I am aware that the Q3 is not the most popular model in the Audi lineup, but this is my second car. At 20 years old and still in college, I wanted something that looked good and was slightly sporty but not too expensive to maintain. Maintenance costs are not the cheapest, but I mean in terms of cars like the C63s, S4, or Audi RS5. Overall, I want to know how outsiders view the Q3 because I hear a lot of people talking down on the A3. Do you think the Q3 is just a lame car or somewhat cool? I am looking to go big on my next car, as I mentioned earlier when discussing maintenance. But for now, I am done talking. Thank you for your insights.
As long as you like it, that is all that matters.
I’d love it more if we could get the RS version here.
Bailey said:
I’d love it more if we could get the RS version here.
Lol tell me about it man I wish.
Mate, it’s really brilliant 
- consider moving.
There’s someone where I work with a green RSQ3 with the black optics package, and it is truly eye candy.
Very good car, I have one myself.
Unless they are paying your car payment, it shouldn’t matter what they say. As long as you like it, just enjoy it. A lot of people would love a Q3.
I have a Q3 for my wife. While it’s a nice looking car and a decent all-around daily, it’s a POS. The suspension squeaks loudly when it’s cold, even after going to the shop for a TSB on that issue. The CarPlay USB module has problems that Audi refuses to fix, the MMI keeps resetting its time every week, and the transmission is very jerky. Despite being a small SUV with a 4-cylinder engine, it gets terrible gas mileage, likely due to transmission tuning. This experience with Audi service has made me hesitant to buy another one after owning several.
They’re pretty reasonable in terms of maintenance and reliability. They are built on the MQB platform, which underpins the A3, S3, RS3, and several other VW models. The engine is also shared by many other Audi and VW models, so parts are fairly inexpensive. If you like it, it’s not a bad buy for a reasonably sized commuter crossover.
It’s a great car, congratulations OP. How much horsepower do you have under the hood?
By the way, my first car was a Toyota Corolla if that means anything.
Cameron said:
By the way, my first car was a Toyota Corolla if that means anything.
Corollas are great cars. I had that as my first car.
Cameron said:
By the way, my first car was a Toyota Corolla if that means anything.
Corollas are good and reliable. Was my first car too.
I just got a new-to-me 2023 Q3 with the black optics package. I love it. It handles great and is just roomy enough for all my outdoor toys. And coming from an Infiniti, I no longer have to use premium gas.
If I were you, a 20-year-old with an Audi, I would swap for a MK7 GTI with a good service history and invest the savings in the S&P. It’s the same platform, engine, and practicality. While the Q3 is good, the GTI is great at what it does. You could save something like $50k to $80k with $150/month in SPXL by your mid-30s.
I love it and think it’s a great car. Enjoy it; they’re fun to drive.