Audi A6 SE TDI CVT (2012)
2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT
CarHunch analysed 213 real MOT records for the 2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT is a serious reliability concern—only 34% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, and two-thirds of these cars are failing their MOT. The good news is that dangerous defects are absent from this dataset, so failures tend to be fixable rather than safety-critical, but the sheer failure rate makes this a risky buy without a full pre-purchase inspection.
At 119,500 miles median, these cars are reasonably well-used for their age, and the low advisory count (essentially zero per vehicle) suggests testers aren't spotting emerging problems—they're finding actual failures instead. If you're considering one, budget for repair costs and have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and fuel system before purchase, as CVT gearboxes and diesel injectors are common weak points on this generation.
What to check before buying a 2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT
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 A6 SE TDI CVT
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT 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 2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT vehicles fall between 93,909 and 132,107 miles.
2012 Audi A6 SE TDI CVT — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 56 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 84% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Audi A6 SE TDI CVT?
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Other model years — Audi A6 SE TDI CVT: