2012 Audi A1 1.4L Petrol · N973 ALS
2012 Audi A1 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 31/01/2012. Recorded mileage 78,585 miles. MOT valid until 18/12/2026. Taxed until 01/03/2027.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A1
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18/12/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/03/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,585 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 1390cc
N973 ALS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/12/2025
- 78,585 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 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.
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N973 ALS Mileage History
- 28/11/202261,642 mi
- 13/12/202368,931 mi+7,289 mi
- 04/12/202473,020 mi+4,089 mi
- 19/12/202578,585 mi+5,565 mi
- 19/12/202578,585 mi
Average of roughly 5,540 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
N973 ALS 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 (N973 ALS) between November 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 19 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: Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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 component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A sensible choice for a small petrol hat
When viewing this specific Audi A1, your primary focus should be confirming that the nearside front lower suspension ball joint identified in the December 2025 failure has been professionally replaced and that the vehicle has been tested since. Ask for receipts or digital records to prove this specific repair was completed.
Given the 2022 MOT advisory regarding rear brake discs and binding brakes, it is worth checking the current state of the rear braking system. While the 2024 and 2025 tests recorded no defects, ensuring the rear brakes are free and smooth is a prudent step for a vehicle of this age and mileage.
The 1390cc petrol engine is generally efficient for urban driving, typically falling into a moderate insurance group and tax band suitable for a premium small car. Fuel economy should be competitive for a 2012 petrol model.
Maintenance costs for Audi models tend to be higher than budget brands due to parts and specialist labour requirements. You should budget for regular servicing of the suspension components, as ball joint wear is a noted issue for this model type according to aggregate data.
Specifically inspect the front suspension area. The December 2025 MOT failure was due to an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension ball joint; ensure there are no knocks or knocks when turning the steering wheel at low speeds.
Additionally, check the rear brake discs and calipers. Although no defects were recorded in the most recent tests, the 2022 MOT highlighted pitted rear discs and a binding service brake. Ensure the rear wheels spin freely and there is no excessive heat coming from the rear hubs after a short drive.
This 2012 blue Audi A1 with a 1.4L petrol engine has covered 78,585 miles, which is slightly above the model average of 6,766 miles per year. The MOT history shows a recent failure in December 2025 due to a worn nearside front lower suspension ball joint, but it passed immediately following that repair. Aside from a brake-related advisory in 2022, the recent testing history has been clear of defects.
Aggregate data for this model shows that ball joints and coil springs are common MOT failure points.
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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