AUDI A4 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 26,765 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Total Tests (2024)
26,765
Avg Mileage
120,869 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 2012 AUDI A4 reliable?
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 12 years old, 83% of AUDI A4s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 26,765 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,869 miles.
How does the 2012 AUDI A4 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 AUDI A4 has 120,869 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a AUDI A4?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2012 sits between the two at 83%.
How much does a 2012 AUDI A4 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 A4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 531 | 25,826 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 13,420 | 39,596 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 25,771 | 48,333 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 27,431 | 57,063 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 41,848 | 70,662 mi |
| 2016 | 85% | 41,258 | 82,779 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 31,961 | 92,608 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 33,458 | 102,945 mi |
| 2013 | 84% | 32,559 | 109,938 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 26,765 | 120,869 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 26,901 | 130,117 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 25,855 | 136,452 mi |
| 2009 | 79% | 26,384 | 138,021 mi |
| 2008 | 78% | 31,415 | 137,710 mi |
| 2007 | 77% | 30,996 | 136,433 mi |
| 2006 | 76% | 26,758 | 137,214 mi |
| 2005 | 75% | 15,245 | 139,515 mi |
| 2004 | 74% | 12,946 | 146,260 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 7,402 | 148,576 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 3,944 | 156,746 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 1,748 | 148,131 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 1,674 | 149,460 mi |
| 1999 | 76% | 2,062 | 160,008 mi |
| 1998 | 75% | 1,597 | 153,893 mi |
| 1997 | 74% | 842 | 161,934 mi |
| 1996 | 77% | 556 | 158,416 mi |
| 1995 | 61% | 208 | 153,421 mi |
Checking a specific AUDI A4?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 AUDI A4
The 2012 AUDI A4 is a premium with a 1968cc diesel engine. 26,765 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 120,869 miles at 12 years old, AUDI A4 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2012 AUDI A4 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 2012 AUDI A4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,577 (£131/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI A4 Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI A4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 AUDI A4
At 12 years old, the AUDI A4 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 96%. With 26,765 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 AUDI A4
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+4%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-4%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2014) 86% pass rate (+3%) from 77,639 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-9%) from 75,715 tests