If you want to keep Audi A3 running costs down choose one of the smaller petrol engines. You’ll be rewarded with good fuel economy and if you use an independent specialist the servicing should not be too expensive either. We would avoid the 1.6-litre petrol in early models, as it used oil even when new and does not return particularly impressive economy for the performance on offer.

Audi servicing is expensive, especially at main dealers, so for a used Audi A3 at this age it makes little sense to take it to a main dealer. Some spares aren’t cheap either, particularly electronics, quattro components and trim items.

The 1.9-litre diesel was considered one of the greenest model in the range, but with relatively high NOx plus age it’s mostly one to choose if you live outside of a city with clean air zone restrictions and simply want good mpg and lots of torque.

If you are looking for low road tax, facelifted cars from September 2008 are fitted with more efficient engines such as the 1.6 TDI – which emits just 109g/km of CO2. In older models, the 1.9 TDIe, introduced in 2007, features aerodynamic and engine management tweaks for a relatively low 119g/km of CO2. Most diesel Audi A3s will achieve over 50mpg in everyday use without having to drive conservatively. However, they will attract charges for clean air zones and ULEZ.

The interior is superbly constructed and generally lasts well, generally avoiding the typical mid-2000s soft-touch plastic stickiness rival cars may suffer. Overall, Audis have excellent build quality and even an older A3 should be reliable with routine, proactive maintenance.