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2016 Audi A3 2.0L Petrol · DG51 ADE

DG51 ADE

2016 Audi A3 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 14 Jan 2016. Recorded mileage 85,482 miles. MOT valid until 21 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.

Make & Model
AUDI A3
Year / Origin
2016 · Chester
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 21 Sept 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
Recorded Mileage
85,482 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 21 Sept 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Dec 2026
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2016
Engine
1984cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

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DG51 ADE Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/09/2026
  • 85,482 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

DG51 ADE MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 30 Oct 2026, 12:47
MOT Analysis

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 2016 Audi A3 (DG51 ADE) between September 2023 and September 2026.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 17 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 6 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: “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”; “Rear Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))”; “Front Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

DG51 ADE Mileage History

  1. 23/09/202373,526 mi
  2. 18/09/202477,749 mi+4,223 mi
  3. 19/09/202581,714 mi+3,965 mi
  4. 17/09/202685,435 mi+3,721 mi
  5. 17/09/202685,482 mi+47 mi

Average of roughly 4,006 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
88
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (80%)
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
68/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£2,300-£2,650
Mileage
At 81,714 mi, the mileage is below the e...

Our Verdict

The 2016 Audi A3 in red is generally well maintained with a solid MOT record, but recent major failures on the exhaust emissions and SRS system raise caution. Prospective buyers should verify that the exhaust issue has been rectified and ensure the airbag warning has been addressed before proceeding.

Ask the seller for a full service history, especially any work done after the 2023 MOT failure. Look for receipts confirming replacement of the catalytic converter or exhaust components, as well as any SRS module repairs following the 2019 warning. Verify that the tyre that was flagged as perished in 2021 has been replaced and that the current tyre tread depths are even.

Check for any outstanding recalls on the 2.0L petrol engine, as Audi occasionally issues service bulletins for fuel system components. A recent MOT pass in September 2025 suggests the car is currently road‑worthy, but a pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is advisable to confirm that the emissions and airbag systems are now compliant. Negotiating a price reduction to cover any imminent maintenance, such as brake pads or a new set of tyres, would be prudent.

The 2.0‑litre petrol engine in the A3 typically achieves around 45 mpg combined, giving an annual fuel cost of roughly £1,200 if driven 10,000 miles per year at current fuel prices. The vehicle falls into CO₂ tax band 4 (approximately £150 per year) and sits in insurance group 20, leading to an estimated insurance premium of £650‑£800 annually for a standard driver.

Routine maintenance on an Audi of this age – including oil changes, brake servicing, and occasional suspension work – averages £300‑£500 per year. Adding fuel, tax, and insurance, the total annual running cost is likely to sit between £2,300 and £2,650, though careful ownership can keep it toward the lower end of that range.

Given the 2023 MOT failure for exhaust carbon monoxide excess, inspect the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and exhaust pipes for signs of damage or clogging. A functional emissions system is essential to avoid future MOT failures and to ensure compliance with UK regulations.

The 2019 SRS warning indicates a potential fault in the airbag system. Verify that the supplemental restraint system warning lamp is extinguished and request documentation of any airbag module repairs or replacements. Additionally, examine the condition of the rear tyres, especially the off‑side tyre flagged in 2021, to ensure they have adequate tread and are not showing uneven wear, which could hint at suspension issues.

Finally, check the undertrays and engine mounts that were noted as fitted in 2018 for any corrosion or loose fittings, and confirm that the child seat mounting points are secure and not obstructed, as previous advisories mentioned limited access to the adult belt.

This 2016 Audi A3 has logged 81,714 miles, which is below the expected average for its age, indicating relatively low wear. The MOT history shows consistent annual tests with only two major failures – an exhaust carbon monoxide excess in 2023 and an SRS warning in 2019 – both of which should be investigated. Advisories about a perished tyre and fitted undertrays are minor but highlight the need for a thorough inspection. Overall, the car offers a premium feel at a reasonable mileage, provided the noted issues are resolved.

While there is no aggregate reliability data for the Audi A3, the MOT history shows two major failures over eight years, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and mileage.

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