2001 Audi A3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Audi A3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Audi A3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Audi A3

  22.3% All 2001 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Audi A3

  16.9% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Audi A3

  17.4% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Audi A3

  11.3% All 2001 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Side repeaters4.7× usual
  Audi A3

  7% All 2001 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2001 Audi A3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Audi A3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  49% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  48% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Audi A3 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Audi A3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 Audi A3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Audi A3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?