2017 Audi A1 1.4L Petrol · AL63 SAM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a successful test in March 2026, though the overall maintenance trend shows a shift from mechanical wear to age-related material degradation. While the car passed its most recent inspection without mechanical failures, the tester flagged significant cracking and perishing on three out of the four tyres. This indicates that while the vehicle is operational, the rubber components are reaching their structural limit due to age rather than tread wear. At 51,323 miles over nine years, this Audi has covered a relatively low average of approximately 5,700 miles per year. The mileage progression is consistent, with a gap of 2,723 miles between April 2025 and March 2026, and roughly 2,536 miles in the preceding year. This low usage typically suggests less strain on the drivetrain and braking system, but it often correlates with the drying out of seals and rubber components seen in the recent tyre advisories. A buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension, as the record shows a clear history of deteriorating arm bush wear. The 2023 test identified a worn offside rear bush, which escalated into a failure in March 2024 when lower arm bushes on both front sides showed excessive movement. Although these were seemingly repaired to achieve the subsequent pass, a physical inspection is required to ensure the replacement parts have seated correctly and that adjacent components like the steering ball joints have not developed secondary play. The immediate priority for the purchaser is the replacement of the tyres flagged for perishing, as these pose a safety risk regarding structural failure despite sufficient tread depth. Given the low mileage and age of the vehicle, the buyer should also check for signs of fluid leaks from perished seals or seized brake calipers, which are common in cars that sit idle for long periods. The mechanical history suggests a vehicle that has been maintained when faults appeared, but one now entering a phase where age-related rubber decay requires proactive attention.