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 everyday drivability. The car also earns repeat praise for its power and comfortable ride, with the 2025 expert review reinforcing that it combines thrills with everyday refinement.

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

The main trade-offs that come up in recent expert coverage are limited cargo space, a high price for the class, and a cabin that prioritizes performance over extra convenience features.

34.3% 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 strong performance with everyday usability, and expert coverage echoes that it feels composed, engaging, and easy to live with. Across the model years in the data, the strongest pattern is enthusiastic owner satisfaction paired with a refined driving experience.

• 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 looks manageable if you choose a well-kept example and verify maintenance history.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is excellent at 91.9% — 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...

• RS 3: The RS 3’s unique turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive, adaptive damping, brake-based torque-vectoring, and RS Torque Splitter make it the best-value choice for you if you want the full RS experience with the strongest blend of 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 places to shop because you get more inventory to compare and a better chance of finding the color, mileage, and condition you want. They also usually give you a clearer read on market pricing.

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 refinement that makes it easy to enjoy beyond weekend drives.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The RS model features a unique turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), and today’s turbo-five produces 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
• Tech: A standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen run Audi’s Multimedia Interface (MMI) infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: The RS 3 comes standard with expected driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $67,395 (including a $1,295 destination charge).

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 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.