Used buyer's guide: Audi A3 pictures

If there’s one area where Audi truly excels, it’s in producing high-quality cabins that are great ergonomically. Three-door A3s can be tight for adult passengers sitting in the back, but the five-door Sportback provides plenty of room,

A3 radiators can prove fragile, with leaks possible after a mere 18 months. Ensure there’s no sign of coolant at the base of the radiator.

If the radiator does leak, engine can overheat. Look for mayonnaise-like emulsion inside oil filler cap, indicating head gasket failure.

Electrics are usually reliable, but not faultless. Check all warning lights go out with the engine running and ensure everything works.

Cars with large wheels can have an uncomfortably firm ride, so have a good test drive over poor surfaces to ensure you can live with it.