2002 Audi A3 1.6L Petrol · AE02 AEG

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive care. The car passed its most recent test in December 2022 at 73,335 miles with only an advisory for a nearside front tyre worn to the limit with uneven inner wear. This follows a significant failure in December 2021 where the car failed on multiple suspension and braking defects, suggesting that previous owners only addressed faults once they reached a failure threshold. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,000 miles per year. Between December 2019 and December 2022, the car covered only 9,970 miles, indicating very light use or long periods of inactivity. While this low mileage reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain, it often leads to the degradation of rubber components due to age and dry rotting. The worn suspension arm bushes noted in 2021 are consistent with this age-related wear despite the low distance driven. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the suspension geometry, as the 2021 failure flagged excessively worn front pins and bushes on both rear lower suspension arms. The uneven inner wear on the nearside front tyre in 2022 suggests persistent alignment issues or worn ball joints that have not been fully rectified. Furthermore, the recurring reports of thin brake pads across 2019 and 2021 indicate that the braking system is neglected until critical levels. Given the three-year gap since the last recorded MOT, a thorough check is also required for seized brake calipers, perished hoses, and fluid leaks which are common in low-mileage vehicles that sit stationary for long periods.