2007 Audi A5 3.0L Diesel · H21 JEP

The Audi A5 passed its most recent MOT on 24 January 2026 at 141,218 miles, yet the maintenance trend is one of gradual structural and suspension decline rather than resolution. That latest test flagged slight play in both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and worn bushes on both front shock absorbers, alongside general corrosion to the rear subframe. These advisories have persisted or reappeared across multiple years, indicating a pattern of age-related wear that has been managed on a pass-by-pass basis rather than through thorough preventative repair. The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the accumulating nature of these defects points to a car that is slowly deteriorating at the chassis and suspension level. At roughly 19 years old with 141,218 miles, the car has covered approximately 7,433 miles per year, which is typical for its age and suggests consistent rather than excessive use. The mileage progression is steady, climbing from 116,563 miles in September 2022 to 131,201 miles by September 2023, then to 135,485 miles in February 2025, and finally to 141,218 miles in January 2026. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, which supports the picture of regular annual use. The MOT history itself is fairly complete, with tests recorded in 2022, 2023, and 2025, though the gap between February 2025 and January 2026 is notable at nearly eleven months, suggesting the car may have seen reduced use or a period of limited activity before the most recent test. The recurring theme across this record is suspension and structural wear. Front suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in September 2022 on both sides, and by February 2025 the nearside front upper arm bush was again noted as worn. Front shock absorber bushes appeared worn in January 2026, while the offside rear shock absorber was already showing oil misting and reduced damping in February 2025. Any prospective buyer should have the front and rear suspension closely inspected, paying particular attention to bush condition, shock absorber damping performance, and ball joint play, as these components are clearly approaching the end of their serviceable life. Brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in September 2022 on both axles, and while no recent test has revisited this specifically, the age and mileage suggest they may have been replaced or could be due for attention. The rear subframe corrosion is the most structurally significant concern. It was noted as corroded but not seriously weakened in both September 2022 and February 2025, and the January 2026 test escalated the language to general corrosion on the rear subframe without the qualifier of not seriously weakened. This progression warrants a thorough underbody inspection with a torch and probe to assess whether the corrosion has advanced to the point of compromising structural integrity. Tyre wear has also been a recurring advisory, appearing in both September 2023 and February 2025, with multiple tyres worn to 3mm and showing edge wear, which suggests possible alignment issues or a driver who does not rotate tyres regularly. A four-wheel alignment check and close inspection of the inner tyre sidewalls would be prudent before purchase.