2012 Audi A1 1.6L Diesel · LC05 ARC
2012 Audi A1 (1.6L, diesel). First registered 01/06/2012. Recorded mileage 87,577 miles. MOT valid until 24/06/2027. Taxed until 01/07/2027.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A1
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Stanmore (North London)
- MOT Status
- Valid until 24/06/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/07/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 87,577 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 1598cc
LC05 ARC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/06/2026
- 87,577 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
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LC05 ARC Mileage History
- 19/06/202365,476 mi
- 02/05/202467,258 mi+1,782 mi
- 06/06/202467,415 mi+157 mi
- 16/06/202577,628 mi+10,213 mi
- 09/06/202687,577 mi+9,949 mi
Average of roughly 7,434 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
LC05 ARC 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 2012 Audi A1 (LC05 ARC) between June 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 June 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: Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). 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: “Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and budget for susp
Given that this A1's MOT record shows a brake disc and coil spring failure in 2024 plus advisories in 2025 and 2026 relating to suspension bushes and a deteriorating CV boot, a test drive and physical check should focus squarely on these areas. Listen for clonking noises over bumps which could indicate worn spring seats, top mounts, or remaining bush wear beyond what the MOT recorded. Inspect both front brake discs for lipping and the CV boot for any grease loss, as a torn boot that progresses to joint failure can become an expensive repair. Negotiate the asking value down to reflect the likely cost of replacing the CV boot, the offside front suspension bush, and possibly refreshing the brake discs if the corrosion seen in 2024 has progressed. The fact that the 2024 retest was completely advisory-free is a positive data point, but the appearance of suspension advisories in three of the last five tests suggests this is a wearing area worth scrutinising carefully.
The 1.6 TDI diesel engine in the Audi A1 typically returns around 65-70 mpg in real-world driving, making it one of the more economical premium superminis. Road tax for a 2012 diesel of this engine size falls into a higher bracket than equivalent petrols, so check the current VED band carefully. Insurance is generally reasonable for the A1, though premiums vary significantly depending on the driver's history. Typical annual servicing costs for this age of A1 are modest, but parts for suspension components (springs, bushes, arms) and brake discs can add up if multiple items are replaced together. Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500.
On inspection, prioritise the front suspension: jack the car and check both front coil springs for fractures, particularly where the 2024 failure occurred, and examine all suspension arm bushes for play, as advisories appeared in 2023 and again in 2026. Examine the nearside front CV boot closely for splits or grease contamination, since the 2026 advisory noted severe deterioration and an unprotected joint will fail quickly. Check all four brake discs for scoring, lipping, and corrosion — the 2024 failure flagged corrosion across front and rear discs and advisories in 2023 covered all four corners. Inspect the offside front headlamp lens for any condensation or cracks, as a slight defect was noted in 2025. Finally, look for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the offside front, which was flagged as worn close to the legal limit in 2023.
This 2012 Audi A1 1.6 diesel in blue has covered 87,577 miles across five recorded MOTs, averaging roughly 9,900 miles per year since first registration in June 2012. The vehicle failed its MOT in May 2024 due to fractured front coil springs and corroded brake discs, but passed the subsequent retest a month later with no defects recorded. Recent advisories in 2025 and 2026 flag a deteriorating CV boot, a worn suspension bush, and minor headlamp issues, suggesting ongoing wear typical of higher-mileage examples. Compared against the model's aggregate pass rate of 83.4%, this particular car sits close to average but warrants careful inspection given the pattern of suspension and brake-related items.
The Audi A1 has an aggregate MOT pass rate of 83.4% across 232,468 analysed vehicles, with ball joint, coil spring, and headlamp issues being the most common failure reasons — all of which have featured in this particular car's MOT history. This positions the A1 as a mid-pack performer in its class, neither outstanding nor problematic.
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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