2005 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel · DF05 KNB
2005 Audi A3 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 29 Jul 2005. Recorded mileage 120,870 miles. MOT valid until 29 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A3
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 120,870 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DF05 KNB Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/12/2025
- 120,870 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DF05 KNB MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Audi A3 (DF05 KNB) between December 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
DF05 KNB Mileage History
- 14/12/2023115,328 mi
- 19/12/2024118,544 mi+3,216 mi
- 19/12/2024118,544 mi
- 22/12/2025120,870 mi+2,326 mi
- 22/12/2025120,870 mi
Average of roughly 2,740 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution regarding t
When inspecting this vehicle, prioritise a diagnostic scan to identify the root cause of the engine management light, which has appeared as a failure item in both 2024 and 2025. It is essential to determine if these were minor sensor issues or more significant engine management faults, as this will heavily influence the cost of ownership.
Negotiate the price based on the need for immediate suspension work. The MOT history highlights recurring issues with anti-roll bar ball joints and rear suspension bushes. Ensure you have a budget set aside for these repairs, as they are likely to be flagged again at the next inspection.
As a 2.0-litre diesel, this Audi A3 sits in a higher tax bracket than smaller petrol alternatives. Fuel economy is generally respectable for a 2005 model, but maintenance costs for the 2.0 TDI engine can be significant as the vehicle ages, particularly if the turbo or diesel particulate systems require attention.
Insurance costs for an older Audi can be surprisingly high due to parts availability and repair complexity. Expect an estimated annual running cost of £1,400-£1,700, covering fuel, insurance, road tax, and the likely repair bills identified in recent MOT records.
Focus your inspection on the suspension and braking systems. The MOT records show consistent wear on the anti-roll bar ball joints and rear brake components, including binding issues and deteriorated backing plates. Check the condition of all tyres, as the vehicle has previously been flagged for uneven wear on the front axle.
Verify that the engine management light illuminates upon ignition and clears once the engine is started; if it remains lit, the vehicle has an active fault. Inspect the rear suspension bushes thoroughly, as their deterioration was noted in the 2023 history, and ensure there is no excessive noise or play when driving over uneven surfaces.
This 2005 Audi A3 has covered 120,870 miles, which is slightly above the expected average for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of failures, specifically regarding engine management system malfunctions and suspension component wear. Given the repeated nature of these faults over the last three years, prospective buyers should factor in immediate repair costs.
The Audi A3 is a popular model, but aggregate data shows that suspension components and braking systems are common failure points as these vehicles age.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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