Audi A3 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 52,278 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1595cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Audi A3

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1595cc14 years old52,278 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1595cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

80% of MOT tests on Audi A3s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 52,278 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,680 miles.

Got a Audi A3 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models366th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Audi models949th of 1,066(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+2%(78% avg)

vs Audi average-10%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,680

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Audi A3 had 108,680 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Looking at a specific Audi A3?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2012 scores 80%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+7%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-1%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

same

Check a Specific Audi A3

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2012 Audi A3

The 2012 Audi A3 is a premium car. Our records list a 1595cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 52,278 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 108,680 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A3 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Audi A3 Fuel Costs

The 1595cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Audi A3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2012 Audi A3

At 14 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%. With 52,278 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 109k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2012 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(2012)	80%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794same
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£433
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 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 2012 Audi A3

Is the 2012 Audi A3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2012 Audi A3s ended in a pass, from 52,278 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Audi A3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Audi A3?

80% of 52,278 MOT tests on the 2012 Audi A3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 366th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (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 2012 Audi A3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Audi A3 is 108,680 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.