Audi RS3 (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 47 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,413
£201/month
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2498cc Petrol
Great Choice
100% pass rate, £2,413/year to run. 18 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Audi brand average of 90%.
100% of MOT tests on Audi RS3s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 47 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 37,850 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
37,850
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Audi RS3 had 37,850 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Audi RS3 by Year
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About the 2018 Audi RS3
The 2018 Audi RS3 is a premium car. Our records list a 2498cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 47 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2018 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 37,850 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi RS3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 Audi RS3 Fuel Costs
The 2498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 Audi RS3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,413 (£201/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2018 Audi RS3
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. Note: with only 47 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 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.
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 RS3 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 RS3(2018) | 100% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413 |
| BMW 5 Series(2018) | 91% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
| Volvo XC40(2020) | 93% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£327 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2018) | 93% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
| BMW X3(2019) | 92% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,413same |
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 RS3
Is the 2018 Audi RS3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 100% of MOT tests on 2018 Audi RS3s ended in a pass, from 47 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Audi RS3 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,413 a year (£201 a month): £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Audi RS3?
100% of 47 MOT tests on the 2018 Audi RS3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 13th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (top 3%).
What is the average mileage for a 2018 Audi RS3?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Audi RS3 is 37,850 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Audi Models
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
Audi A3
2015 · 1598cc Diesel
Audi A1
2016 · 1395cc Petrol
Audi A4
2017 · 1968cc Diesel
BMW 5 Series
2018 · 2998cc Petrol
Volvo XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2018 · 2995cc Petrol
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