2012 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · CP12 AAV

The 2025 DVSA test dated 24 February 2025 recorded a PASS, however it was accompanied by three advisories that warrant close attention from any prospective purchaser. Most notably, the rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin, and the nearside and offside front lower suspension arms were identified as having worn inner bushes at the rear arm location. The rear brake advisory is a direct continuation of a recurring theme in the vehicle's history, as the front brake pads were also flagged as wearing thin in both the 2023 and 2022 tests. This consistent pattern of brake pad wear advisories across three consecutive tests indicates that brake consumables are being depleted at a rate which suggests imminent replacement is due, particularly at the rear. The emergence of suspension bush wear in the most recent test represents a new and potentially more costly concern, and together these items suggest the vehicle's mechanical condition is showing signs of progressive wear rather than stable maintenance, although it should be emphasised that none of the advisories were severe enough to constitute a failure. With regard to mileage, the recorded 77,989 miles over a fourteen year period equates to an annual average of approximately 5,571 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This level of usage suggests the car has either been driven predominantly on short journeys or has experienced extended periods of standing idle between uses. While lower annual mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch, it simultaneously increases the likelihood of problems associated with underuse. Standing for prolonged periods can cause brake calipers to bind or seize, brake discs to corrode on the surface leading to judder under braking, and suspension components to develop corrosion at pivot points. Furthermore, fluids degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, so lubricants, coolant and brake fluid will still require periodic renewal regardless of how few miles the vehicle has covered. Given the recurring brake pad advisories on both axles and the suspension bush wear flagged at the most recent test, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should concentrate heavily on these systems. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps, potholes or uneven road surfaces, as worn rear arm inner bushes can permit excessive play under load. The steering should be checked for vagueness or wandering, and uneven tyre wear patterns, particularly inner edge wear on the front tyres, would corroborate deteriorated suspension geometry. The brakes should be assessed for effectiveness and feel; any pulsing through the brake pedal would suggest disc corrosion or warping consistent with low-use standing conditions, while a spongy pedal or pulling to one side under braking could indicate a binding caliper, a common failure point on low-mileage vehicles where the pistons seize from disuse. It would be prudent to budget for replacement of all four brake pads at the earliest service interval, with disc inspection likely advisable given the 2025 advisory on rear pad wear. Beyond the items specifically flagged in the MOT history, the low annual mileage profile demands additional age-related checks that would not necessarily be evident from a road test. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully inspected for perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres over six years old should be regarded as due for replacement on safety grounds. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as prolonged periods of standing combined with the age of the vehicle significantly reduce battery capacity and reliability, particularly during cold winter starts. The headlamp masks noted in 2022, 2023 and 2024 advisories warrant verification that the masks have been removed and that the headlamp adjusters have been returned to standard settings, as improperly adjusted headlamps can both fail an MOT and present a road safety hazard. Service history stamps should be cross-referenced against calendar intervals to confirm that engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and automatic transmission fluid have been renewed at appropriate intervals, and the central exhaust sleeve clamp flagged as corroded in the 2022 test should be physically inspected to confirm it has been renewed or remains serviceable.