2014 Audi A1 1.4L Petrol · V26 SEW

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT following a pass on 20 April 2026 at 52,275 miles. The maintenance trend shows signs of reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The most recent test followed a failure just three days earlier on 17 April 2026, where the tester identified a fractured offside front coil spring, thin rear brake pads, and multiple tyre defects including inner edge wear and perishing. While the vehicle passed the subsequent retest, the failure indicates that essential components were only addressed when they reached a critical point of non-compliance. The vehicle has covered 52,275 miles over approximately 12 years, averaging roughly 4,356 miles per year. This low annual mileage suggests infrequent use, which often correlates with the tyre perishing noted in the April 2026 test. The mileage accumulation appears steady but slow, with 7,291 miles covered between April 2025 and April 2026, and 7,291 miles covered between April 2024 and April 2025. This consistent, low-level usage pattern aligns with the age of the car but can lead to dry rot in rubber components like tyres and suspension dust covers. A prospective buyer should closely inspect the suspension and steering components. The record shows a recurring pattern of wear in these areas, including a deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover in April 2025 and light oil misting from the nearside front shock absorber in April 2024. Given the recent fractured coil spring, a thorough check of all four shock absorbers and coil springs is necessary to ensure no other structural fatigue exists. The tyre history suggests a pattern of neglect regarding consumable maintenance. The April 2024 failure for low tread depth and the April 2026 failure for inner edge wear and perishing indicate that the vehicle may suffer from alignment issues or simply long periods of inactivity. I recommend checking the current tread depth and sidewall integrity across all four tyres and verifying that the wheel alignment is correct to prevent premature wear on the inner edges.