2014 Audi R8 4.2L Petrol · 458 KHA

The most recent MOT test on 2025-03-21 shows the vehicle passed with no defects, though it was retested immediately after failing a minor fault—rear fog lamp malfunction—on the same day. This suggests a prompt and straightforward resolution of a non-structural issue. However, the history reveals a critical failure in March 2024: a fractured near-side rear coil spring, which is a serious structural flaw. That fault was not repeated in subsequent tests, indicating either a replacement or repair, but the absence of further suspension-related advisories or defects does not guarantee the issue was fully resolved. The 2023 test at 62,869 miles showed no concerns, meaning the coil spring failure likely occurred between February 2023 and March 2024, a period of just over a year. The trend here is unstable: while minor faults were addressed quickly, a major suspension component failed without prior warning, raising questions about whether the vehicle was inspected between tests or if the failure was sudden. The mileage progression suggests unusually light usage for a vehicle of this age. Over the past three years, the car accumulated only 682 miles between tests in 2023, then 786 miles between the failed and passed tests in 2024, and another 686 miles since the last pass in 2025. This averages to roughly 536 miles per year, well below the UK average for a vehicle of this class. Such low mileage could imply prolonged periods of inactivity, which may accelerate wear on fluids, seals, and rubber components like suspension bushes and brake hoses. Alternatively, it might reflect careful storage, though the coil spring failure contradicts this assumption. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests—10 months—is also notable, as it exceeds the standard 12-month MOT interval, meaning the vehicle was technically overdue for inspection during that period. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the coil springs and associated mounting points, as the 2024 failure indicates a potential for repeated issues. The near-side rear coil spring failure is a red flag for structural integrity, and while it may have been repaired, the lack of advisories in subsequent tests does not confirm the fix was permanent. Additionally, the binding rear brakes mentioned in the 2024 failure (if applicable to other tests) warrant verification, as caliper or brake pad wear can escalate quickly. The low mileage suggests fluids like brake fluid, power steering fluid, and differential oil may require checking for degradation, while tyres—though not flagged—should be examined for uneven wear or excessive tread depth, especially if the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary. The fog lamp fault, while minor, implies basic electrical or lighting checks are necessary to avoid repeat failures.