AUDI A4 (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 27,431 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,637
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1637/year to run. 7 points above 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 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 89% of AUDI A4s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 27,431 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 57,063 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,063
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 AUDI A4 has 57,063 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
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
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About the 2018 AUDI A4
The 2018 AUDI A4 is a premium with a 1968cc diesel engine. 27,431 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 57,063 miles at 8 years old, AUDI A4 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 AUDI A4?
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 89% 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 2018 AUDI A4
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 27,431 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 AUDI A4'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
Watch outDiesel 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 AUDI A4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI A4(2018) | 89% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1637 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£287 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2018) | 84% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
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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