Is the Audi RS 3 a good car?

Yes — the Audi RS 3 is a strong pick if you want a compact performance sedan that feels exciting every day. The all-generations owner rating is 5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise its thrilling performance, impressive handling, and power, while also appreciating that it remains comfortable and easy to live with. The Audi RS 3 also stands out for its fun-to-drive character and everyday drivability.

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

The main trade-offs are limited cargo space, a niche personality, and a price that can feel steep for the class.

28.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Audi RS 3 models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Audi RS 3 as a car that delivers standout performance with strong handling and an engaging driving experience. Expert commentary also points to a well-rounded chassis and a refined daily-driving character.

• Owners rate the Audi RS 3 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by checking service history carefully and prioritizing well-kept examples.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.9% — 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 best-value choice if you want the RS 3’s core appeal: the unique turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, AWD, adaptive damping, the RS Torque Splitter, and a high-quality interior with heavily bolstered front seats and Alcantara.
• RS 3 with Carbon Optic Package: Choose this if you want the RS 3’s performance hardware plus a carbon fiber rear spoiler, mirror caps, and trim pieces for the side sills and front air intakes.
• RS 3 with Design Plus Package: This version adds accent stitching and trim in Express Red or Micrommata Green for a more distinctive cabin look.
• RS 3 with Dynamic Plus Package: Pick this if you want the RS 3’s most track-focused hardware, including summer tires, carbon-ceramic front brakes, and a higher top speed.

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 right color, mileage, and price. They also tend to attract the broadest mix of shoppers, which helps keep the market active.

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 that blends everyday refinement with serious driving excitement.

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 AWD, while producing 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
• Tech: The latest model includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and 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 2028 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.