2014 Audi A5 3.0L Diesel · PE52 AAA

A consistent run of clean MOT passes spanning four consecutive years gives this Audi A5 a reassuring roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 17 September 2025 recording a straightforward pass and a single advisory concerning a slightly loose central exhaust silencer. That aside, the vehicle has shown no recorded advisories, failures, or notable wear items across the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests, suggesting that the major safety-critical systems including brakes, suspension, steering, lighting, and structure have all remained within prescribed limits. The exhaust silencer advisory, while minor, is worth noting because a loose centre silencer can progress to a cracked or separated joint over time, particularly on a vehicle of this age where the rubber hangers and clamps are subject to heat cycling and corrosion. The overall trend is therefore one of mechanical stability rather than deterioration, which is a positive indicator for a twelve-year-old premium coupe. With 81,797 miles accumulated over approximately twelve years, this A5 has covered an average of around 6,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and class. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Regular annual usage at this level is generally beneficial mechanically, as it tends to keep drivetrain seals lubricated, prevents brake discs from corroding excessively, and avoids the flat-spotting and sidewall cracking that can affect tyres left stationary. However, twelve years of road use still places demands on age-related components such as timing chains, tensioners, water pumps, and the multi-link front suspension that is common to this platform, even when the recorded mileage is moderate. The steady accumulation of miles also means consumable wear items will have been replaced on a relatively natural cycle, which is reassuring from a maintenance standpoint. Given the clean advisory history, the test drive should focus less on chasing known defects and more on confirming the general health of the areas that would typically be approaching wear on a vehicle of this age and mileage. Pay particular attention to the exhaust note during the test drive, listening for any increase in volume, buzzing, or ticking that might indicate the loose silencer has worsened since the advisory was issued; a visual inspection from underneath should confirm whether the centre box is still securely mounted on its rubbers. Listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the multi-link front geometry on the A5 is known to wear in the lower wishbone bushes and track rod ends, even when no specific advisories have yet appeared on the MOT. Check for uneven tyre wear, which can be an early indicator of worn suspension components, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel that might point to imbalanced or worn suspension bushes. Brake feel should be tested on a quiet road with a few firm stops from higher speed, paying attention to any judder through the pedal that could indicate warped front discs, as well as any pulling to one side that might suggest a binding caliper. With the engine running, listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, which is a known concern on earlier TFSI units, and watch the oil level on the dipstick for any signs of excessive consumption. Steering should be checked for straight-line stability and any clonking over full lock, which can indicate worn inner tie rods. A final underbonnet inspection for oil leaks from the cam chain tensioner area, coolant residue around the water pump, and condition of the auxiliary belts would complete a sensible appraisal, and the single exhaust advisory should be used as a minor negotiation point rather than a cause for significant concern.