2015 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · BA13 PER

The most recent MOT, carried out on 7 April 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Earlier in the record the car enjoyed three consecutive clean passes (2024, 2025 and 2020‑2022), but the 20 May 2023 test revealed several major failures – notably excessive wear on both front lower suspension arm bushes and a loss of damping on the nearside rear shock absorber – together with advisories on oil‑misted shocks and thin rear brake pads. The subsequent pass in April 2024, and the clean results in the following two years, suggest that the identified faults were remedied and that the maintenance trajectory has shifted from a period of deterioration to a more stable, corrective phase. Nevertheless, the recurrence of suspension‑related advisories in 2023 warrants continued vigilance. At 163 089 miles on a 2015 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 14 800 mi, which is well above the typical UK average of around 10 000 mi per year. Such a high utilisation rate accelerates wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, bushings and engine oil, and can also exacerbate fatigue in the chassis and drivetrain components. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of inactivity, so the wear pattern is likely to be relatively uniform rather than concentrated from long storage. Prospective owners should therefore anticipate that many wear items may be approaching the end of their service life. Buyers should give particular attention to the front lower suspension arm bushes and the rear shock absorbers, as these components have previously failed the MOT. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when navigating bumps, corners or uneven surfaces, and feel for any excessive body roll that could indicate diminished shock damping. Inspect the shock absorber bodies for any oil seepage around the seals, which was flagged as an advisory in both 2023 and 2024; persistent oil mist often precedes a loss of damping efficiency and may require replacement of the shocks or their seals. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in 2023; examine the pad thickness and the condition of the brake discs for scoring or rust, and be alert for any brake pedal pulsation or shudder under braking, which could signal disc warping or uneven wear. Given the age and mileage, it would be prudent to have the suspension bushings, shock absorbers and brake system inspected by a qualified technician and to obtain a quotation for any necessary replacements before finalising the purchase. Beyond the specific MOT items, the vehicle’s age calls for a suite of calendar‑based checks. Verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracking, dry rot or excessive tread wear, especially on the front tyres which bear the majority of the load on an Audi A5. Test the 12 V battery for charge holding capacity, as batteries over ten years often suffer from sulfation even if they have been regularly recharged. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for correct levels, colour and the presence of any contaminants; fluids older than three years should be replaced regardless of mileage. Examine the under‑carriage and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around the suspension mounting points and exhaust system, and confirm that the service booklet shows regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain maintenance (if applicable) and any major service stamps at the recommended intervals. A thorough visual and tactile inspection in conjunction with a competent test drive will give a clear picture of whether the car remains mechanically sound for further use.