AUDI A3 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 888 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
888
Avg Mileage
127,410 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1999 AUDI A3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 25 years old, 72% of AUDI A3s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 888 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,410 miles.
How does the 1999 AUDI A3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 AUDI A3 has 127,410 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a AUDI A3?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1999 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1999 AUDI A3 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
AUDI A3 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94% | 547 | 26,069 mi |
| 2020 | 93% | 10,059 | 34,019 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 41,215 | 42,207 mi |
| 2018 | 92% | 54,110 | 49,870 mi |
| 2017 | 91% | 68,023 | 59,583 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 75,823 | 68,522 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 80,797 | 78,897 mi |
| 2014 | 86% | 77,639 | 89,137 mi |
| 2013 | 84% | 55,981 | 99,882 mi |
| 2012 | 80% | 52,278 | 108,680 mi |
| 2011 | 79% | 44,226 | 116,751 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 50,328 | 117,064 mi |
| 2009 | 77% | 46,405 | 123,921 mi |
| 2008 | 76% | 39,032 | 129,049 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 30,361 | 136,508 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 24,088 | 138,100 mi |
| 2005 | 72% | 15,865 | 139,734 mi |
| 2004 | 72% | 7,027 | 137,597 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 3,274 | 137,992 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 2,361 | 141,296 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 1,685 | 130,310 mi |
| 2000 | 71% | 1,019 | 128,899 mi |
| 1999 | 72% | 888 | 127,410 mi |
| 1998 | 70% | 872 | 125,923 mi |
| 1997 | 68% | 385 | 128,771 mi |
Checking a specific AUDI A3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 AUDI A3
The 1999 AUDI A3 is a premium with a 1781cc petrol engine. 888 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 127,410 miles at 25 years old, AUDI A3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 AUDI A3 Fuel Costs
The 1781cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 AUDI A3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI A3 Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI A3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 AUDI A3
At 25 years old, the AUDI A3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 1999 AUDI A3
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-4%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 8,442 tests