Audi A3 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 75,823 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,645

£137/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1,645/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel1598cc10 years old75,823 tests69k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£1,220

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,645

Per month£137/mo

Per week£32/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.52p 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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

90% of MOT tests on Audi A3s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 75,823 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,522 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models167th of 539(top half)

Rank among Audi models667th of 1,066(bottom half)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+5%(85% avg)

vs Audi average+0%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,522

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Audi A3 had 68,522 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2016 scores 90%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,675/year

91%

+1%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,945/year

79%

-11%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,825/year

89%

-1%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,825/year

88%

-2%

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About the 2016 Audi A3

The 2016 Audi A3 is a premium car. Our records list a 1598cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 75,823 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 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 68,522 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 Audi A3 Fuel Costs

The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,220 per year with diesel at 199.52p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 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 2016 Audi A3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,645 (£137/month), broken down as £1,220 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2016 Audi A3

At 10 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 75,823 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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

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 2016 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(2016)	90%	£1,220	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,645
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,220	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,675+£30
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,220	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,945+£300
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,220	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,825+£180
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,220	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,825+£180

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 2016 Audi A3

Is the 2016 Audi A3 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2016 Audi A3s ended in a pass, from 75,823 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Audi A3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,645 a year (£137 a month): £1,220 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Audi A3?

90% of 75,823 MOT tests on the 2016 Audi A3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 167th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top 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 2016 Audi A3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Audi A3 is 68,522 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.