Most 2022 A3 petrol manuals are 1.0 or 1.5 TFSI engines paired with a 6‑speed manual; the Sportback (5‑door hatch) is the common body in Ireland though Saloon variants exist. The manual avoids DSG issues but watch clutch wear on urban cars; the 1.5 TFSI uses cylinder deactivation (ACT) which can produce occasional rattle or misfire symptoms if not serviced correctly. Servicing and parts are widely available through VW Group dealers and independent garages.

• Clutch engagement and operation — check for slipping under acceleration and a clean biting point (manuals can need a replacement clutch by high urban mileage).
• If it’s the 1.5 TFSI, listen on cold start for rattles from the cylinder-deactivation system and watch for misfire/engine-warning codes during a test drive.
• Look for signs of oil leaks around the turbo/valve cover and check for excessive oil consumption or blue smoke on start-up.
• Test all infotainment/electrics (MMI screen, smartphone pairing, parking sensors/camera) and verify ADAS features behave correctly during a drive.
• Inspect brakes, suspension bushes and rear door sills/wheel-arches for wear or early corrosion — normal on a 4‑year urban car.