Is the 2017 AUDI A3 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of AUDI A3s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 68,023 tests. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2017 AUDI A3 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), including £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 AUDI A3?

The 2017 AUDI A3 has a 91% MOT pass rate based on 68,023 tests in 2026. This ranks 162 out of 579 cars from 2017.

Which year AUDI A3 is most reliable?

The 2021 AUDI A3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 1997 at 68%.

What is the average mileage for a 2017 AUDI A3?

The average mileage for a 2017 AUDI A3 is 59,583 miles, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

AUDI A3 (2017)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 68,023 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,355

£113/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£195

Flat rate/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £1355/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Diesel1598cc9 years old68,023 tests60k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Flat rate (post-2017)

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,355

Per month£113/mo

Per week£26/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.

At 9 years old, 91% of AUDI A3s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 68,023 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,583 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2017 cars162th of 579(top 28%)

Rank among AUDI models588th of 1,079(top 54%)

vs national average+9%(82% avg)

vs 2017 cars average+4%(87% avg)

vs AUDI average+1%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

59,583

Average miles

66,600

Expected for age

The average 2017 AUDI A3 has 59,583 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2017 sits between the two at 91%.

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

£1,350/year

91%

same

FORD FOCUS

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,500/year

89%

-2%

MERCEDES A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,350/year

91%

same

MERCEDES A-CLASS

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,500/year

88%

-3%

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About the 2017 AUDI A3

The 2017 AUDI A3 is a premium with a 1598cc diesel engine. 68,023 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 59,583 miles at 9 years old, AUDI A3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2017 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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2017 AUDI A3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2017 AUDI A3

At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 68,023 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2017 AUDI A3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2017 AUDI A3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
AUDI A3(2017)	91%	£905	£195	Grp 12-25	£1355
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017)	91%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1350-£5
FORD FOCUS(2019)	89%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500+£145
MERCEDES A(2019)	91%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1350-£5
MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017)	88%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500+£145

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.