Used 2016 Audi A3 for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

How much does the 2016 Audi A3 cost?

Prices have softened 9.44% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 593 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Audi A3 a good car?

Generally — 4/5 from users and 7.83/10 from experts points to a strong overall showing. The A3’s appeal comes from its well-sorted chassis, classy interior, and invigorating drivetrain, and it adds everyday convenience with standard reversing camera, parking sensors, and heated washers and mirrors. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

The A3 fits best if you want compact luxury with style and refinement rather than maximum size. 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Audi A3 reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The A3’s well-sorted chassis and refined cabin suggest a car built to feel polished over time, and the expert notes also point to a drivetrain that’s engaging without sacrificing everyday usability. The performance write-up describes the platform as tight, responsive, and versatile, which is a good sign for how the car may hold up as a used purchase.

If you buy one, focus on maintenance history and make sure the car’s features and electronics are working as intended, since those are the kinds of systems that can shape ownership costs over time. For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is ending up with a neglected example that erodes the A3’s premium feel.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Audi A3?

At 54.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re comparing multiple trims or drivetrain setups. Pay close attention to condition, feature operation, and signs of prior bodywork so you can separate a clean, well-kept car from one that has been repaired or neglected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Premium trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather, power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker stereo, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, auto wipers, and a panoramic sunroof on the sedan. The Premium Plus adds 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, power for the front passenger seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry, and ignition, while the Prestige brings the most technology and convenience.
• Powertrain: You can choose among three engines, including a 1.8-liter turbo with 170 hp and 200 lb-ft, a 2.0-liter turbo with 50 more hp and 58 lb-ft, and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 150 hp and 236 lb-ft. The 1.8-liter is FWD only, while the AWD setup pairs well with the stronger engines and the sport suspension.
• Safety package: Audi Pre-Sense adds collision-avoidance braking, and the available driver-assistance suite also includes adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist. The base Premium sacrifices lane-keep assist, so check carefully if that feature matters to you.
• Infotainment: The standard MMI interface is paired with a 10-speaker stereo, while the upgraded system adds a touch-sensitive rotary dial. The Tech package brings navigation, voice controls, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, configurable digital gauges, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.8-liter sedan is rated at 27 mpg combined, with 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 2.0-liter FWD setup gains 1 mpg around town, and the AWD convertible is rated at 26 mpg combined, with 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The turbodiesel is rated at 36 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.

Which 2016 Audi A3 trim should I buy?

The 2016 Audi A3 is offered in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige.

Here's the short version:

• Premium: This is the entry point, but it still gives you a lot of luxury content, including leather, dual-zone climate control, and the standard MMI system. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable adding features selectively.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, and other comfort upgrades that make daily use easier. If you want a more complete luxury experience without jumping to the top trim, this is the one to target.
• Prestige: This is the trim for you if you want the fullest tech and safety experience, including adaptive cruise, Audi Pre-Sense, lane-keep assist, and the available Tech package content. It’s the right pick if you want the most advanced A3 and don’t mind paying for it.

The base Premium does not get lane-keep assist.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Audi A3?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 593 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.44% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,801, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Audi A3's resale value?

The current average of $11,085 sits slightly below last year's $12,241.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a better entry point today. For a future seller, that also means resale upside may be more limited unless your car is especially clean, well-equipped, and well maintained.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Audi A3 safe?

The 2016 Audi A3 earns a top, five-star rating in overall government crash tests, with only total front impacts receiving a lower four-star rating. Independent testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety saw top scores across the board, including for seat and head restraints with regard to mitigating whiplash.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The A3 comes with standard stability and traction control, 4-wheel antilock discs, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a full suite of airbags including front knee, front side, and full-length side curtain bags. Audi Pre-Sense adds collision-avoidance braking, and the available driver-assistance suite also includes adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist. The base Premium trim does not get lane-keep assist.

Should I buy a 2016 Audi A3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.44% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• Audi added standard reversing camera, parking sensors, and heated washers and mirrors for this year.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $9,928, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $11,085 average.
• It broadened the A3’s appeal with a sedan-style body.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped version of the A3 and can stretch to the current market, the 2016 is the stronger all-around buy. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 remains the value play, especially if you find a clean example with the features you want.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.