2009 Audi A3 1.6L Diesel · MT59 JVU
2009 Audi A3 (1.6L, diesel). First registered 01 Dec 2009. Recorded mileage 173,162 miles. MOT valid until 13 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A3
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 173,162 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.6L
- 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.
MT59 JVU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/01/2026
- 173,162 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MT59 JVU 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 2009 Audi A3 (MT59 JVU) between January 2024 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 January 2026 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: Suspension (10 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 23 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 Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
MT59 JVU Mileage History
- 11/01/2024156,850 mi
- 13/02/2025167,337 mi+10,487 mi
- 14/02/2025167,356 mi+19 mi
- 23/01/2026173,162 mi+5,806 mi
- 23/01/2026173,162 mi
Average of roughly 8,017 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Audi Audi A3 Mk2 (8P)
Our database tracks 7 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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 due to exceptionally high mileage and recurring MOT failure patterns. While the most recent test passed without defects, the vehicle's usage suggests it is nearing the end of its economic life.
When inspecting a high-mileage diesel Audi of this era, your priority must be the service history. At over 170,000 miles, components such as the timing belt, water pump, and turbocharger may have reached the end of their lifespan. Ask for evidence of regular oil changes, as the 2.0 TDI engine is sensitive to oil quality.
Check for signs of oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, which are common on high-mileage examples. Given the mileage, negotiate the price significantly based on the likelihood that major wear items—such as suspension components, clutch, or diesel particulate filter (DPF)—will require replacement in the near future.
The 1.6L diesel engine offers decent fuel economy for long journeys, but city driving may see higher consumption and potential DPF issues. Expect a mid-range tax band for a diesel of this age, and insurance groups will vary significantly based on your personal profile.
Annual running costs are estimated at £1,200-£1,500. This includes fuel, tax, and a higher contingency for maintenance, which is necessary for a vehicle with this mileage and history of MOT failures.
Focus specifically on the MOT history; the vehicle failed in both 2025 and 2026. While the specific defects were not listed in the summary, the repeated failures suggest a history of mechanical or-related issues. Inspect the anti-roll bar links and bushings, as these are noted failure reasons for this specific model aggregate.
Examine the tyres for uneven wear and depth, as these are common failure points for the A3. Additionally, test the clutch for slipping and check the suspension for any knocks, as these are high-risk areas at 173,000 miles.
This 2009 Audi A3 diesel has covered a significant 173,162 miles, which is vastly higher than the national average of 7,572 miles per year for its age. Although it passed its most recent MOT with no recorded defects, the vehicle has failed two tests in the last two years. The high mileage indicates a heavy-use history that typically correlates with imminent maintenance requirements.
The Audi A3 is generally robust, but high-mileage diesel variants are prone to expensive turbo and suspension-related issues.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
AUDI A3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2009 model year cars.
- S tronic (DSG) Mechatronic FailureSerious
The mechatronic control unit can fail electronically or hydraulically, causing jerky shifts, loss of gears, or complete transmission failure.
- Water Pump Impeller FailureModerate
The plastic impeller on the water pump can strip or crack, causing coolant circulation loss and overheating even though the pump appears to spin.
- Ignition Coil Pack FailureModerate
Coil packs degrade over time causing misfires, rough running and engine management lights. Affects all petrol models and is a common MOT failure cause.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.