1998 Audi A3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Audi A3 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Audi A3 petrol than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Brake discs2.4× usual
  Audi A3

  22.9% All 1998 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.6% of all 1998 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 joints3.2× usual
  Audi A3

  16.5% All 1998 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.9% of all 1998 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.

• Coil springs2.4× usual
  Audi A3

  16.9% All 1998 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  Audi A3

  12.6% All 1998 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Number plates2× usual
  Audi A3

  11.7% All 1998 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.7% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 1998 Audi A3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Audi A3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% 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
  27% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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
  19% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Audi A3 petrol

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 2.4× as often on the 1998 Audi A3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1998 Audi A3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 Audi A3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?