2017 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · BA66 OGG

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, though it was accompanied by a Minor defect for defective wiper blades smearing on both sides, alongside a series of advisories covering the front tyres, front lower suspension arm pins or bushes, and both rear lower coil spring mountings. A clear trend is visible across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tests: the rear coil spring mountings have been flagged for corrosion for three consecutive years, with the 2025 entry explicitly noting the offside mounting as heavily corroded, indicating a progressive deterioration of the spring seats. Similarly, suspension arm bushes have been a consistent advisory since 2023, initially at the front upper arms and migrating to the front lower arms by 2025. While the absence of any failure items over the last four tests confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, the accumulating and worsening advisories suggest that mechanical attention to the suspension and spring assemblies is becoming increasingly necessary. With a recorded mileage of 72,058 miles over approximately nine years, this A5 averages around 8,000 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and demographic. The mileage progression between tests has been steady rather than erratic, and the relatively moderate annual figure means the car has not been subjected to excessive motorway wear on consumables such as clutches, timing components or engine internals. However, moderate mileage combined with a nine-year calendar age introduces its own considerations, particularly around age-related degradation of rubber, plastics and fluids, which do not accumulate proportionally with odometer readings. There are no notable gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods of standing, but the wiper blade defect recorded in 2025 may hint at infrequent use or garage storage where wiper blades have dried out and perished against the screen. The recurring advisories on the suspension deserve particular attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The front lower arm pin or bush wear noted in 2024 and 2025 is a common failure point on Audi A5 platforms and warrants a careful listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly over speed bumps, rough surfaces, or when turning sharply into driveways. On a test drive, any vagueness in steering response, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or a tendency for the front wheels to tramp or judder under braking could indicate that the bushes have progressed beyond the advisory stage and now require replacement. The rear coil spring mounting corrosion is a more serious concern given the heavily corroded descriptor applied to the offside unit in 2025; this should be physically inspected for any cracking of the spring seat or visible perforation of the metal, as a failed coil spring seat is both an MOT failure and a safety risk. Bouncing or sagging at the rear, audible rattles from the rear suspension over undulations, or uneven rear ride height would be warning signs that the corrosion has compromised structural integrity. Given the vehicle's age and the history of tyre-related advisories, including a dangerous failure in 2021 for a bulged front tyre, a recent front cut, and minor sidewall damage recorded in 2025, the tyres themselves warrant close scrutiny. Even where tread depth is legal, nine-year-old rubber can suffer from perishing and sidewall cracking, particularly on cars kept outdoors, so the sidewalls should be visually inspected for hairline cracks and the manufacturing date code checked. The 2020 advisory for an isolated nearside front brake pad wear sensor cable is a minor but notable point, since it means the brake pad warning system has been deliberately disconnected and the buyer should be aware that low-pad warnings will not illuminate on the dashboard; a physical inspection of pad thickness and disc condition is therefore essential. Beyond the recorded history, any vehicle of this age benefits from verification of recent service stamps, brake fluid replacement, coolant renewal and timing belt or chain service intervals, along with a check of the 12V battery health, as calendar-aged batteries are a frequent cause of non-start issues on Audis of this era regardless of mileage.