2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Audi S3 MOT pass rate and common faults

262 MOT tests in 2024. 76.7% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

135Well above average
Passed first time76.7%
Failed or needed repairs23.3%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 262 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.2%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    12 marked dangerous
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.9%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits1.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    8 marked dangerous
  8. Anti-roll bars - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.1%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    3 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension12.2%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.4%
  3. Lights & electrics7.3%
  4. Tyres6.5%
  5. Brakes5.3%
  6. Body & chassis3.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.1%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.9%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Audi S3?

In 2024, 76.7% of 2008 Audi S3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 262 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Audi S3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 Audi S3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 135, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).