2012 Audi A6 3.0L Diesel · PN12 AAX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 26 August 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that time. Over the preceding five‑year period the car has only generated advisories – chiefly concerning fitted covers, a rear‑tyre nail and, in 2021, moderate front‑brake disc wear and lower‑arm bush wear – none of which resulted in a failure. The absence of recurring failures and the fact that the 2021 wear advisories have not re‑appeared suggest that any remedial work undertaken was effective, and the overall maintenance trend can be regarded as stable, if not modestly improving. At 203 949 miles the 2012 Audi A6 has logged an average of roughly 14 500 miles per year, a usage rate well above the typical UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such high mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as engine oil, transmission fluid, clutch components, suspension bushings and brake discs, and it also raises the likelihood of internal engine or gearbox fatigue. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record that would indicate prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear is likely to be cumulative rather than the result of intermittent storage, which can exacerbate corrosion in the chassis and under‑body areas. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the braking system and front suspension. Verify the actual thickness of the front brake discs on both sides and inspect the pads for uneven wear; any pulsation or shudder through the pedal at higher speeds would point to disc warping or excessive run‑out. Examine the lower‑arm bushings and the associated ball joints for play by rocking the front wheels and listening for clunking noises, especially when applying the brakes or navigating bumps. The near‑side rear tyre that was noted with a nail in 2023 should be examined for any internal damage; a repaired tyre may be serviceable, but a bulge or loss of structural integrity would necessitate replacement. Ensure that all body and engine covers are removed during the inspection so that hidden rust, fluid leaks or compromised mounting points can be seen. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough visual and tactile survey of time‑related items is essential. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related perishing, irrespective of tread depth, and confirm that the tyre pressures are stable. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for corrosion on the terminals and, if possible, have its cranking amperage tested, as batteries over ten years old often lose capacity. Look for signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounts and under the front bumper, and verify that the exhaust system is free of rust perforations. Finally, request evidence that the timing belt (or chain) and associated water pump have been replaced in accordance with Audi’s service schedule, and review the service book for regular oil, coolant and transmission fluid changes; any lapse in these calendar‑based services could lead to premature wear of internal engine and gearbox components.