to the engine. This model does not have a good reliability rating.
2016 A3 model had bad ratings due to exterior accessory issues, and in-car electronics were not up to the mark. The model also had problems with the transmission.
For the 2009 Audi A3 model, the fuel and braking system caused significant issues.
Audi A6 Model Years and their Reliability Ratings
Audi A3 Model Years | Reliability Ratings |
| 2006 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.8/5 |
2007 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.7/5 |
| 2008 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.8/5 |
2009 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.2/5 |
| 2010 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.8/5 |
2011 Audi A3 Reliability | 4/5 |
| 2012 Audi A3 Reliability | 5/5 |
2013 Audi A3 Reliability | 5/5 |
| 2014 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.4/5 |
2015 Audi A3 Reliability | 3.8/5 |
| 2016 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.6/5 |
2017 Audi A3 Reliability | 5/5 |
| 2018 Audi A3 Reliability | 3.7/5 |
2019 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.7/5 |
| 2020 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.3/5 |
2021 Audi A3 Reliability | 4.9/5 |
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Are Audi A3 Vehicles Expensive to Maintain?
The annual maintenance cost for an Audi A3 is $741 on average, so it has a high maintenance cost. Repair and service costs change depending on mileage, age, location, and shop.
Audi A3 has a 13% chance of requiring a significant repair during its first ten years of service and ownership.
Below is listed some of the Audi A3 repair and replacement parts and their costs.
| Audi A3 Parts Repair/Replacement | Costs |
| Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement | $299-$339 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $66-$83 |
| Coolant Change | $126-$159 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement | $1634-$1685 |
| Air Conditioning Evaporator Temperature Sensor Replacement | $206-$246 |
| Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection | $55-$69 |
| Automatic Trans Shift Cable Replacement | $587-$687 |
| Suspension Control Arm Bushings Replacement | $227-$273 |
| Engine Compression Test | $133-$168 |
| Air Bag Crash Sensor Replacement | $477-$501 |
How Long Does the Audi A3 Tires Last?
The typical Audi A3 tires should last between 25,000 to 50,000 miles or somewhere between 2 to 4 years, depending on the type of tires and driving habits.
Audi recommends replacing your tires every six years on average. Rotating the tires every 5,000 miles will prevent uneven wear and tear.
How Long Does the Audi A3 Brake Pads Last?
Audi A3 brake pads are expected to last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on driving habits.
If you often commute in heavy traffic and use the brakes for hard braking, the brake pads will need to be inspected by a mechanic frequently.
How Long Does the Audi A3 Engine Last?
Modern vehicles like the Audi A3 engines should last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles with little maintenance and careful handling.
To get the most life out of any vehicle, regular servicing and paying attention to the car’s needs should be sufficient.
Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Audi A3
- Wash your vehicle and rust-proof the undercarriage to protect it from rust and corrosion.
- Limit frequent short trips as it does not let the battery recharge properly.
- Try to store your vehicle under a shade at all times to protect it from unknown elements.
- Avoid installing any enhancement equipment to the car.
- Towing more than the recommended weight is bad for the vehicle’s condition.
- Have a mechanic inspect your vehicle often to check for any serious issues.
- Only use branded and good-quality parts and fluids.
- It is essential to stick to the maintenance schedules.
We hope this article has helped you with any questions regarding an Audi A3.
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