AUDI A6 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 16,143 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
16,143
Avg Mileage
125,550 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 2012 AUDI A6 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, 86% of AUDI A6s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 16,143 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 125,550 miles.
How does the 2012 AUDI A6 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 AUDI A6 has 125,550 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 A6?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2012 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 2012 AUDI A6 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 A6 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 2,105 | 36,146 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 3,470 | 42,761 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 16,657 | 54,594 mi |
| 2018 | 92% | 16,546 | 62,634 mi |
| 2017 | 91% | 19,296 | 75,408 mi |
| 2016 | 89% | 26,437 | 85,249 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 22,966 | 96,950 mi |
| 2014 | 88% | 21,808 | 106,355 mi |
| 2013 | 87% | 20,882 | 115,551 mi |
| 2012 | 86% | 16,143 | 125,550 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 13,126 | 135,985 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 12,471 | 143,668 mi |
| 2009 | 81% | 8,341 | 150,654 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 11,124 | 156,627 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 10,782 | 162,839 mi |
| 2006 | 78% | 6,542 | 165,663 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 3,534 | 163,283 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 2,156 | 155,383 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 1,408 | 153,657 mi |
| 2002 | 73% | 771 | 164,916 mi |
| 2001 | 78% | 356 | 157,216 mi |
| 2000 | 75% | 389 | 150,802 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 410 | 157,368 mi |
| 1998 | 76% | 222 | 151,701 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 215 | 176,094 mi |
| 1996 | 78% | 316 | 189,126 mi |
| 1995 | 76% | 136 | 162,842 mi |
| 1994 | 81% | 53 | 140,857 mi |
Checking a specific AUDI A6?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 AUDI A6
The 2012 AUDI A6 is a premium with a 1968cc diesel engine. 16,143 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 125,550 miles at 12 years old, AUDI A6 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2012 AUDI A6 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 A6?
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 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI A6 Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI A6s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 AUDI A6
At 12 years old, the AUDI A6 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 16,143 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 AUDI A6
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+1%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-7%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2014) 86% pass rate (same) from 77,639 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-12%) from 75,715 tests