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The 2022 Audi A3 is all new and features loads of standard features and technology but is a used Audi A3 from the outgoing generation a better deal?
New vs Used Audi A3
There’s no question that the new A3 is a great addition to the lineup. Audi has modernized it and brought it back into the fold after a few years of it sitting just outside of the design ethos that the other Audi sedans exist in. That doesn’t mean that it’s automatically a better value over a good used Audi A3, so we’re going to find out. Is it better to spend on a new A3 or can we find a better value for our dollar if we search carsforsale.com for a used Audi A3? We’ll compare and contrast each, talk price, driving dynamics, and features before we pick a winner.
Specs
Right off the bat, it’s tough to find a good value comparison between these two cars and that’s because the used market is blowing up right now. If you want a lightly used Audi A3 you’ll pay almost as much, if not more, than you would for an actual brand new model with a full warranty. So if you were considering a 2020 or a 2021 you can stop looking because we couldn’t find a good deal on either when compared to a new A3. Where this comparison gets interesting is when we start to look a little further back at models from 2018.
Those can be found with less than 20,000-miles for between $6,000 and $10,000 less than a new model and that’s enough for us to be very interested. The 2018 Audi A3 sits on a platform that came out in 2015 so while it’s older, it’s been highly refined over that time. Interestingly enough, the older car has more horsepower (220) when equipped with AWD, than the new car which makes just 201 regardless of whether it’s front or AWD. Of course, on the other side of the coin, the 2018 FWD model makes just 186-horsepower so keep those stats in mind.
The new A3 will cost somewhere between $35,895 and $43,195 before options. It gets 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. The used Audi A3 from 2018 can cost as much as a new one but most offer many thousands of dollars of savings. At its best, it’ll put down 26 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway so it’s worse, but not dramatically so. With that in mind, let’s dive into some of the intangibles.
Driving & Performance
This conversation only gets more interesting with regard to driving dynamics. The used Audi A3 is a fun and engaging little car. We’d do anything we could to skip the FWD model as it just drives a bit too much like a VW Golf then we like. If you can get the A3 Quattro it’ll pay you back with excellent handling, fantastic feedback through both the wheel and the pedals, and above-average braking performance. It’s also more than powerful enough to feel fast.
Where the new car makes a big step forward is when it comes to low-end power. The older A3 is quick but it takes a few seconds for the turbo to spool up from a stop. The new A3 doesn’t have that lag. It bolts off of the line without issue and still features excellent handling, braking, and feedback. It doesn’t have the same top-end, highway passing power that the older car does, but it’s close. And while you might get passed by an older A3, you can comfort yourself with the more modern interior comfort and features.
Comfort & Interior
Both of these cars are very comfortable and luxurious. Ride quality tends towards the stiff side but it’s never rattly or harsh. We also love the switchgear and materials found in each car. The way buttons and knobs feel to use is well above-average for the class and price point. Space is similar in each car meaning that the front is very comfortable and supportive while the rear is still comfortable but considerably more cramped for adults. The biggest differences come with regard to styling and design.
The older car feels like the older car by a large margin. The center infotainment screen rises out of the dash which is cool but feels very dated. The dash is very simple and clean which we like and we think it will continue to age well. However, if you love technology and modern styling, the dash from the new car will feel unquestionably better. It is sharp figuratively and literally with just about zero curves to be found. The updated gear selector, revised cup holder placement, and Lamborghini-esque hexagonal shapes are outstanding.
Trims & Features
Both 2018 and 2022, Audi offered the A3 in three trims, Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
For 2018, the A3 Premium came equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and ten speakers. It also had forward collision mitigation.
The Premium Plus added 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, revised styling, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and keyless entry.
Jump to the top of the line with the Prestige and you’ll find LED headlights, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit driver information display, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, and more driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and lane-departure warning.
In 2022, the base A3 gets 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 10.1-inch driver infotainment system with Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
Step up to the Premium Plus and you’ll get lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver’s seat memory settings, wireless device charging, and auto-dimming mirrors.
The Prestige comes with LED interior ambient lighting, upgraded headlights, upgraded interior trim, and a heads-up display.
The Verdict
Budget constraints are going to determine the winner here better than anything else because having a full warranty and all the modern touches of the new car are worth quite a bit on their own. Still, if you can find a lower mileage 2018 A3 with AWD and the options you care about, there’s a decent chance that it’ll be the better driver’s car while also saving you thousands.
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