2011 Audi S3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Audi S3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Audi S3 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Suspension arm2.5× usual
  Audi S3

  6.3% All 2011 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2011 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.2× usual
  Audi S3

  5.2% All 2011 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2011 Audi S3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Audi S3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  27% 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.

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  17% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Audi S3

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Audi S3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Audi S3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?