2001 Audi A3 1.8L Petrol · Y742 BCE
2001 Audi A3 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 14 May 2001. Recorded mileage 86,882 miles. MOT expired on 19 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A3
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,882 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- 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.
Y742 BCE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/10/2025
- 86,882 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y742 BCE 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 2001 Audi A3 (Y742 BCE) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 October 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 (6 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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 Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”.
Y742 BCE Mileage History
- 18/10/202275,260 mi
- 16/10/202378,040 mi+2,780 mi
- 18/10/202481,629 mi+3,589 mi
- 02/10/202586,882 mi+5,253 mi
- 03/10/202586,882 mi
Average of roughly 3,926 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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
A cautious buy for a modern classic enthusiast; while the mileage is reasonable for the age, the history reveals a recurring pattern of suspension and brake neglect that requires close inspection.
When inspecting this A3, pay close attention to the suspension. The MOT record shows multiple failures for fractured coil springs (2021 and 2025) and deteriorated suspension arm rubber bushes (2018). Ensure the current owner has replaced these components recently, as they are common wear points on the early-generation 8P-generation A3.
Check the braking system thoroughly. The car has a long history of advisories for worn, pitted, or scored front brake discs, and the most recent test also noted a binding nearside rear brake. Ask for a service history to confirm if the discs and pads have been replaced regularly, as the recurring 'worn' notes suggest the components may have been left to the limit multiple times over the years.
The 1.8cc petrol engine is relatively simple but will offer roughly 30-35 MPG depending on driving conditions. Given its age and model, it should fall into a moderate insurance group, though buyers should check a specific quote based on their postcode.
Maintenance costs for an older Audi can be higher than a comparable Vauxhall or Ford due to parts pricing. You should budget for an annual running cost of approximately £900-£1,200 covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance items.
Focus on the undercarriage for signs of rust and wear. Given the repeated failures of the rear coil springs, check for any sagging or visible cracks in the springs. Also, inspect the front CV boots, as a split boot was a major failure in 2021; ensure there is no grease leaking from the drive joints.
Test the brakes during the test drive. The history mentions a binding nearside rear brake and consistently worn front discs. Listen for grinding noises or vibrations in the steering wheel when braking. Finally, check the tyre quality, as the vehicle recently failed due to a deep cut in the offside front tyre.
This 2001 Audi A3 sits at approximately 86,882 miles, which is modest for a 25-year-old vehicle. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history shows persistent issues related to coil springs, suspension bushes, and brakes. The purple paint makes it a standout choice, but the mechanical data suggests that maintenance has been reactive rather than proactive at times.
The 1.8 16v petrol engines in this era are generally robust, but the suspension components are prone to premature wear as they age.
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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