2020 Audi A3 Technik 35 Tfsi 1.5L Petrol · AF70 YDM

The vehicle was presented for its most recent MOT examination on 6 September 2025 and achieved a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This follows the test of 26 February 2025, which also resulted in a pass but noted a minor windscreen wiper blade defect, a minor windscreen damage item not obstructing the driver's view, and an advisory that the front brake discs were worn though not excessively. The earlier test of 29 February 2024 was entirely clear of advisories. Taken together, the MOT trajectory is broadly stable rather than deteriorating; the only meaningful advisory concerned the front brake discs, and because no further brake-related observations were made at the subsequent test, this suggests either that wear has not progressed to a significant degree or that remedial attention has been given in the intervening period. The minor items recorded in February 2025 were categorised as minor and did not contribute to any failure, so they should be regarded as routine observation points rather than indicative of neglect. At 39,919 recorded miles over approximately six years, this Audi A3 has covered an average of around 6,650 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a privately used executive hatchback of this age. The mileage gap between the February 2024 and February 2025 tests is roughly 7,800 miles, indicating consistent rather than sporadic use, while the relatively modest additional mileage accrued between February and September 2025 suggests no exceptionally heavy motorway mileage in that period. This level of usage is generally favourable from a longevity perspective, as it means consumables such as brake pads, tyres, and clutch material (if manual, though this derivative is automatic) should have experienced moderate wear, but the cumulative figure is low enough to limit fatigue concerns around major drivetrain and suspension components. With a clean recent pass and a sparse advisory history, physical inspection should focus on age- and calendar-related deterioration rather than accumulated use. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on vehicles of this age even where tread depth remains adequate, and the production date codes on the sidewalls should be checked to ensure rubber has not aged beyond seven or eight years regardless of remaining tread. The 12 volt battery, particularly if original or fitted at the 2023/2024 service interval, is approaching the latter half of its expected service life, and a load test or diagnostic readout is worthwhile given that low annual mileage and short journeys can deplete state of charge without delivering sufficient recovery. Brake discs should be inspected for any surface corrosion, lipping, or evidence of binding calipers, especially given the earlier advisory regarding the front discs, and the caliper slide pins and gaiters should be checked for seized operation that could produce pulling or uneven pad wear. A test drive should focus on detecting any early signs of the advisories previously flagged. Listen for any scraping or grinding from the front brakes, particularly under light pedal application from low speed, and feel for brake shudder through the steering wheel or pedal that would indicate disc run-out or uneven wear. On uneven road surfaces, listen for suspension knocking or clonking from the front subframe, anti-roll bar bushes, and top mounts, as the 35 TFSI's sport-tuned dampers and coil springs can transmit worn bush noise quite audibly. The transmission should be observed for smooth selection and any hesitation, judder, or harsh engagement, while the engine should be monitored for any misfires, flat spots, or excessive vibration on cold start, given that petrol direct injection engines can suffer from carbon build-up on intake valves at lower annual mileages. Finally, confirm that time-based services such as brake fluid (typically due every two years regardless of mileage), coolant, and DSG or automatic transmission fluid have been conducted within manufacturer intervals, as calendar-based fluid degradation is a frequent omission on low annual mileage cars and should be verified through the service book or electronic service record before purchase.