Audi A4 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 41,258 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1968cc10 years old41,258 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

85% of MOT tests on Audi A4s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 41,258 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,779 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models349th of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Audi models856th of 1,066(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+0%(85% avg)

vs Audi average-5%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,779

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Audi A4 had 82,779 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2016 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+6%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

-6%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+4%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

+3%

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About the 2016 Audi A4

The 2016 Audi A4 is a premium car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 41,258 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 82,779 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A4 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2016 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2016 Audi A4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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.

Audi A4 Reliability Trend

Newer Audi A4s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 Audi A4

At 10 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 41,258 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 83k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2016 Audi A4 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Audi A4(2016)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£403
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£253
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2016 Audi A4

Is the 2016 Audi A4 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2016 Audi A4s ended in a pass, from 41,258 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Audi A4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Audi A4?

85% of 41,258 MOT tests on the 2016 Audi A4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 349th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom half).

Which year Audi A4 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Audi A4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1995 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Audi A4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Audi A4 is 82,779 miles, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.