IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2003 Audi A3 1.6L Petrol · LB03 OPP

LB03 OPP

2003 Audi A3 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 27 Jun 2003. Recorded mileage 35,721 miles. MOT valid until 29 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.

Make & Model
AUDI A3
Year / Origin
2003 · Stanmore (North London)
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 29 Jun 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
Recorded Mileage
35,721 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 29 Jun 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Jul 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2003
Engine
1595cc
Mechanical Assessment

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

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 June 2026, though the result indicates a shift in the maintenance trend. While the history from 2022 to 2024 was remarkably clean with only minor lighting failures, the latest inspection reveals several emerging concerns regarding tyre condition and engine seals. This suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of age-related deterioration where components are failing due to time and environmental exposure rather than operational wear. With a recorded mileage of 35,721 miles over 23 years, this Audi A3 has been used sparingly, averaging approximately 1,553 miles per year. Such low annual usage is atypical and suggests the vehicle has undergone long periods of standing. While this results in minimal mechanical wear on the drivetrain and interior, it introduces specific risks associated with stagnation, including the degradation of rubber components and the potential for fluid contamination or oxidation within the braking system. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the tyre advisories. The recurring mentions of cracking and perishing on the offside and nearside tyres are classic symptoms of rubber age-hardening due to lack of use. More concerning is the inner edge wear on the offside front tyre, which often points to incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension bushes. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces and check for any steering drift, as these indicate that the suspension geometry may require correction. The recent advisory regarding an oil leak requires a physical inspection of the engine bay and underside to determine the source, whether it be a perished gasket or a leaking oil seal. Given the vehicle's low mileage and age, you must verify the service history to ensure fluids have been changed based on time intervals rather than mileage. Check the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are not binding, which is common in low-use vehicles. Finally, test the 12V battery health and inspect all rubber hoses and belts for signs of dry rot or splitting.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

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.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

LB03 OPP Key Findings

  • 28 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 26/06/2026
  • 35,721 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 8 historical MOT failures
  • 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (26 mentions)

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

LB03 OPP MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 30 Oct 2026, 10:45
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

28 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Audi A3 (LB03 OPP) between June 2006 and June 2026.

The record contains 20 passes and 8 failures.

The most recent test on 26 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 8 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (26 issues), Lighting (14 issues), Brakes (10 issues), Steering (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 32 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: “Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingre”; “Headlamp aim not tested (4.1.2 (b))”; “Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

LB03 OPP Mileage History

  1. 29/06/20068,154 mi
  2. 02/01/200812,386 mi+4,232 mi
  3. 30/12/200814,415 mi+2,029 mi
  4. 29/12/200915,525 mi+1,110 mi
  5. 31/12/201017,239 mi+1,714 mi
  6. 31/12/201017,239 mi
  7. 28/12/201118,780 mi+1,541 mi
  8. 13/12/201220,767 mi+1,987 mi
  9. 13/12/201220,767 mi
  10. 30/12/201322,686 mi+1,919 mi
  11. 02/01/201524,212 mi+1,526 mi
  12. 02/03/201625,789 mi+1,577 mi
  13. 02/03/201727,340 mi+1,551 mi
  14. 02/03/201727,341 mi+1 mi
  15. 14/02/201828,618 mi+1,277 mi
  16. 15/02/201828,619 mi+1 mi
  17. 26/06/201930,524 mi+1,905 mi
  18. 26/06/201930,525 mi+1 mi
  19. 19/06/202031,931 mi+1,406 mi
  20. 25/06/202133,266 mi+1,335 mi
  21. 01/07/202133,277 mi+11 mi
  22. 29/06/202234,545 mi+1,268 mi
  23. 29/06/202234,545 mi
  24. 20/06/202334,867 mi+322 mi
  25. 28/06/202435,292 mi+425 mi
  26. 24/06/202535,485 mi+193 mi
  27. 24/06/202535,485 mi
  28. 26/06/202635,721 mi+236 mi

Average of roughly 1,379 miles per year across 28 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
85
/ 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%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
72/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£900-£1,200
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 35,721 is signif...

Our Verdict

This is a low-mileage example of an Audi

Given the exceptionally low mileage for a 2003 vehicle, your primary focus should be on age-related degradation rather than heavy wear. The most recent MOT (June 2026) highlights issues with tyre condition, specifically cracking and perishing on the nearside front and offside rear, alongside a worn offside front tyre. Ensure any replacement tyres are of a high standard to maintain the car's handling.

Negotiate based on the recent oil leak advisory. While the MOT notes it is 'not excessive', it is a point of interest that requires investigation to determine if it is a simple gasket issue or something more substantial. Ask for evidence of any recent servicing to complement the low mileage, as vehicles that sit idle for long periods can sometimes face different mechanical challenges than high-mileage commuters.

With a 1.6L petrol engine, this A3 is likely to fall into a moderate insurance group and a standard tax band for its era. Fuel economy should be reasonable for a petrol hatchback of this age, though actual figures will depend on driving style and maintenance.

Maintenance costs for an older Audi can vary; while parts are widely available, specialist labour can be higher than for a budget brand. Expect typical maintenance costs to include regular oil changes and, as highlighted by the recent MOT, periodic tyre replacements. An estimated annual running cost of £900-£1,200 is a realistic baseline for fuel, tax, insurance, and routine upkeep.

Prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres. The 2026 MOT record specifically flags cracking/perishing on the nearside front and offside rear, as well as wear on the offside front. Check all four tyres for similar signs of age-related perishing, even if they have plenty of tread.

Secondly, investigate the oil leak mentioned in the June 2026 MOT. Look under the engine bay for signs of seepage around the sump or valve cover. Finally, because this is a 2003 model, check for any signs of rubber component degradation (such as hoses and belts) which often accompanies low-mileage, older vehicles that have spent significant time stationary.

This 2003 silver Audi A3 has covered just 35,721 miles in its 23-year lifespan, which is significantly lower than the model average. The MOT history shows a mostly clean record with no defects recorded between 2023 and 2024. However, the 2026 test introduced several tyre-related advisories and a noted oil leak, which should be addressed.

Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 82.2%, with common failures relating to brakes and anti-roll bars.

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