2012 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · 7371 PP

Recurring suspension component degradation defines the mechanical history of this Audi A6, as evidenced by a persistent pattern of wear in the front lower suspension arm bushes that culminated in a failure for excessive movement in January 2024. While the vehicle successfully passed its most recent inspection on 14 January 2026 with no defects recorded, the history shows a clear progression from minor advisories regarding bush wear in 2022 and 2023 to major failures by early 2024. This trajectory suggests that the front-end geometry is a high-wear area requiring ongoing scrutiny, despite the current clean status of the vehicle. Accumulating 133,302 miles over 14 years results in an average annual usage of approximately 9,500 miles, which is consistent with typical UK driving patterns for a vehicle of this segment. The MOT record is continuous, with no significant gaps in testing that would suggest long-term storage or periods of inactivity. This consistent usage profile indicates that the vehicle has been subjected to regular road stress, meaning that high-mileage consumables such as drivetrain mounts, wheel bearings, and steering rack components should be evaluated for age-related fatigue alongside the documented suspension history. During a test drive, pay close attention to the front suspension by listening for metallic knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or speed humps, as these are primary indicators of bush or ball joint deterioration. It is also essential to check for any steering vagueness or a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side under braking, which could signal that the suspension geometry has drifted or that the replacement arms fitted in 2024 are already experiencing premature wear. Given the previous advisories regarding rear brake discs and pads, ensure the parking brake engages firmly and that there is no grinding noise or pedal judder during moderate to heavy deceleration. Finally, verify the structural integrity of the underside, particularly around the sills and floor pans, which were noted as having limited inspection access in 2022 due to plastic covers. If possible, inspect these areas for signs of surface corrosion or debris accumulation that could trap moisture. Because the vehicle previously suffered from tyre structural failure, examine the inner and outer sidewalls of all four tyres for uneven wear patterns, which often serve as a secondary diagnostic indicator of misaligned suspension components or worn bushings that have not yet reached the threshold for an MOT failure.