Is the 2012 AUDI S5 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of AUDI S5s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 437 tests. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 AUDI S5 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 AUDI S5?

The 2012 AUDI S5 has a 91% MOT pass rate based on 437 tests in 2026. This ranks 98 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year AUDI S5 is most reliable?

The 2015 AUDI S5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2010 at 85%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 AUDI S5?

The average mileage for a 2012 AUDI S5 is 83,594 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

AUDI S5 (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 437 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2995cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol2995cc14 years old437 tests84k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2995cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2995cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/wk

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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.

At 14 years old, 91% of AUDI S5s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 437 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,594 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars98th of 685(top 14%)

Rank among AUDI models620th of 1,079(top 57%)

vs national average+9%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+13%(78% avg)

vs AUDI average+1%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,594

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 AUDI S5 has 83,594 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 85%. The 2012 sits between the two at 91%.

AUDI S5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	89%	85	59,695 mi
2015	94%	67	59,833 mi
2014	92%	275	73,644 mi
2013	90%	269	76,943 mi
2012	91%	437	83,594 mi
2011	89%	544	83,319 mi
2010	85%	694	97,514 mi
2009	88%	406	98,651 mi
2008	85%	714	107,360 mi
2007	87%	315	110,886 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 SERIES

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

-4%

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-14%

BMW 1 SERIES

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,247/year

84%

-7%

MERCEDES E

2010 · 3495cc Petrol

£2,247/year

80%

-11%

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About the 2012 AUDI S5

The 2012 AUDI S5 is a premium performance with a 2995cc petrol engine. 437 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2012 cars for reliability.

With an average of 83,594 miles at 14 years old, AUDI S5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 AUDI S5 Fuel Costs

The 2995cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2012 AUDI S5?

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 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

AUDI S5 Reliability Trend

Newer AUDI S5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 AUDI S5

At 14 years old, the AUDI S5 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 AUDI S5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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 risk

Larger 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 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

Medium risk

With an average of 84k 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 S5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
AUDI S5(2012)	91%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2277
BMW 3 SERIES(2014)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120
BMW 1 SERIES(2013)	84%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30
MERCEDES E(2010)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£30

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.