Used car buying guide: Audi RS3

The fact that the model spans just two years and, but for specials such as the Exclusive edition, was unchanged throughout that short time means year of registration is less important than condition, provenance and specification.

On that last point, from around £18,500 specifications improve noticeably with options such as wingback seats, Alcantara interior and the smarter diamond-cut rotor arm alloys making an appearance. From around £20,000, mileages are typically below 50,000.

There are few tuned ones around but specialists say a healthy engine is perfectly capable of handling an increase in power. Those we found were producing a claimed 400bhp, but keen drivers might prefer their RS3 to have more feelsome steering and a more agile chassis… As always, you can’t have everything.

How to get one in your garage

An owner's view

Anne Baker: “I bought my RS3 new in 2012 after running a Golf R32 from new. The Audi is perky but the R32 was more intense. It felt quicker off the line, too, and generally more responsive. The RS3 is quite sedate; you have to get it into the mood. But I can’t fault its reliability and it’s versatile. I’ve done 72,000 miles in it, packing it with people and luggage. Pressing on it does about 30mpg but I’ve seen almost 35mpg on the motorway. I’m selling it now for a Mercedes-AMG A35. I’ll be interested to see how the two compare.”

Buyer beware...

â–  Engine: Beware variable servicing history; 10,000-mile oil changes are best for chain and tensioner life. An early warning sign is rattling on start-up. The ignition coils can be troublesome. All five should be replaced together to ensure equal resistance.

â–  Transmission: Check the gearbox has been serviced at 40,000 miles with fresh oil and filters. Problems with the mechatronic unit should light up the PRNDS display. Check if the car was the subject of an update to the Haldex system in response to propshaft failures during launch. Listen and feel for drivetrain rumbles caused by multiple launches.

â–  Brakes: There was a campaign to fix squeaky brakes, the cure being Copaslip or, if necessary, new discs and pads. In any case, a used RS3 should be on its second or third set of brakes by now.

â–  Suspension and tyres: Clonks and looseness on poor surfaces suggest the bushes are giving up. Look underneath to check if the car was recalled to have deflector fins fitted to the front suspension arms, intended to direct cooling air to the brakes. The front tyres should be 235s (255s are okay), with smaller 225s on the rears.

â–  Bodywork: Corrosion is likely to be repair-related (front wings are CFRP). Check the scuttle drain holes are clear and that the tailgate seals are in good condition.

â–  Interior: Tough materials hide age and mileage very well, so do that mileage check and keep an eye out for warning lights.

Also worth knowing

To check the Haldex four-wheel-drive coupling is working, find a slippery patch and accelerate hard from a standstill. A flashing traction light, wheelspin and reduced power will suggest it isn’t. A decent scanning system will detect the fault codes. Changing the oil, servicing the pump, then performing the ‘pump learn’ procedure in basic settings may cure it.

How much to spend

£15,000-£17,999: Mixed bag of medium to high milers, the scuffed and the tuned. Not all bad.

£18,000-£18,999: Hotly contested price point with mileages between 50,000-80,000.

£19,000-£23,999: Mainly 35,000- to 50,000-mile cars, most described as ‘immaculate’ and some with rare options including wingback bucket seats. Includes a 2012/12-reg with 53,000 miles and full Audi service history for £19,995.

£24,000-£25,000: The best, sub-20,000-mile cars with stacks of kit.