2020 Audi Q3 S Line Edition 1 35 Tfsi 1.5L Petrol · 11 XDA

The 1.5-litre TFSI petrol engine in the Q3 is reasonably economical for a compact SUV of this size, with real-world fuel economy typically in the mid-30s to low-40s mpg depending on driving style and conditions. At an average UK fuel price of around £1.40 per litre and 8,000 annual miles, fuel alone is likely to cost in the region of £1,300-£1,500 per year. Insurance for a 2020 Audi Q3 S Line in this engine trim typically falls into group 25-30, so annual premiums are likely to be in the £600-£900 range for a typical buyer.

Road tax for this 2020-reg Q3 is calculated on the WLTP CO2 figure, but as a 1.5-litre petrol it should sit in a relatively modest band, likely costing around £180-£200 per year in standard rate VED. S Line trim does not significantly increase running costs, but the larger alloy wheels and sports suspension can lead to slightly higher tyre replacement costs — budget around £600-£800 for a full set of quality tyres every 20,000-30,000 miles. Servicing intervals are typically every 12 months or 10,000 miles, with costs of around £250-£350 for an interim service and £400-£500 for a major service at an independent specialist.

Based on the above, total annual running costs are likely to be in the region of £2,000-£2,400, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance. This is broadly comparable to other premium compact SUVs in this class, though slightly higher than non-premium alternatives.

Even though this Q3 has passed all three MOT tests without advisories, a pre-purchase inspection should still cover the items most likely to cause MOT failures on this model. According to the aggregate data for the Audi Q3 range, the top MOT failure reasons are tyre-related issues and windscreen damage — both of which are common across all SUVs rather than specific to this model. Check all four tyres for tread depth (minimum legal is 1.6mm, but anything below 3mm on a Q3 may need replacing soon), look for uneven shoulder wear which can indicate misalignment, and inspect for any sidewall damage. Examine the windscreen carefully for stone chips, particularly in the driver's line of sight, as a single chip in the wrong place can result in an MOT failure.

For the 1.5 TFSI engine specifically, listen on cold start for any rattling from the timing chain area, check the oil level and condition on the dipstick (it should be between min and max and not excessively dark or gritty), and look for any signs of oil leaks around the sump and valve cover. The turbocharger should spool smoothly without any whistling or delay, and there should be no blue smoke from the exhaust on start-up or under hard acceleration. Check coolant level and look for any staining around the expansion tank that could indicate a slow leak.

The S Line trim typically includes larger alloy wheels (usually 19-inch), so inspect each wheel for kerbing damage and check that all four tyres are the same size and brand. Test all electrical equipment including the infotainment screen, climate control, electric windows, and any optional S Line features such as the sports seats and LED headlights. Finally, check the underbody and suspension components for any corrosion or damage, particularly around the rear dampers which can suffer on cars driven over speed bumps or poor road surfaces regularly.