2004 Audi A3 · 15,403 MOT tests
2004 Audi A3 reliability
2004 Audi A3s fail 46.6% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 24 A3 years (15,403 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- 46.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 133,873
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,403
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: about average for its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 11.4% of tests fail here (48% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 41% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Audi A3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.9%
- Suspension18.7%
- Brakes13.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11.4%
- Body, chassis and structure10.3%
- Tyres8.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 6.86%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.06%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.17%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.84%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 3.71%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.46%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.81%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (15.41%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.87%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.93%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.98%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.78%)
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 2004 Audi A3 reliable?
2004 Audi A3s fail 46.6% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 24 A3 years (15,403 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Audi A3 MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (6.86% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.06% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Audi A3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Audi A3 shows 133,873 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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