2012 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel · MF12 SZL
2012 Audi A3 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 22 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 151,028 miles. MOT valid until 08 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A3
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 151,028 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.
MF12 SZL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/12/2025
- 151,028 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MF12 SZL 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 A3 (MF12 SZL) between November 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 December 2025 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: Tyres (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Broken at Middle (6.1.2 (a))”; “Emissions not tested (8.2.2.2 (e))”.
MF12 SZL Mileage History
- 14/11/2022114,117 mi
- 15/11/2022114,117 mi
- 09/12/2024130,001 mi+15,884 mi
- 08/12/2025151,028 mi+21,027 mi
Average of roughly 12,037 miles per year across 4 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.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to high mileage relative to the model average. While the recent MOT history is clean, the vehicle has covered significantly more ground than a typical example of its age.
The primary concern for this vehicle is the mileage; at over 150,000 miles, you must verify if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced according to the schedule, as these are critical maintenance items. Look for a comprehensive service history to ensure the high-mileage usage has been met with regular oil changes.
Given the vehicle failed an MOT in November 2022 at 114,117 miles before passing the next day, ask the seller what specific repairs were made to rectify that failure. Negotiate based on the likely need for suspension and brake component replacements which are nearing the end of life at this mileage.
The 2.0L diesel engine is generally efficient for long-distance driving, but tax and insurance groups for Audis can be higher depending on your profile. Expect moderate fuel economy, provided the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is functioning correctly.
Annual maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the high mileage; components like the turbo, injectors, and suspension bushings may require attention. Estimate an annual cost of £1,200-£1,600 including fuel, tax, and servicing.
Inspect the under-car thoroughly, as the aggregate data for this model highlights the anti-roll bar and brake components as common failure points. Check for any knocking noises when driving over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes or links given the mileage.
Examine the braking system specifically; while the most recent MOT showed no defects, the model statistics show that excessively worn brakes and worn pads are frequent reasons for failure in this range. Ensure there are no signs of fluid leaks around the engine or gearbox area.
This 2012 Audi A3 diesel has recorded 151,028 miles, which is substantially higher than the national-specific average of 7,644 miles per year for this period. Although it has passed its last four MOT tests without recorded defects, the high mileage suggests significant wear-and-tear on engine-specific components common to the 2.0L diesel engines.
The 2.0L diesel Audi A3 is generally robust but is prone to expensive DPF issues and suspension wear as mileage approaches high-six figures.
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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