2013 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · SV 5120

At 13 years old with three MOT tests on record, the A5 presents a roadworthiness picture defined more by the absence of structural or mechanical defects than by any specific flagged problem. The September 2025 test outcome was mixed: a pass was recorded alongside a failure issued the same day for a blocked offside windscreen washer system, while the only advisory raised a minor cut on the inner sidewall of the offside front tyre. The earlier 2024 test passed cleanly with advisories limited to all four tyres wearing close to the legal limit across their edges. There is no recorded history of brake, suspension, exhaust, corrosion, or lighting failures, and no advisory pattern pointing to a chronic mechanical weakness. The overall trend across the available record is stable rather than deteriorating, though the dataset is small in absolute terms because of the low annual mileage. The recorded mileage of 21,803 miles across roughly 13 years equates to an average of around 1,677 miles per year, which is well below typical accumulation for a vehicle of this age. This low figure, combined with a gap in testing between 2024 and 2025 after what appears to be an extended period off the road, suggests the car has either been used very lightly as a second vehicle or has spent significant time laid up. Mechanically, low-mileage Audi vehicles of this generation are prone to issues associated with infrequent use rather than wear: brake discs and pads can corrode and seize on the hub face even with minimal pad wear, suspension bushes and ball joints can deteriorate from lack of articulation, and seals in the drivetrain can dry out. The 2024 advisories on all four tyres wearing close to the legal limit across their edges are notable given the low mileage, and may indicate the vehicle has been stored for long static periods causing flat-spotting or age-related rubber degradation rather than tread wear from driving. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical checks should focus on the brake system, since low annual mileage often masks seized calipers and corroded discs that pass an MOT but perform poorly in everyday use. On a test drive, listen for any binding or pulling under light braking, feel for a pulsing pedal that suggests disc runout, and check that the handbrake holds firmly on a slope. Inspect the inner and outer faces of all four wheels for visible disc corrosion and confirm the calipers slide freely by hand when the wheel is off. The 2024 advisory on all four tyres warrants careful inspection of the current set: confirm the production date, check for sidewall cracking, uneven shoulder wear, or flat spots, and rotate gently to feel for any deformation. The September 2025 failure for blocked washer jets is a trivial concern but worth verifying by operating the system to confirm all nozzles deliver fluid, and inspecting the washer pump and reservoir level. Given the lay-up profile implied by the mileage, also inspect for tell-tale signs of prolonged stationary storage. Check the exhaust system for rust, particularly at the mounting brackets and rear silencer, as condensation can accumulate internally during long periods of disuse. Examine the underbonnet for rodent damage to wiring and perished rubber hoses, and verify the condition of any visible coolant and brake lines for surface corrosion. On the move, listen for suspension knocks or clonks over uneven surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes rather than worn joints given the low mileage. Finally, confirm the age and condition of the battery, as a vehicle standing for extended periods will frequently require replacement and a weak battery can mask underlying electrical faults when tested.