Used DS DS 3 for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 280
Average Price: Around £7,500

DS 3 (2016-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of style for little money	Not as spacious in the back, and only three doors
Nippy and nimble, especially around town	Over-firm ride on big alloys
Plenty of room in the front	Some owners report electrical problems

Quick Summary

The DS 3 (2016-2019) is a stylish and fashionable supermini that offers much of the appeal of premium rivals like the MINI and Audi A1, but at a more accessible price point. Launched as a standalone DS brand in 2016, it features jewel-like headlamp detailing, upmarket upholstery, and extensive personalisation options including paint schemes, contrasting roofs, and interior finishes. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, though rear legroom is more limited and the three-door configuration may prove inconvenient for those regularly carrying rear passengers or child seats. The boot space exceeds that of the MINI and Fiat 500, making it reasonably practical for its class.

Around town, the DS 3 feels nippy and nimble with responsive steering and agile handling. On open roads, it delivers enjoyable driving dynamics, though not quite matching the MINI or Ford Fiesta for outright fun. The ride quality is generally good, particularly on the entry-level Chic model with 16-inch wheels, though larger alloys can feel over-firm. Economical engines include the Puretech 110 petrol achieving 50-55 mpg and the BlueHDI 100 diesel reaching around 65 mpg. However, servicing costs at DS dealers are relatively expensive, and timing belt replacements are required on diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines every 10 years or 112,500 miles. Road tax is notably higher for cars registered after 1 April 2017.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking premium aesthetics on a budget, those wanting a fun and agile city car, and drivers who prioritise personalisation and individuality. Not ideal for: Families needing regular rear-seat access, those requiring five-door practicality, buyers seeking the lowest running costs, or those wanting the finest driving dynamics.
Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS 3 if: You're style-conscious and seeking premium aesthetics on a budget, want a fun and agile city car, or prioritise personalisation and individuality in your vehicle choice. Consider alternatives if: You need regular rear-seat access, require five-door practicality, are seeking the lowest running costs, or want the finest driving dynamics available. Competitive Position: The DS 3 (2016-2019) is a compelling choice for buyers wanting style and personality without premium pricing. Whilst the MINI Hatchback offers superior driving dynamics and the Audi A1 provides more premium materials, the DS 3 delivers excellent value with distinctive design and surprising practicality. It outperforms the Fiat 500 on space and handling, making it an ideal middle ground for those seeking fashion-forward appeal with genuine usability. However, be aware of potential electrical issues and avoid larger alloy wheels to maintain ride comfort. The recent stop-drive recall for airbag issues should be verified before purchase.

Read our full DS 3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.