AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 140 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,637
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1637/year to run. 6 points above average.
Check a specific AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 88% of AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDIs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 140 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 46,333 miles.
Got a AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,333
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI has 46,333 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 88%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Audi A3 s line 35 tdi
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 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI
The 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI is a premium with a 1968cc diesel engine. 140 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2020 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 46,333 miles at 6 years old, AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI Fuel Costs
The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,637 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI
At 6 years old, the AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2020 AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI(2020) | 88% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1637 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2018) | 92% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£155 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2018) | 84% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£155 |
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.
Related Audi Models
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
AUDI A3
2015 · 1598cc Diesel
AUDI A1
2016 · 1395cc Petrol
AUDI A4
2017 · 1968cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2018 · 1598cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Audi A3 s line 35 tdi.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Buying GuideCars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Buying GuideIs an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? UK Guide for 2026
8 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a AUDI A3 S LINE 35 TDI? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data