2011 Audi A5 2.7L Diesel · CA53 KED

Recurring tyre wear issues and a dangerous failure point dominate the recent maintenance history of this 2011 Audi A5, culminating in a pass recorded on 30 September 2025. Just a day prior to that latest pass, the vehicle incurred a dangerous MOT failure due to the nearside front tyre tread depth falling below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, following a trail of similar rubber-related advisories noted in previous years. While the 2022 and 2025 tests concluded with clean sheets, the intervening years reveal persistent wear patterns, including inner edge tyre degradation and play in the steering rack inner joints recorded during the 2023 examination, indicating that component wear has required ongoing monitoring. Accumulating 128,040 miles over its 15-year lifespan yields an average of roughly 8,500 miles annually, representing entirely typical usage for a diesel-engined grand tourer of this era. This steady mileage accumulation rules out prolonged periods of storage or extreme fleet-style mileage inflation, pointing instead to a consistent driving pattern. Mechanically, this usage means that primary drivetrain components, wheel bearings, and suspension linkages have experienced standard operational wear without the accelerated fatigue seen in high-mileage commercial examples, though consumable items naturally require regular oversight. Given the history of steering rack play and uneven tyre wear, prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous physical inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry during a test drive. Listen intently for knocks, clunks, or vagueness when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock while stationary, and pay close attention to any pulling or vibration transmitted through the steering column at motorway speeds. Uneven tread wear on previous test certificates suggests that a four-wheel laser alignment check should be prioritized to confirm that the steering geometry has not been compromised by worn control arm bushes or track rod ends. The advisory record also highlights rear brake disc wear that will warrant physical measurement of the friction surfaces and disc thickness to determine remaining service life. During the test drive, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to check for any pulsation, judder, or dragging that would indicate warped discs or binding calipers, ensuring the braking system performs evenly across all four corners. Verifying the condition of the tyres, suspension joints, and braking hardware before purchase will protect against immediate repair costs stemming from this vehicle's recorded wear points.