2012 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · AV12 JYC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 March 2026, was passed but carried an advisory for the off‑side rear outer tyre being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. Over the previous five years the car has consistently passed without any recorded failures, with only tyre‑wear advisories appearing in 2022 and again in 2026. This pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance record, yet the recurrence of rear‑tyre wear advisories indicates that tyre condition and possibly alignment or suspension health have not been fully addressed and may be deteriorating. At 169 054 miles for a 2012 model the vehicle averages roughly 12 000 miles per annum, which is above the typical UK average of around 8‑10 000 miles per year. The mileage is not excessive for a six‑cylinder executive saloon, but it does imply accelerated wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, suspension bushings, and drivetrain components. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT chronology, so the mileage appears to have been logged consistently, suggesting the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for long periods. Continuous high‑kilometre use can lead to progressive thinning of coil‑spring rates, increased play in ball joints, and a higher likelihood of oil and coolant leaks as seals age. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear tyre set. Verify the tread depth on all four tyres, inspect the sidewalls for cracking, bulging, or dry‑rot, and confirm that the tyre age (four‑digit DOT code) is not beyond ten years, as ageing rubber can fail even if tread remains acceptable. Uneven wear patterns may point to mis‑alignment, worn rear camber or toe settings, or deteriorated rear suspension bushes; a test‑drive should be used to listen for clunking or thudding when passing bumps and to feel for any pulling to one side. If the rear tyres are near the minimum legal depth (1.6 mm) or exhibit edge wear, budgeting for a full rear tyre replacement and an alignment check is prudent. Beyond the tyres, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the suspension is advisable: check for play in the rear trailing arm bushings, inspect the front lower control arm and wishbone bushings for cracks or oil seepage, and look for any corrosion on the sub‑frame or mounting points. The braking system should be examined for disc surface rust, especially on the rear discs which may have been exposed to standing moisture, and the pads should be measured for remaining thickness. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12 V battery should be tested for cranking amps and checked for any electrolyte leakage, while the coolant, brake fluid and engine oil should be sampled for colour and moisture content, as time‑based fluid degradation can occur even with moderate mileage. Confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service, as missed intervals on a high‑mileage engine can lead to costly failures.