2010 Audi A5 2.0L Petrol · C3 NBY

The 2010 AUDI A5 presents a mixed mechanical picture marked by a persistent pattern of recurring minor and major failures that spans nearly two decades of ownership. A 2026-07-30 MOT test confirmed the vehicle remained roadworthy with only minor issues—windscreen damage and degraded suspension arm components—while earlier assessments between 2022 and 2025 revealed multiple failures including inadequate windshield washer systems, headlamp alignment faults, and oil misting in the front and rear shock absorbers. Although the latest result passes, the cumulative record demonstrates a vehicle that experienced significant mechanical stress throughout its early life and warrants careful attention to the specific systems flagged during those earlier assessments. Mechanically, the 110,115 recorded miles represent approximately 6,882 miles per annum, which aligns with expected depreciation for a sixteen-year-old model but masks important underlying consumption patterns evident in the MOT history. The gap between the 2023-07-21 and 2024-07-31 tests shows a brief interval where only advisory-level concerns persisted, while the subsequent 2025-08-26 failure introduced new major issues including headlamp alignment problems and headlamp cleaning deficiencies for LED/HID units. Notably, the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joints require particular scrutiny, as their dust covers became severely deteriorated in late 2025 and were cited as a severe failure at the 2025-08-26 test. On a test drive, expect potential play or clunking when traversing uneven surfaces, particularly on bumps, as the degraded bushings may allow excessive movement under load. The oil misting reported in both front and rear shock absorbers—documented in 2023-07-21 and 2025-08-26—indicates internal lubricant breakdown within the shock system seals, which could manifest as a soft, spongy ride comfort and potentially increased vibration transmission through the chassis. The windshield damage noted across numerous assessments suggests possible long-term exposure to road debris or impact events, so verification of the glass integrity and compliance with current safety standards is essential before proceeding. The headlamp alignment issues identified in 2025-08-26 (both offside and nearside lamps too high) point to potential optical misalignment that may affect night-time visibility and should be checked with a professional alignment tool during your evaluation. If you decide to proceed with this vehicle, conduct a thorough visual and functional inspection of the rear and nearside rear shock absorbers for ongoing oil misting during a short test drive, as this symptom often correlates with compressor seal degradation and can worsen with continued use. The suspension arm ball joints, having shown progressive deterioration from 2024 through 2025, merit physical examination for visible wear, looseness, or abnormal noise when the vehicle is loaded and driven over rough pavement. Finally, confirm that the windshield repair meets contemporary safety requirements given the consistent damage observations across multiple MOT tests, as compromised glazing can compromise overall vehicle safety regardless of the current cosmetic appearance.