Audi S3 buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used Audi S3 costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 67 for sale right now.
Performance car Priced on its own, not averaged in with the ordinary Audi A3.
Our take on the Audi S3
A 2019 Audi S3 typically advertises at €33,950 and a 2014 one at €22,000, so it loses roughly 8% of its value a year at that age, slower than most cars. Most for sale are petrols (100%). At the NCT, the 2014–2015 cars do better than other cars the same year. Every one with a known engine has the 2.0 petrol, and it usually lasts around 300k km.
Check a Audi S3's priceNCT pass rate by year
Used Audi S3 prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | €58,900 | 35k km | 6 |
| 2019 | €33,950 | 62k km | 8 |
| 2017 | €27,950 | 100k km | 9 |
| 2016 | €26,900 | 53k km | 9 |
| 2015 | €21,800 | 145k km | 13 |
| 2014 | €22,000 | 112k km | 7 |
Audi S3 NCT pass rate
How often Audi S3s pass their NCT first time, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 59% | 64% | |
| 2015 | 73% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 70% | 51% |
Most common reasons a 2017 Audi S3 fails: wheels & tyres (26.8% of tests, more than most cars), emissions (12.2% of tests, more than most cars), safety equipment (9.8% of tests, more than most cars), steering & suspension (7.3% of tests).
Cheap fixes before the NCT (eBay.ie): Tyre tread depth gaugeOBD2 fault code readerWiper blades for the Audi S3
Common Audi S3 problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
DSG gearbox mechatronic / clutch (7-speed) · €900–€2,200
In slow traffic and reversing, watch for jerks, clunks or a slipping feeling. A flashing gear display means it's in limp mode.
Engines and how long they last
| Engine | Usually lasts | Motor tax / year | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Petrol | ~300k km | ~€600 | 31 |
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts and upgrades for the Audi S3
Parts for the Audi S3 on eBay.ie
New and used parts from Irish and UK sellers. Check the part number or fit before you buy.
Brake padsCheck front or rear, and the disc size if there are twoSee on eBay.ie →
Brake discsReplace in pairs, with new padsSee on eBay.ie →
Oil filterChange it at every oil serviceSee on eBay.ie →
Wiper bladesSplit or smearing blades can fail the NCTSee on eBay.ie →
BulbsA blown bulb is an easy NCT failSee on eBay.ie →
BatteryCheck the size and terminal layoutSee on eBay.ie →
OBD2 fault code readerReads engine fault codes on your phoneSee on eBay.ie →Example photos, not the exact product (Wikimedia Commons): Treemonster86, CC BY-SA 3.0; Tharish, CC BY-SA 3.0; Dvortygirl, CC BY-SA 3.0; Wesha, Public domain; Mib18, CC BY-SA 3.0; Cjp24, CC BY-SA 4.0; Arp, Public domain.
Upgrades for the Audi S3
Popular add-ons. The mats are made for this model; the rest fit most cars. More car accessories →
Floor matsMade to fit the Audi S3See on eBay.ie →
CarPlay screenAdds Apple CarPlay (and usually Android Auto) to a car without it: sits on the dashSee on eBay.ie →
Wireless CarPlay adapterFor cars that already have CarPlay with a cableSee on eBay.ie →
Reversing cameraMakes parking easier; some CarPlay screens come with oneSee on eBay.ie →
Phone holderKeeps your phone off your lap for directionsSee on eBay.ie →
Dash camFootage settles insurance arguments quicklySee on eBay.ie →Example photos, not the exact product (Wikimedia Commons): Keystones, CC BY-SA 3.0; Butterhimmel, CC BY-SA 4.0; Sunnyboy122, CC0; https://www.flickr.com/photos/banoootah_qtr/, CC BY 2.0; Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0; Ellin Beltz, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Before you buy a used Audi S3
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask when the last service was done and for receipts, and start it from cold yourself. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.