AUDI RS3 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 113 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2480cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 14 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2480cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 10 years old, 96% of AUDI RS3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 113 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 57,368 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,368
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 AUDI RS3 has 57,368 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 89%. The 2016 sits between the two at 96%.
AUDI RS3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 AUDI RS3
The 2016 AUDI RS3 is a premium with a 2480cc petrol engine. 113 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2016 cars for reliability.
With an average of 57,368 miles at 10 years old, AUDI RS3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 AUDI RS3 Fuel Costs
The 2480cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 AUDI RS3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
AUDI RS3 Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI RS3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 AUDI RS3
At 10 years old, the AUDI RS3 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 AUDI RS3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 2016 AUDI RS3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI RS3(2016) | 96% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2277 |
| JAGUAR F-PACE(2017) | 90% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£505 |
| FORD MONDEO(2016) | 87% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£410 |
| JAGUAR XE(2016) | 87% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£410 |
| HONDA CR-V(2016) | 91% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1717-£560 |
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.
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