CarCostCheck

Audi A7 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,203 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Diesel

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Diesel3000cc14 years old3,203 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3000cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,491
Per month£208/mo
Per week£48/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on Audi A7s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 3,203 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 115,331 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models161st of 650(top 25%)
Rank among Audi models772nd of 1,066(bottom half)
vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)
vs 2012 models average+10%(78% avg)
vs Audi average-2%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,331

Average miles

vs

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Audi A7 had 115,331 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 88%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Audi A7 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202190%1,05731,338 mi
202092%1,04236,344 mi
201994%3,58349,525 mi
201892%3,63357,647 mi
201790%3,94464,755 mi
201690%5,54275,979 mi
201590%4,96783,536 mi
201490%4,56893,646 mi
201390%4,751103,677 mi
201288%3,203115,331 mi
201189%3,755116,300 mi
201089%310123,421 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2012 Audi A7

The 2012 Audi A7 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3000cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,203 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 115,331 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A7 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Audi A7 Fuel Costs

The 3000cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 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 2012 Audi A7?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Audi A7 Reliability Trend

The Audi A7 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 Audi A7

At 14 years old, the Audi A7 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.

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.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 115k 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 2012 Audi A7 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Audi A7(2012)88%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)88%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)82%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2014)84%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)85%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same

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 2012 Audi A7

Is the 2012 Audi A7 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2012 Audi A7s ended in a pass, from 3,203 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Audi A7 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2012 Audi A7?

88% of 3,203 MOT tests on the 2012 Audi A7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 161st of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 25%).

Which year Audi A7 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Audi A7 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2012 the lowest at 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Audi A7?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Audi A7 is 115,331 miles, 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.

Related Audi Models

Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Audi A7.

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