2014 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · AV64 OFN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 26 August 2024 with no failures, although four advisory items were issued that warrant attention from a prospective buyer. The maintenance trend over the recorded test history appears broadly stable, with consistent passes and no failure points across the documented years. However, the clustering of advisories relating to front anti-roll bar linkage play and front tyre edge wear at the most recent test does suggest that suspension and steering component wear is beginning to manifest. The earlier advisories concerning exhaust clamp corrosion and rear tyre condition indicate ongoing consumable wear typical of a higher-mileage vehicle, and a buyer should view this pattern as consistent with a car approaching the point where some suspension and underbody refreshing may be prudent. The recorded mileage of 159,908 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an annual average of around 13,300 miles, which is notably high for the vehicle's age and points to sustained, regular use rather than periods of standing or light running. There are no significant gaps or sudden jumps in the documented test history that would suggest clock irregularities or long storage periods, and the MOT entries are recorded at reasonably consistent intervals reflecting continuous use. From a mechanical standpoint, this mileage profile means that the engine, gearbox, clutch, turbocharger, and drivetrain components have accrued substantial real-world wear, and items such as the timing chain, oil consumption tendencies, and dual-mass flywheel condition on the manual variant (if applicable) should be considered as areas of elevated concern relative to a lower-mileage example. Given the advisory for offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play, this component should be physically inspected by rocking the bar by hand to assess the extent of movement, as excessive play can progress into knocking or clunking noises over uneven road surfaces and ultimately compromise handling response. The advisories on both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on their edges suggest that the wheel alignment, particularly camber and toe settings, should be checked, as edge wear typically indicates a suspension geometry issue rather than simple tyre ageing. On a test drive, listen for any clonking from the front suspension over speed humps or rough tarmac, and feel for imprecise steering or wandering, which would indicate that the anti-roll bar components, drop links, and bushes are due for replacement. Additionally, inspect all tyres for perishing and cracking on the sidewalls, as the offside rear advisory for misshapen and perished rubber shows that age-related tyre degradation is already in evidence. Beyond the advisories, the cumulative mileage and twelve-year age of this Audi A5 warrant several time-based inspections that the MOT cannot fully verify. The 12-volt battery is likely due for replacement or at minimum a load test, as units of this age commonly fail without warning, particularly in vehicles with significant electronic loads. Brake discs should be examined for lipping and corrosion, and the calipers should be checked for sliding pin seizure, which is common on cars that have seen extended service life and can lead to uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. Fluid services should be confirmed by the service book, particularly brake fluid (which degrades hygroscopically and should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage), along with coolant, automatic transmission fluid if applicable, and differential oil on quattro variants. Finally, inspect the underside for any signs of oil leaks from the sump, cam chain areas, or turbocharger, and verify that the cam belt or chain service intervals have been observed, as neglect in this area on a high-mileage Audi can result in catastrophic engine damage.