AUDI R82015 · 5.2L PETROL

The most recent MOT on 2026-01-20 recorded a PASS at 56,513 miles, with no defects noted. This suggests the vehicle met safety standards at that time, but the prior MOT in December 2024 revealed a critical failure: a serious fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber (5.3.2 (b)). This defect was not addressed in the subsequent 2026 MOT, implying it may have been repaired or the leak resolved before the retest. The 2024 failure highlights a specific mechanical risk involving suspension components. While the 2026 MOT passed, the absence of defect records does not confirm the issue was fully resolved—only that it was not detected during the retest. The vehicle’s age (11 years) and low mileage (5,138 miles per year) suggest it may have experienced periods of inactivity, which can accelerate component degradation if not regularly driven. The MOT history shows a mixed pattern: two consecutive PASSes in 2023 and 2022 with no defects, followed by a single failure in 2024, then a PASS in 2026. This indicates a temporary issue rather than a worsening trend. However, the 2024 failure remains a significant red flag, as shock absorber leaks can compromise handling and safety. The low mileage does not definitively indicate light use or excessive wear, as it could also reflect storage or infrequent operation.