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Used 2016 Audi A3 Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
69 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 A3, so we've included reviews for other years of the A3 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Awesome convertible - Tricky transmission*

Ron Nascimento, 01/13/2017
updated 07/17/2018
2016 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

This is my first Audi. I had a VW Polo before that I really loved and this Audi rides even better (sure more power, better transmission....). My biggest concern about this car is the transmission while maneuvering. most specifically when shifting from Reverse to Drive, it always makes a funny noise and you can feel that something went wrong. After a while you get used to it and if you are patient enough to wait 3 seconds it wont happen. I was really surprise that nobody reported this issue on the previous reviews. Different from what most people say about not using the back seat, I have a 19 months baby that loves to ride with the top down. Yes, space is limited but you have to keep that in mind and use a larger car on longer trips. The quality of the materials are SUPERB!! Everything is extremely easy to use and perfectly located. Driving it on back roads is an awesome and relaxing experience. The short wheelbase, powerful engine and excellent suspension makes you feel like you are driving a Formula 1. It hugs the asphalt on every curve and the feedback from the steering wheel is outstanding. This is my 2nd year with the car and I'm loving everything about it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Truth in Egineering?

RS Yasuoka, 04/27/2015
updated 11/12/2019
2015 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
35 of 38 people found this review helpful

Unbelievable but the transmission had to be replaced. The car was not even driven off the dealer for a week. I had picked up the car on Sunday, driven it to work for a week and tooling around on Saturday when I notice the engine light came on followed shortly by a yellow warning message that the car's reverse gear may not be working but the car was considered drivable? Say what? I realized the car would not move past 3rd gear and started a high pitch whine in the transmission. Short story, the car was placed on a flatbed tow truck (AWD) and take back to the dealer. Monday afternoon I was told car needed new transmission and that it had to be shipped in. Battery has been replaced twice. Car would not start one night and had to be towed. Overall, in 39 months, Roadside assistance was called 4 times.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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2016 Audi A3 for sale near you
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2.75 out of 5 stars

Transmission Issues

ricksandoval, 09/25/2014
2015 Audi A3 1.8 TFSI Premium 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
48 of 53 people found this review helpful

I loved the car until it almost got me in an accident. Yes the car is very nice and fun to drive but be careful. I am currently extremely disappointed with purchase. The transmission on my weeks old 2015 A3 completely failed. Almost made me get in an accident because it stopped so suddenly. I was one block away from entering the freeway before it failed To make it worse, my just returned "fixed" A3 with a brand new transmission now makes a loud ticking noise & sounds like it's years old.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Goldilocks car: just right!

smerdyakov, 06/07/2016
updated 06/09/2017
2016 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus S Line quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful

I was considering trading my 2014 S4 for a 2017 A4, but the annoying center display and contradictory options packages eliminated the A4. I then turned to the A3, which I had thought would be too small: I was wrong, at least for the way I use my car (mostly local driving, usually only with one passenger). I bought a 2.0 Quattro Premium Plus with the sport package, and it accelerates much better than I expected, nearly as well as my S4 did (being smaller and much lighter helps in that regard). As one expects of Audi, the fit and finish, inside and out, is excellent. As far as driving dynamics are concerned, it is very responsive and nimble, feeling much like my Porsche Boxster. Given its smaller size, it may not suit those who have to carry a lot of cargo, or those who have to carry more than one passenger. It may also not be the best car for those who drive a lot of highway miles, due to its short wheelbase. Overall, however, I recommend it highly to those people looking for a sporty, high quality smaller car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

1st time Audi Owner/Love the TDI

dann902, 03/15/2015
2015 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium Plus 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

My last 2 vehicles have been BMWs. I was open to other German automakers and very interested in a diesel vehicle because of the fuel economy. I was also looking at the '15 328d, but ended up with the A3 as it was more affordable (also smaller). My last vehicle was a V8 550i with very poor gas mileage. Now with my new A3 TDI I am getting 45-48 mpg on my commute to work. The interior is very simple but elegant and uses high quality materials. I got the sport package and the sport seats are very comfortable. I am very happy with my purchase because I accompanied my goal of finding a vehicle that is very practical, fuel efficient, a luxury brand, and not too expensive. I highly recommend the A3

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