2017 Audi A1 1.0L Petrol · AP17 HDA

A recurring pattern of front-tyre wear on both nearside and offside positions has been flagged at every MOT since 2022, with the most recent test on 23 January 2026 again recording advisory wear close to the legal limit on both front tyres at the same 215/45x16 specification. This consistent edge wear across two consecutive tests suggests an underlying geometry issue rather than simple tyre ageing, possibly relating to tracking, camber, or worn suspension components such as front bushes, wishbone arms, or top mounts. The 2024 test also recorded pitted and scored brake discs on both front corners and the nearside rear, indicating surface corrosion and wear that warrants close physical inspection rather than relying on the MOT advisory alone. The single recorded failure in January 2024 was accompanied by advisories on the rear tyres and brake discs, suggesting that while the vehicle has passed its subsequent tests, the braking and tyre condition warrants thorough evaluation before purchase. At 72,752 miles across approximately nine years of life, this A1 has accumulated around 8,084 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a small premium hatchback of this age. The MOT history shows consistent annual testing from 2020 onwards with the exception of the COVID-19 extension noted in July 2020, and there are no unusual gaps in the record that would suggest extended periods off the road. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than sporadic, pointing to regular everyday use rather than long lay-ups or unusually high motorway accumulation. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, wear on rubber components, brake friction materials, and suspension bushes is expected, and the recorded advisories largely reflect this normal consumption pattern. A prospective buyer should focus a physical inspection on the front suspension geometry given the repeated tyre edge wear. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front corners over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or bottom wishbone bushes. Check for uneven steering pull to either side, particularly under braking, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel or a soft, spongy pedal response that might indicate the pitted brake discs noted in 2024 have progressed beyond acceptable limits. Inspect all four tyres carefully for inner-edge wear patterns rather than relying solely on the visible tread, and confirm the 215/45x16 sizing is consistent across the car, as mixing specifications can itself cause uneven wear. The rear tyres have also shown perishing and cracking on both sides in 2022 and 2024, which is consistent with age-related rubber degradation on a vehicle that has seen nine years of service. Examine the sidewalls closely for hairline cracks, particularly on the inner shoulders where UV exposure and flexing accelerate deterioration. Given that the brake discs on the front and nearside rear were flagged as pitted in 2024, check for brake judder or vibration under firm pedal application and listen for any grinding or scraping noises that would suggest the discs have now worn beyond their minimum thickness. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any signs of corrosion on suspension arms, brake pipes, and subframe mounting points is advisable, as the MOT history does not record structural advisories but corrosion can develop between annual tests on a vehicle of this age.