Audi A3 (2000)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,019 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,564
£214/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1781cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £2,564/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.88p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.
71% of MOT tests on Audi A3s from 2000 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 24 years old. That's based on 1,019 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 128,899 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
128,899
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2000 Audi A3 had 128,899 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2000 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2000 Audi A3
The 2000 Audi A3 is a premium car. Our records list a 1781cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,019 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2000, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 128,899 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2000 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 £1,634 per year with petrol at 174.88p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2000 Audi A3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,564 (£214/month), broken down as £1,634 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Audi A3 Reliability Trend
Newer Audi A3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2000 Audi A3
At 26 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 26 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 129k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2000 Audi A3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3(2000) | 71% | £1,634 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,564 |
| MINI(2002) | 78% | £1,401 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,231-£333 |
| Ford Focus(2002) | 69% | £1,401 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,431-£133 |
| Toyota Yaris(2002) | 72% | £1,401 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,156-£408 |
| Honda Civic(2002) | 72% | £1,401 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,231-£333 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 5 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2000 Audi A3
Is the 2000 Audi A3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2000 Audi A3s ended in a pass, from 1,019 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2000 Audi A3 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,564 a year (£214 a month): £1,634 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2000 Audi A3?
71% of 1,019 MOT tests on the 2000 Audi A3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 198th of 325 models first registered in 2000 (bottom half).
Which year Audi A3 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Audi A3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1997 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2000 Audi A3?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2000 Audi A3 is 128,899 miles, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Audi Models
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
Audi A1
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Audi A4
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Audi A5
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MINI
2002 · 1598cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2002 · 1596cc Petrol
Toyota Yaris
2002 · 1299cc Petrol
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