Audi S3 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 620 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1984cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1984cc18 years old620 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1984cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

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.

Reliability Verdict

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

85% of MOT tests on Audi S3s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 620 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,238 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models114th of 566(top 21%)

Rank among Audi models868th of 1,066(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+12%(73% avg)

vs Audi average-5%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,238

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Audi S3 had 114,238 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2008 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Audi S3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	96%	49	32,831 mi
2018	93%	100	48,229 mi
2017	96%	135	60,095 mi
2016	93%	190	61,138 mi
2015	94%	537	70,456 mi
2014	91%	1,975	75,271 mi
2013	92%	616	80,060 mi
2012	87%	341	88,186 mi
2011	87%	835	89,620 mi
2010	85%	1,034	96,246 mi
2009	88%	643	100,681 mi
2008	85%	620	114,238 mi
2007	84%	671	117,265 mi
2006	81%	54	112,877 mi
2003	72%	235	137,030 mi
2002	80%	362	128,988 mi
2001	80%	237	123,516 mi
2000	79%	141	132,942 mi
1999	76%	132	143,273 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-11%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-18%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-5%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-5%

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About the 2008 Audi S3

The 2008 Audi S3 is a premium car. Our records list a 1984cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 620 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 114,238 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi S3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Audi S3 Fuel Costs

The 1984cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2008 Audi S3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Audi S3 Reliability Trend

Newer Audi S3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Audi S3

At 18 years old, the Audi S3 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 96%.

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 out

At 18 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.

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 114k 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 2008 Audi S3 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 S3(2008)	85%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£67
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same

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 2008 Audi S3

Is the 2008 Audi S3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2008 Audi S3s ended in a pass, from 620 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Audi S3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2008 Audi S3?

85% of 620 MOT tests on the 2008 Audi S3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 114th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 21%).

Which year Audi S3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Audi S3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2003 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Audi S3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Audi S3 is 114,238 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.