1998 Audi A3 · 1,057 MOT tests
1998 Audi A3 reliability
1998 Audi A3s fail 42.6% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 A3 years (1,057 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1998 Audi A3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- 42.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 112,582
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,057
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.1% of tests fail here (40% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 26% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Audi A3
Fail rate by area
- Brakes16.3%
- Lights and electrics14.8%
- Suspension13.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.2%
- Body, chassis and structure7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.3%
- Tyres5.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.88%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.88%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.22%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.84%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.84%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.65%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.7%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.91%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.11%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.5%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (10.41%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.03%)
Other years
Every Audi A3 year
The full picture: Audi A3 reliability. Before you pay for any Audi A3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Audi A3 reliable?
1998 Audi A3s fail 42.6% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 A3 years (1,057 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Audi A3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.88% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.88% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Audi A3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1998 Audi A3 shows 112,582 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1998 Audi A3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.