2012 Audi A5 1.7L Diesel · DE12 FCM

Recurring suspension component wear and previous critical brake failures define the mechanical profile of this Audi A5. While the most recent test on 20 July 2026 resulted in a pass, it introduced advisories for worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both the nearside and offside front assemblies. This follows a period of clean results in 2024 and 2025, but the history shows a pattern of component degradation, including a dangerous failure in December 2021 due to front brake pads being below the legal 1.5 mm thickness limit and several advisories regarding tyre perishing and wear in 2023. The vehicle has covered 76,326 miles over its 14-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 5,452 miles. This is a low mileage profile for a vehicle of this age. While lower mileage typically implies less wear on high-frequency drivetrain components, the recorded history of tyre sidewall cracking and perishing in 2023, alongside the recent suspension advisories, is consistent with a vehicle that may spend significant periods stationary. Low annual usage can lead to the hardening and cracking of rubber components, such as tyre sidewalls and suspension bushes, even if the tread depth remains sufficient. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front end during a test drive to assess the condition of the suspension arm bushes flagged in the July 2026 advisory. Listen for dull knocks, clunks, or creaks when driving over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, and feel for any wandering or imprecise steering response that might indicate the bushes have progressed from worn to failed. The presence of multiple worn bushes on both sides suggests that the rubber components are reaching the end of their service life and may require replacement to restore original handling characteristics. Regarding the braking system, although the 2021 dangerous failure for thin pads was resolved, the history of thin pads and tyre wear warrants a physical inspection of the current braking components. Check for any pedal judder or uneven pulling under braking, which could indicate uneven pad or disc wear. Additionally, given the previous advisories for tyre perishing, the current condition of all four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking or age-related degradation, regardless of the remaining tread depth, to ensure the rubber has not become brittle from extended periods of inactivity.