2012 Audi A3 1.6L Petrol · DA12 WDM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of deferred repairs regarding wear items. While it passed the most recent test in May 2026 at 80,936 miles, the record reveals several mechanical advisories that indicate ongoing wear. The presence of a severely deteriorated nearside front outer CV boot and cracking rear suspension arm bushes suggests that rubber components are reaching the end of their functional life. These issues are not immediate failures but signify that the owner is only addressing faults once they are flagged by the tester. At 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 80,936 miles represents relatively low usage, averaging approximately 5,800 miles annually. This low mileage is consistent across the records, with only about 3,000 miles driven between the May 2025 and May 2026 tests. However, low mileage on an older vehicle often leads to the gradual degradation of rubber parts due to age rather than friction, which explains the perishing bushes and perished CV boot noted in the latest inspection despite the low number of miles recorded on the odometer. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The May 2025 failure for significantly worn front brake discs and thin pads indicates that brake maintenance was neglected until a critical point, a trend also supported by the 2023 advisory regarding front pads looking low. The buyer should specifically inspect the front suspension arm bushes for play and monitor the cracking rear bushes, as these will soon affect vehicle handling and cause noise. Furthermore, the nearside front CV boot requires immediate replacement to prevent grease loss and eventual catastrophic failure of the drive shaft joint.