Audi A3 (2020)
2020 Audi A3
CarHunch analysed 4,538 real MOT records for the 2020 Audi A3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2020 Audi A3 is a genuinely reliable used buy, with a 90% first-time MOT pass rate that sits well above the UK average of 80%—petrol versions edge out diesels at 90.3% versus 87.8%, though both are strong. One in six cars (16%) have experienced a dangerous defect at some point, which is moderately concerning but not a dealbreaker.
These cars are running at sensible mileage for their age, averaging 33,596 miles, and typical owners encounter just 0.36 failures per test and 2.6 minor advisories—suggesting good maintenance and no systemic weak points. Before buying, ask for full service history and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the suspension and lighting systems, where minor advisories cluster most often.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 2.5 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2020 Audi A3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Audi A3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (87%) | 3,950 | 90.3% | 0.35 |
| Diesel (13%) | 583 | 87.8% | 0.43 |
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (0%) | 4 | 93.8% | 0.25 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2020 Audi A3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2020 Audi A3 vehicles fall between 21,574 and 39,981 miles.
2020 Audi A3 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 4,238 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2022–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2020 Audi A3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
24.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
23.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
15.1%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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14.4%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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13.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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13%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
11%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
6.4%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2020. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Audi A3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.