2009 Audi A3 2.0L Petrol · BO52 CAN

A clear pattern of rear suspension arm bush wear has emerged across the last two MOT tests on this 17 year old Audi A3, with both the nearside and offside rear lower arm pins or bushes being flagged as worn in 2025 and again in 2026, suggesting a progressive deterioration rather than a one off observation. The most recent test on 8 June 2026 was a pass, but it carried four advisories including that same bilateral rear suspension wear, an oil leak deemed not excessive, and rear brake pads wearing thin on both sides. An earlier failure on 7 July 2023 for both headlamp aims being too high was a relatively straightforward rectification, and the vehicle passed a clean test on the same date once corrected, followed by an unadulterated pass in June 2024. The overall trend points to a chassis and braking system that is beginning to show its age, with wear items now stacking up rather than being isolated one off findings. The recorded mileage of 95,808 against a 2009 registration equates to roughly 5,600 miles per year, which is notably low for the age and points to either limited regular use or extended periods off the road between drives. Low annual accumulation can mean less wear on high speed components such as the engine internals and gearbox, but it also brings its own considerations, particularly where rubber and protective finishes are concerned. The fact that the test record only spans from 2023 to 2026, despite the vehicle being 17 years old, indicates a significant period without recorded testing, which is consistent with a car that has seen limited or sporadic use during its life. Any prospective buyer should be aware that long periods of standing can accelerate certain types of degradation that a higher mileage, regularly driven equivalent might avoid. For a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension, as the advisories on both lower arm pins or bushes have now appeared in two consecutive tests. Listen for clonks or knocking from the rear axle when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven tarmac, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the rear suspension response over crests. With the front brake discs having been flagged as pitted or scored in 2025 and the rear pads noted as wearing thin in 2026, a thorough brake test is essential, checking for judder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm application, any pulling to one side, and the effectiveness of the handbrake on an incline, as pitted discs often correlate with uneven pad wear and reduced thermal efficiency. The oil leak advisory, while currently classed as not excessive, warrants a physical inspection underneath the vehicle for fresh drips on the undertray or garage floor, and a check of the engine bay for residue around the sump, cam chain tensioner area, or valve cover gasket, all common sources on this generation of Audi. Given the low usage profile, it is also sensible to verify that the vehicle has been regularly serviced despite limited mileage, as time based items such as brake fluid, coolant, and the timing belt interval remain critical regardless of annual distance covered. A pre purchase inspection on a ramp would be strongly advisable to confirm the extent of the rear bush wear, the condition of the subframe and surrounding mounting areas for any surface corrosion, and the overall state of the braking system before committing to purchase.