Used Audi RS 3 for Sale nearChicago, IL

Is the Audi RS 3 a good car?

Yes — the Audi RS 3 is a compelling used pick if you want a compact performance sedan with serious pace and everyday usability. The all-generations owner rating is 5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its thrilling performance, strong handling, and comfortable ride, and they also highlight its power and easy drivability. Expert coverage reinforces that appeal with a focus on the RS 3’s fun-to-drive character, great handling, and refined interior.

Expert reviews rate the 2025 and 2022 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs are limited cargo space, a high price, and a value proposition that can feel steep compared with some alternatives.

32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Audi RS 3 models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the RS 3 as a car that delivers thrilling performance, strong handling, and satisfying everyday drivability. Expert coverage also points to a well-sorted chassis, a comfortable ride, and a refined, high-quality interior.

• Owners rate the Audi RS 3 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk looks manageable if you stay on top of routine maintenance and inspect the car carefully before purchase.

What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS 3?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.3% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Park Assist Plus automated parking assistance, a 360-degree camera system, and automatic lane-centering.
• Infotainment: Audi’s Multimedia Interface (MMI) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: It’s EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) and our overall observed fuel economy was 22.8 mpg.

Which Audi RS 3 trim should I buy?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 offers these trims:

• RS 3: The RS 3 combines a unique turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive, adaptive damping, the RS Torque Splitter, and a high-quality interior. It suits you if you want the full RS experience in a compact four-door, and it stands out as the best-value choice for buyers who want the model’s core performance and everyday refinement.

What Audi RS 3 do most buyers choose?

The Audi RS 3 years with the most listings are 2025, 2024, and 2023.

These higher-volume years tend to be the easiest place to shop because you get more inventory to compare and a better chance of finding the color, mileage, and condition you want. They also tend to attract more cross-shopping, which can help you find a stronger deal.

Is the Audi RS 3 safe?

• 2025: 7/10
• 2022: 7/10

The RS 3 comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Park Assist Plus automated parking assistance, a 360-degree camera system, and automatic lane-centering.

For the safest used buy, the 2022 and 2025 models both post the highest confirmed score of 7/10.

Should I buy a used Audi RS 3 now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Sweet-spot year: The 2025 model has the most listings. The Audi RS 3 offers a compact, performance-focused character with everyday usability and a refined cabin.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest model pairs a unique turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), and it produces 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
• Tech: The latest model includes a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen, plus standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: The latest model adds Park Assist Plus automated parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system that provides overhead, front, rear, and side views.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $67,395.

If you're buying used today, the 2025 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2022 Audi RS 3 compare to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2022 Audi RS 3:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Comfortable, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Not much cargo space.

2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class:

• Pros: Impressive technology, Great safety ratings, Fun to drive.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Poor value for money, Irritating transmission.

Our experts score the 2022 Audi RS 3 7.8/10 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 7.8/10. The RS 3 brings much stronger performance with a 401 hp engine, while the A-Class is the more affordable option with a lower starting MSRP. The RS 3 also posts a higher accident-free share, while the A-Class offers a larger listing pool and a stronger good-and-great-deal share.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.