2007 Audi A8 3.0L Diesel · 10 RE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 5 November 2025, resulted in a Pass. The only recorded items were advisories concerning the near‑side and off‑side front tyres being close to the legal tread limit and showing inner‑edge wear. Over the preceding six years the vehicle has moved from a failed test in 2019 (where a rear tyre was dangerously under‑tread and the anti‑roll‑bar linkage pins were excessively worn) to a series of passes with only advisory notes. This indicates that the major safety concerns identified in 2019 have been addressed and that the overall maintenance trend has stabilised, although wear on the tyres and suspension components remains an ongoing issue that will need monitoring. At 118,844 miles the car averages roughly 6,250 miles per year, a usage rate that is typical for a 19‑year‑old executive saloon. The mileage does not suggest any period of extreme high‑speed or high‑load operation, but the relatively modest annual distance also raises the possibility of long periods of inactivity, particularly if the vehicle has been used primarily for occasional business trips. Prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion of suspension bushings, brake disc surface rust and battery sulphation, all of which should be inspected even when the mileage figure appears benign. The tyre advisories point to inner‑edge wear on both front tyres, a classic sign of mis‑alignment, worn front suspension arm bushes or deteriorated anti‑roll‑bar linkage pins. During a test drive the buyer should feel for any front‑end shudder, steering pull to one side, or a clunk when turning over bumps. A visual inspection should confirm that the front brake pads have been replaced, as they have been flagged as thin for several years, and that the brake discs are free from deep scoring or excessive rust. The broken rear‑silencer clamp noted in 2024 should be checked for any exhaust leak, rattles at low speed, or increased engine noise, and the clamp should be repaired or replaced. The perished front suspension arm bushes recorded in 2021 and 2022 merit a close look for any play in the control arms, uneven tyre wear, or a noticeable wobble when applying full steering lock. Given the car’s age, the buyer should also verify the condition of age‑sensitive items that are not reflected in the MOT record. A 12‑volt battery that has sat for long periods may be weak; a load test or a check of the electrolyte level is advisable. All fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – should be examined for colour, level and any signs of contamination, and a full service interval change should be performed if the service book is incomplete. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust that could cause shudder, and ensure the calipers move freely and are not seized. Finally, examine the chassis for any corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and confirm that the timing chain (or belt, depending on the engine variant) has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, as a failure here would be catastrophic.