2012 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel · AG62 HDC

The 2012 Audi A3 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT activity in November 2025 shows a clear worsening trend, with a failure followed by a pass on the same day at 87,242 miles. The tester flagged an excessively binding offside rear service brake and brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, indicating a caliper or sliding mechanism issue rather than simple pad wear. Both rear brake discs were also noted as worn, pitted, or scored. While these were rectified for the retest, the pattern suggests rear braking components have deteriorated rapidly since the clean pass in November 2024 at 81,611 miles. The front screen washers were also flagged for poor aim and partial blockage, a minor but telling oversight. Mileage accumulation is steady at roughly 6,230 miles per year, which is typical for a 14-year-old vehicle and implies regular use rather than long-term storage. The gap between November 2024 and November 2025 covers approximately 5,600 miles, a normal annual interval. No significant gaps or sudden spikes appear in the record, so there is no evidence of the car sitting idle for extended periods or being driven excessively hard. The MOT history is consistent year-on-year, with annual tests recorded each autumn. A buyer should focus a physical inspection on the rear braking system. The binding offside rear caliper and worn pads point to a hydraulic or mechanical fault that may have caused uneven disc wear. Check the rear discs for lipping, scoring, and thickness variation, and inspect the caliper slides and pistons for free movement. The rear tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit in October 2022, and while no recent advisory exists, verify current tread depth and sidewall condition given the car's age. Examine the underside for corrosion on suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake lines, as a 14-year-old vehicle of this mileage may show early signs of surface or structural rust, particularly if it has been used on salted roads. Finally, test the front washer jets for correct pattern and pressure, as a partially blocked system often indicates neglected fluid or nozzle maintenance.