Don’t buy a Tesla Model Y, buy a second hand Audi RS Q3 instead
December 04, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
The Tesla Model Y is a lot of car for the money, but for petrolheads there’s another SUV you can buy on the used market which does more to set your pulse racing.
If you’re after a high-tech family SUV with a brisk turn of pace and a cavernous boot, the Tesla Model Y is a very compelling option. But what if you’re after something a bit more exciting? A Model Y may be rapid, but for the petrolheads amongst you the silence simply won’t do.
Well, we took to the Carwow classifieds with a budget of £45,000 the same starting price as a Model Y) and we found this 2020 Audi RS Q3 Sportback finished in a fetching bright blue for just under £40,000.
Under the bonnet you’ll find Audi’s iconic 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the very same as you’ll find in the RS3 hot hatch. It puts out 400hp and 480Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
All this power results in a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds – 1.4 seconds faster than the most basic Model Y. Not only is it faster, you can enjoy the off-beat burble from that lovely five-pot engine as you exploit all that power.
The Audi is also much more fun to drive than the Tesla. It’s easy to forget that this is a tall SUV, because it almost handles like a hot hatchback. This is a car you can use to drop the kids off to school in the morning before taking the scenic route to work to rag it through some twisty roads.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to talk about. Firstly, the RS Q3 isn’t as practical as a Model Y. The boot is around 250 litres smaller and the rear seats aren’t anywhere near as spacious either. It’s also not as relaxing as the Tesla thanks to the firm suspension.
Still, despite these downsides the RS Q3 is a great used alternative to a Model Y if you’re after something which feels a bit special. The sporty steering wheel and body-hugging seats make it seem like you’re sitting in a proper sports car, and the interior fit and finish is also superb.
There are loads of other Model Y alternatives on the used market you could consider as well. We found a Jaguar I-Pace, a BMW iX2 and an Audi Q4 e-tron within budget if you’ve got your heart set on an EV. If you’re still looking to stick to internal combustion, you could also have a used BMW X3, Mercedes GLC or a Jaguar F-Pace for this sort of money.
Whatever you budget, or your needs, you’ll be able to find your ideal used car through Carwow. Check out all the latest second-hand models on offer, and don’t forget that you can also sell your current car through Carwow as well for a fair price.