86.9%
pass rate across 139,902 tests
85.1% first-time pass rate
75,377 mi median at test
Audi A3 2015 vs 2018
The same model, 3 years apart, compared on 226,993 real MOT tests. The raw pass rate mostly measures age; the like-for-like row and the mileage bands show what survives that adjustment.
90.4%
pass rate across 87,091 tests
89.5% first-time pass rate
46,511 mi median at test
The short answer
The 2018 A3 passes more — but most of it is age
Across 226,993 tests, the 2018 A3 passes 90.4% of MOTs and the 2015 86.9%. The 2018 cars are 3 years newer and were tested at a median 46,511 miles against 75,377, so part of that gap is simply age and use. Against what their age and mileage predict, the 2018 is +2.5 points and the 2015 +4.8 — a like-for-like gap of −2.3 points. Most of the raw advantage disappears once the two are matched. Typical repair bills are £40–£95 on the 2015 and £44–£103 on the 2018. The two bills are close. Repairs under £30 account for 17% of the 2015's recorded faults and 11% of the 2018's. Both years fail most often on windscreen.
- Pass rate: 86.9% vs 90.4%
- Tests: 139,902 vs 87,091
- Like-for-like: +4.8 vs +2.5 pts
- Median mileage: 75,377 vs 46,511 mi
- Typical repair: £40–£95 vs £44–£103
- Cheap fixes: 17% vs 11%
| Measure | 2015 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT tests on record | 139,902 | 87,091 |
| Pass rate, all MOTs | 86.9% | 90.4% stronger figure |
| First-time pass rate | 85.1% | 89.5% stronger figure |
| Against the UK average | +4.8 pts stronger figure | +2.5 pts |
| Like-for-like, age and mileage adjusted | +4.8 pts stronger figure | +2.5 pts |
| Average mileage at test | 78,968 mi | 49,814 mi |
| Median mileage at test | 75,377 mi | 46,511 mi |
| Typical repair bill | £40–£95 stronger figure | £44–£103 |
| Repairs under £30 | 17% stronger figure | 11% |
| Most common failing part | Windscreen | Windscreen |
| Variants recorded | 1 | 2 |
| Main fuel | Diesel 53% | Petrol 82% |
A ✓ marks the stronger figure in each row. It compares the two model years, not either one against the national average.
What goes wrong most often
The most common priced failures on each year, as a share of that year's tests. Repair costs are estimates from UK parts data, not quotes.
2015 A3
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 2.6% £80–£200
- Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction 1.4% £3–£12
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1.3% £45–£95
- Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak 1.3% £30–£75
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.2% £45–£95
2018 A3
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 2.1% £80–£200
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.5% £45–£95
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1.3% £45–£95
- Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick 1.0% £18–£45
- Has ply or cords exposed 0.8% £45–£95
Does the gap hold at higher mileage?
Pass rate by the mileage recorded at test. If the lead shrinks in the high-mileage bands, part of the headline difference was a younger, lower-mileage sample.
| Mileage | 2015 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30,000 mi | 93.5% · 4,804 tests | 93.9% · 15,044 tests |
| 30,000–60,000 mi | 90.1% · 35,945 tests | 90.6% · 48,463 tests |
| 60,000–90,000 mi | 86.5% · 54,696 tests | 88.2% · 19,041 tests |
| 90,000–120,000 mi | 84.6% · 29,839 tests | 86.9% · 3,705 tests |
| 120,000+ mi | 83.3% · 14,581 tests | 87.7% · 830 tests |
What to check before you buy
2015 Audi A3
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 2.6% of tests · £80–£200
- Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction — 1.4% of tests · £3–£12
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm — 1.3% of tests · £45–£95
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
2018 Audi A3
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 2.1% of tests · £80–£200
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords — 1.5% of tests · £45–£95
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm — 1.3% of tests · £45–£95
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
Compare another pair of years for the Audi A3? Pick two years →
Compare a different pair of years? Pick two years of the Audi A3 →
Or put the A3 against another model: Compare the Audi A3 side by side →