2017 Audi A5 3.0L Petrol · BA66 OGS

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 February 2026 resulted in a PASS, although an advisory was issued for an oil leak around the oil cooler area along with seepage from the rear differential. This is a notable point because front-engine Audi A5 models frequently route oil lines and cooler housings that are exposed to undertray contamination and road grime, allowing seals to harden and weep over time. Although the examiner deemed the leak not excessive, its presence should be monitored closely, as oil cooler gasket failures can escalate quickly once the seal integrity is compromised. Looking at the broader MOT history, the vehicle shows a generally stable maintenance trend, with annual passes and only minor advisories, interrupted by a single Dangerous failure on 10 February 2025 relating to both front brake pads being below 1.5 mm. The vehicle subsequently passed on 12 February 2025, indicating the brakes were addressed promptly. The pattern of isolated brake and tyre advisories, combined with the recent fluid leak advisory, is typical wear progression rather than evidence of systemic neglect. With approximately 73,909 miles accumulated over 9 years, the vehicle is averaging roughly 8,200 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with average UK usage for a premium coupe of this vintage. The MOT record does not reveal any extended standing periods or sharp gaps in recorded mileage, suggesting the car has been in regular use throughout its life. This is mechanically favourable, as Audi A5 models with consistent mileage tend to suffer less from age-related issues such as seized brake calipers, perished coolant hoses, and dried drivetrain seals than those that have been left idle for prolonged spells. However, even at a moderate annual mileage, nine years of service life means that many original components will have approached or exceeded their design life, particularly in the suspension, cooling, and rubber elements. For a prospective buyer, a physical inspection and test drive should focus on confirming whether the oil leak has progressed since the February 2026 advisory, with a thorough check of the undertray area for fresh oil residue and a close visual examination of the oil cooler housing, its gaskets, and the rear differential output seals. Any signs of active dripping, milky residue from coolant contamination, or a noticeable drop in oil level between services would warrant immediate mechanical attention. On the test drive, listen for any whining or humming from the rear differential that may suggest seal failure has allowed lubricant loss, and watch for oil pressure warning lights or low-level readings on the dipstick. Given the recent brake failure, it is prudent to verify that the replacement front pads and discs are of reputable quality, as the Dangerous classification indicates the previous pads were severely worn; check for brake shudder under heavy application, which would indicate warped discs, and confirm the caliper slide pins are free to retract. Beyond the flagged items, age-appropriate checks should include a careful inspection of the tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread depth, and a close look at the rear tyres specifically, since the 2024 advisory noted wear on both rear tyres close to the legal limit and the 2022 advisory flagged front tyre wear on the offside edge. Uneven wear patterns on an A5 can point to worn suspension bushes, weak coil springs, or misalignment following pot-hole damage, all of which are common on UK roads. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as Audi vehicles of this age are sensitive to voltage drops that trigger electrical faults. Brake discs should be examined for corrosion pitting around the outer edge from seasonal standing, and the handbrake mechanism verified for full engagement. Finally, ensure that brake fluid, coolant, and the Haldex or rear differential oil have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, as these fluids degrade chemically over time and neglect can lead to internal corrosion or compromised braking performance.