Audi is one of Germany’s most luxurious car brands. The four-ringed emblem turns heads when it’s cruising down the road. Indeed owning an Audi is a dream for many, but the steep price tag has been a deterrent for prospective buyers.
A 2022 Audi Q3 would leave you short of $35,900 (the starting MSRP). Luckily, there’s a solution for those who crave to own a subcompact crossover Audi but are unwilling to part with $30K or more. A used 2017 Audi Q3 from the last generation should cost you $25,000 at most.
As there aren’t any significant changes between the 2015 Audi Q3, you could opt to buy an older model for a cheaper price (up to $15,000), and you would still have the option to own what looks like a 2017 Audi Q3. The tradeoff would be a vehicle with more mileage and an older model. However, if looks are all you’re after, you could get it while shelling out less cash.
There’s no doubt there are some new features you would miss out on when purchasing an older Q3 over the 2022 Q3, such as a stronger engine, newer design, and the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, there are options to upgrade your infotainment system from aftermarket car shops to one that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Here’s what you should know before buying a used 2017 Audi Q3
The 2017 Audi Q3: Luxury And Comfort
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The Q3 is an entry-level premium crossover SUV manufactured by Audi, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive (dubbed as Quattro by Audi) configurations. The Q3 comes right under the Q5 in Audi’s hierarchy of SUVs.
The Q3 is available in three different trims; the Premium, Premium Plus, and the Prestige. The Premium is the base trim of the Q3, which comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, as well as front and rear parking sensors.
The Premium Plus, a slightly upgraded trim of the Premium, adds in power-folding heated mirrors, a power tailgate, and keyless start and entry. The Prestige, which is regarded as the full option, is the epitome of luxury, adding a 7.0-inch screen, state-of-the-art Bose premium audio system, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the Q3, you will be greeted with a luxurious interior and an impeccably well-built dashboard. Across all the trims, you will find comfort in the sport seats, which have sufficient adjustment options and four-way electric lumbar support.
The Audi Q3 is a really fun and easy-to-drive car. The Audi Q3 offers smooth handling whether you opt for the front-wheel-drive or the Quattro. However, those who plan on having frequent road trips with their family would be disappointed by the Audi Q3’s meager boot space of 420 liters. Folding down the rear seats, split 60/40, can extend your boot space to 1,325 liters.
Performance And Safety Of The 2017 Audi Q3
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All the standard trims with front-wheel drive house the Q3 2.0 TFSI, which generates up to 208 hp @ 5,100-6,000 rpm and a torque of 222 lb-ft @1,750-4,400 rpm. The Quattro Q3 houses a Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro, with the same power torque as its front-wheel-drive equivalent. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The EPA fuel economy ratings for both the front-wheel-drive and the Quattro are 20/28 mpg for city/highway.
The 2017 Audi Q3 scored ‘Good’ on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests (‘Good’ is the highest available score).
The tests which contributed to the 2017 Q3 Audi’s Safety ratings include Moderate Overlap Front Test, Side Impact Tests, Rear Crash Protection, Roof Strength Test, and the Small Overlap Front Driver Test.
The Audi Q3 scored ‘Good’ on all the tests, making it a very safe car that would protect you from most car crashes.
Buying A Used 2017 Audi Q3 Stress-Free
You might be on board with buying a used 2017 Audi Q3. However, it might be cumbersome to find a used vehicle that might come with hidden faults or break down after you purchase it. Audi accommodates people wanting to buy a fault-free used Audi through its Audi Certified pre-owned program.
Although priced slightly higher than a used car you could get from somewhere else, a certified pre-owned car saves you from some of the headaches you might face when purchasing a used vehicle.
All of Audi’s certified preowned vehicles have passed a rigorous 300-plus point inspection, 24-hour emergency roadside assistance for four years, and have an additional 24 month/50,000-mile comprehensive transferable warranty.
Another benefit of Audi’s certified pre-owned program is that all vehicles are less than five years old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, and have no history of major damage.
So, you can either purchase a slightly higher priced Audi with multiple benefits completely stress-free, or you could purchase a cheaper Audi, which might have hidden faults.