AUDI A3 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 547 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
547
Avg Mileage
26,069 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,772
Is the 2021 AUDI A3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 3 years old, 94% of AUDI A3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 547 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 26,069 miles.
How does the 2021 AUDI A3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 AUDI A3 has 26,069 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2021 AUDI A3 cost to run?
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 2021 AUDI A3
The 2021 AUDI A3 is a premium with a 1984cc petrol engine. 547 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 26,069 miles at 3 years old, AUDI A3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 AUDI A3 Fuel Costs
The 1984cc 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 2021 AUDI A3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,772 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% 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 2021 AUDI A3
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.
Alternatives to the 2021 AUDI A3
The AUDI A3 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-2%) from 89,653 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (-1%) from 52,321 tests
- MINI COOPER (2019) 92% pass rate (-2%) from 52,140 tests
- HYUNDAI TUCSON (2019) 90% pass rate (-4%) from 42,920 tests