Audi A4 (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 27,431 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,002
£167/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
89% of MOT tests on Audi A4s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 27,431 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 57,063 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,063
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Audi A4 had 57,063 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 scores 89%. 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
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About the 2018 Audi A4
The 2018 Audi A4 is a premium car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 27,431 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 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 57,063 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A4 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
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 £1,397 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 2018 Audi A4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 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 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 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
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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4(2018) | 89% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,002 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£328 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£178 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2018) | 84% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£178 |
| Audi A3(2016) | 90% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,644-£358 |
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 2018 Audi A4
Is the 2018 Audi A4 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2018 Audi A4s ended in a pass, from 27,431 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Audi A4 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 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 2018 Audi A4?
89% of 27,431 MOT tests on the 2018 Audi A4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 355th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (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 2018 Audi A4?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Audi A4 is 57,063 miles, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Audi Models
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
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Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2018 · 1598cc Diesel
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