2012 Audi Q3 2.0L Petrol · F21 DAE

The 2.0 TFSI petrol in this generation of Q3 typically returns 30–37 mpg in real-world mixed driving, depending on whether it is the 170 or 211 hp variant — confirm which by checking the V5C or engine code. Road tax sits in band I to K (£165–£280 per year at current rates for a 2012 petrol of this engine size), and insurance is usually group 25–32, which is mid-to-high for a family SUV. Servicing is pricier than mainstream rivals: an Audi main dealer service can exceed £400, while independent specialists typically charge £200–300. Tyres are 215–235 section depending on wheel choice, and quality replacements are £120–180 each, with all four often needed together based on this vehicle's advisory history. Estimate annual running costs of £1,400–1,800 covering fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance.

Start with a thorough inspection of the suspension: the 2024 test recorded a fractured offside rear coil spring, and the 2026 tests noted light corrosion across all front and rear suspension components both sides — jack the car and check for play in the front wishbones, drop links and rear hub bearings. Inspect both front brake discs for lipping and surface corrosion (the 2026 advisories note slight corrosion on both sides); measure disc thickness if possible. Check the offside front CV boot for splits or grease contamination — the August 2026 test initially failed on this item — and inspect the track rod end dust cover on the same side. Examine all four tyres closely for uneven inner-edge wear and sidewall cracking, the pattern recorded repeatedly in this history. Finally, listen for prop shaft vibrations on the test drive; the rear prop shaft rubber was noted as cracking in 2026 and replacement is a known Q3 job.