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Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) (1988-1996) reliability

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Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at an Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1988-1996CoupePETROL

Based on 460 tests of Coupe models registered 1988-1996.

B3 (Typ 89) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
46021.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

How the Coupe B3 (Typ 89) compares

At each age below, see how the Coupe B3 (Typ 89) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 8,283 tests across 10 Audi models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
46021.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Coupe B3 (Typ 89).

  1. 1

    Jaguar E-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    1.8%

    Lower fail rate: 8.8%, against 21.7% for the Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89), both built before 2000.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 13.1%, against 21.7% for the Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89), both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    MG B GT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.4%

    Lower fail rate: 15.4%, against 21.7% for the Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89), both built before 2000.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,331 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Jaguar XK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%

    No clear edge over the Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,434 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Audi Coupe name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on Coupe B3 (Typ 89) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 605 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
55%
Emissions
45%
Drivetrain
33%
Steering
14%
Bodywork
6%

Wear items

Brakes
66%
Lighting
62%
Tyres
33%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 26% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

B3 (Typ 89) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Audi Coupes of this age

This list covers every Audi Coupe built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B3 (Typ 89) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    12.1%
    Advisory: 77Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.3%
    Advisory: 76Fail: 20 (21% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    8.8%
    Advisory: 88Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    8.1%
    Advisory: 47Fail: 10 (18% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.3%
    Advisory: 75Fail: 7 (9% of the times it was found)

Based on 604 tests

Looking at an Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Audi Coupe B3 (Typ 89) (1988-1996) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 460 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 460 MOT tests on Audi Coupes first registered between 1988-1996. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.