AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 188 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,637
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £1637/year to run. Close to the national average.
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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.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 5 years old, 85% of AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-As from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 188 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 44,679 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
44,679
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A has 44,679 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 85%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A
The 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A is a premium with a 1968cc diesel engine. 188 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 44,679 miles at 5 years old, AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A 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 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A?
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 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A
At 5 years old, the AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A 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 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A'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
Low riskExhaust 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 2021 AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI A3 SPORT 35 TDI S-A(2021) | 85% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1637 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£155 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£5 |
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
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AUDI A4
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FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
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