2003 Audi A3 1.6L Petrol · YV03 YYM
2003 Audi A3 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 148,984 miles. MOT expired on 16 Jan 2025.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A3
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Beverley / Hull
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Jan 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (29 Feb 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 148,984 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 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.
YV03 YYM Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/01/2024
- 148,984 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YV03 YYM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Audi A3 (YV03 YYM) between January 2022 and January 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 January 2024 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: Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (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: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
YV03 YYM Mileage History
- 13/01/2022136,101 mi
- 17/01/2022136,107 mi+6 mi
- 14/01/2023142,613 mi+6,506 mi
- 10/01/2024148,984 mi+6,371 mi
Average of roughly 6,474 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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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
Exercise significant caution. While this
Prioritise a professional inspection of the underside. The January 2024 MOT specifically notes a corroded front subframe and the 2023 record mentions 'age rust underneath'; these can be costly or impossible to rectify if they have progressed to structural failure. You should also negotiate the price based on the immediate need to replace the deteriorated nearside front CV boot and the damaged Macpherson struts noted in the most recent test.
Check the service history for evidence of a full exhaust system replacement or catalyst work following the major emissions and leak failures in January 2022. Ensure that the 'spongy' brake pedal mentioned in 2023 has been addressed, as this could indicate air in the system or failing master cylinder components.
The 1.6L petrol engine is relatively economical for its era, though it will not match modern fuel efficiency standards. As a 2003 model, it falls into an older tax bracket which is generally more expensive than newer, lower-emission vehicles. Insurance groups for the A3 are typically moderate, making it accessible for most drivers.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this model due to the existing advisories. Between the CV boot, suspension bushings, and potential corrosion treatment, a buyer should budget for immediate remedial work. The estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and necessary repairs, is approximately £1,300-£1,600.
Focus your inspection on the front end of the vehicle. Specifically, check the nearside front drive shaft joint CV boot and the track rod end ball joint dust cover, both of which were flagged as deteriorated or damaged in January 2024. Inspect the Macpherson struts on both the nearside and offside front for the damage noted in the MOT record.
Pay close attention to the braking system. The vehicle has a history of 'excessively binding' rear brakes (2022) and a 'spongy' pedal (2023). Test the brakes for consistent pressure and ensure the car does not pull to one side under braking. Finally, use a torch to inspect the front subframe for the corrosion mentioned in the 2024 test to determine if it has worsened.
This silver 1.6L petrol Audi A3 has covered 148,984 miles. The MOT history reveals a pattern of age-related wear, specifically regarding chassis corrosion and suspension deterioration. A significant failure in early 2022 involving emissions and brake binding suggests a period of neglected maintenance before the subsequent passes.
With an aggregate MOT pass rate of 82.1%, this model is generally reliable, though it frequently suffers from service brake and anti-roll bar failures.
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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