2000 Audi A3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Audi A3 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Audi A3 petrol than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Audi A3

  16.5% All 2000 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.3% of all 2000 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.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Audi A3

  19.9% All 2000 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.8% of all 2000 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.8× usual
  Audi A3

  10.8% All 2000 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Front strut mounts and bushes5.5× usual
  Audi A3

  3.3% All 2000 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Anti-lock braking system2.5× usual
  Audi A3

  3.3% All 2000 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2000 Audi A3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Audi A3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  43% 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
  32% 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
  29% 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
  21% 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
  17% 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 2000 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2000 Audi A3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Audi A3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2000 Audi A3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?