Used Audi RS3 for sale: everything you need to know

The Audi RS3 sits near the top of the tree when it comes to fast family cars. It packs an immense turn of speed into a car that can still be used every day on the school run.

That said, there is no shortage of alternative hot hatchbacks on sale. The Mercedes A-Class based AMG A45 S is the closest in pace and price to the Audi RS3. The BMW M135i (and M235i couple) - based on the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series - offer a similarly premium experience, but without the extreme horsepower of the Audi. 

The cheaper Volkswagen Golf R does share some parts with the Audi RS3, but the Audi justifies its higher price tag with more agility and performance. Audi’s lesser Audi S3 is also fast and fun, but without the USP of a five-cylinder engine. 

Combining sports speed with the practicality of a family car, the Audi RS3 has plenty of appeal. You just need to choose whether to buy or lease one in five-door Sportback or four-door Saloon format. Take a look at an Audi RS3 for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer. 

Should you buy an Audi RS3? 

The Audi A3 has become a hugely successful premium hatchback and saloon. Turning it into a flame-spitting performance car is surely a good move, at least from our point of view, especially when it still has room for all the family. 

Such a combination of speed and practicality means you can buy or lease a new Audi RS3 without the need to compromise. It includes plenty of the latest technology on the inside, bold styling on the outside, and the image of quality and dependability that Audi is renowned for.

Yet all of this feels secondary to the experience of driving the Audi RS3. Whether in Sportback or Saloon format, it delivers unending acceleration, aided by Audi’s surefooted quattro all-wheel-drive system. A standard seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission offers rapid gearshifts, and it steers with an impressively high level of agility and feedback. Even the ride quality is acceptable for such a quick car. 

The soulful 400PS engine is the star of the show, but the Audi RS3’s cabin will make almost as much of an impression. Nappa leather seats provide cosseting luxury, while a digital dashboard and Audi’s MMI multimedia touchscreen deliver all the technology you could want. 

Arguably the biggest choice will be whether to opt for the five-door Sportback or the four-door Saloon version. Both are practical for young families, although the Saloon has narrower access to its luggage space. Both models are highly desirable, and make a strong case for the Audi RS3 above its rivals.

If you want one of the fastest hot hatchbacks (or compact saloons) around, the Audi RS3 makes a compelling case for itself. Whether buying new or used, the Audi RS3 delivers magnificent performance, matched with the reassuring traction of Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. 

In fact, as Audi upped the level of driver engagement in the Audi RS3 from 2022 onwards, it has very few weaknesses. It may appear relatively expensive for a compact car, but it is competitively priced when compared with rivals like the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. The cheaper Volkswagen Golf R lacks the Audi’s interior quality, and does without its characterful five-cylinder engine. As a result, buying or leasing an Audi RS3 is a compelling proposition.

An Audi RS3 not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used Audi RS3 model to buy?

There's only one Audi RS3 (that's not a football chant...), so your choice comes down to which trim level you can afford. 

If you're restricted to a used base model RS3, try seeking out one that's had the RS sports exhaust fitted (or even better the adaptive dampers). Really, if you can stretch to it we'd be going with a Carbon Black, Launch Edition or Vorsprung model, however. It's already expensive anyway so you might as well go all-out...

Used Audi RS3 fuel economy and performance

• Audi RS3 2.5 TFSI Quattro: The Audi RS3 makes use of Audi’s hugely impressive and charming five-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine. It sounds incredible through the sports exhaust, and produces a mighty 400PS, which results in a 0-62mph time of less than four seconds. Claimed fuel economy is up to 29.7mpg. All versions come with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, combined with Audi’s trademark quattro all-wheel-drive setup.

What used Audi RS3 trim levels are available?

• Audi RS3: Calling this the entry-level version of the Audi RS3 feels a little unkind, as it comes with a wealth of premium features. Big 19-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, Nappa leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control and satellite navigation are all included. Don’t forget the Audi RS body kit and performance exhaust, too.
• Audi RS3 Audi Sport Edition: The Audi Sport Edition adds a black styling pack to the windows, grille and rear diffuser of the standard RS3. The wheels are painted in anthracite and you get a panoramic glass sunroof too.
• Audi RS3 Carbon Black: For those who prefer their performance cars with a stealthier appearance, the Audi RS3 Carbon Black takes a literal approach to painting everything black. All exterior trim and badges get the ‘noir’ treatment, while the interior benefits from plenty of carbon fibre trim. LED Matrix headlights are also standard.
• Audi RS3 Vorsprung: The range-topping Audi RS3 Vorsprung combines the gloss-black styling elements of the Carbon Black model with extra luxuries. These include features like adaptive suspension and a reversing camera, plus the speed limiter is raised from 155mph to 174mph. Go easy out there…

Used Audi RS3 dimensions and boot size

The Audi RS3’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4389mm (Saloon: 4542mm)
• Width: 1851mm
• Height: 1436mm (Saloon: 1412mm)
• Ground clearance: TBA

The Audi RS3’s boot size is:

• Sportback: 282 litres; Saloon: 321 litres
• 1104 litres with rear seats folded

Used Audi RS3 road tax

All Audi RS3s cost more than £40,000 new, which means they're hit with the additonal rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) for five years after the car's registration date. That means an annual tax bill of £570.

How much is it to insure an Audi RS3? 

Despite the huge level of performance on offer, insurance groups for the Audi RS3 are not as high as you might fear. The base Audi RS3 is listed as insurance group 35 (out of 50), with the Audi RS3 Carbon Black stretching things to group 37. Going all-out with the Audi RS3 Vorsprung sees costs increase to insurance group 40. These groups are the same, regardless of whether you buy a 2022 Audi RS3 in Sportback or Saloon format. 

Read our full Audi RS3 review