2009 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · CV59 VBE

A pattern of recurring registration‑plate non‑conformities, a once‑recorded rough front wheel bearing and persistent tyre‑edge wear defines this 2009 Audi A5’s MOT history; the vehicle has since cleared those major defects, with the latest test on 17 May 2026 passing but noting that fitted under‑trays obscure some underside components. Earlier failures in 2021 and 2022 required corrective work on plate mounting, washer‑fluid delivery and the near‑side front wheel bearing, while the 2021 advisory list highlighted front tyre wear close to legal limits and light oil misting from the off‑side front shock absorber. Since the most recent pass the only remaining comment is the under‑tray obstruction, indicating no further failures have been recorded in the last five years. At 120,156 mi the car averages roughly 7,000 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within typical usage for a seventeen‑year‑old vehicle. The MOT record shows annual testing with no significant gaps, suggesting the odometer reading reflects a steady, moderate utilisation rather than periods of prolonged inactivity or sudden mileage spikes. Mechanically, this level of wear places normal expectations on consumables such as brake pads, suspension bushings and drivetrain bearings, but does not alone imply accelerated degradation beyond what the recorded defects already reveal. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front wheel bearing on the near‑side; a rough feel when the wheel is rotated by hand or a low‑frequency grinding noise under acceleration would indicate the issue may have resurfaced. The registration plates must be correctly mounted and securely fastened, with both front and rear plates fully visible and the off‑side plate lamp functioning; any mis‑alignment or missing lamp will cause an immediate failure. Verify the windscreen washer system delivers a steady stream of fluid, and inspect the washer reservoir and pump for leaks or blockage, as the 2022 failure cited insufficient washer liquid. Examine the front tyres for edge wear, tread depth and any cupping that could signal underlying suspension or alignment problems, and press the off‑side front shock absorber for signs of oil leakage or reduced damping, which were previously flagged as light misting. Because the under‑trays now conceal part of the vehicle’s underside, request removal of the trays or a thorough visual inspection of the chassis, suspension arms, brake lines and exhaust mounting points for corrosion or damage that cannot be assessed through the MOT record. Listen for any clunking over bumps that may indicate worn suspension bushes or cracked subframe sections, and feel for steering pull or uneven braking that could betray lingering issues with the front wheel bearing or brake components. Confirm that the front and rear registration plates are correctly positioned and that the off‑side plate lamp illuminates, as these items have historically caused major failures. Addressing these specific points will give a realistic picture of the car’s current roadworthiness beyond the MOT entries.