Should you buy a used Audi A3 Mk2?

Yes, if you’re considering something like a VW Golf, SEAT Leon or Ford Focus for similar money. There’s a reason you still see so many of these Audis in daily use – it’s a comfortable and refined small hatchback and while it may not be as rewarding to drive as some similar hatches such as the Ford Focus or Volvo C30, it is available with a wide range of excellent petrol engines that offer good performance or economy.

It’s proved to be more robust and reliable than the C30 in particular, and easy access to tuning and modifications mean it has a solid base of enthusiast owners. Unlike the BMW 1-Series its front-wheel drive design should be better at coping with poor weather, but there’s always quattro (and proper winter tyres) if you live in an area where snow is frequent and roads aren’t always cleared.

The diesel models offer quick off-the-line performance and many are still simple enough to be long-lived and reliable with little more than regular oil changes and routine maintenance. However, they are not particularly green at the tailpipe, and restrictions on older diesels are being rolled out across the UK and Europe.

What we like

Simple, clean three-door styling has aged well and stands out, economical and fun small petrol models, refinement and performance from V6 quattro version

What we don’t like

A lot of badly-modified examples about, black paint & blacked-out windows fake-S3 image, neglected Haldex units, economical diesels only worth it for rural owners