2018 Audi A5 3.0L Petrol · DF67 RZC

A pattern of brake and front suspension wear advisories, while never escalating into a test failure, defines the mechanical story of this A5 across the four recorded tests. The most recent pass on 13 January 2026 was recorded with no defects, continuing an unbroken run of passes since 2022, yet every prior inspection from 2023 and 2025 raised components that are typical high-wear items on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The 2023 advisory flagged low front inner brake pad material, and the 2025 test returned advisories for thinning rear pads alongside worn upper rear suspension arm pins or bushes on both the nearside and offside front. The recurrence of brake-related notes and the bilateral symmetry of the suspension bush advisories suggests a chassis that is being used in earnest rather than sparingly, even though none of these items have yet crossed the threshold into mandatory failure. Accumulating 83,551 miles over roughly eight years equates to an annual average of around 10,400 miles, which sits squarely within the typical range for a car of this vintage and indicates consistent daily use rather than long periods of standing. The mileage progression between tests shows steady, predictable increments of roughly 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year, with no abrupt surges that might suggest a change of use, such as a long commute or towing duties, and no extended gaps that would raise concerns about dormant components like brakes seizing or fluid degradation. For a turbocharged Audi of this generation, this kind of regular usage is broadly favourable, as it keeps the drivetrain, exhaust system and brake calipers working and exercised, reducing the risk of the corrosion and seizure issues that affect low-mileage examples. For a prospective buyer, the advisories on the rear brake pads and the upper rear suspension arm bushes warrant direct attention on a physical inspection. The rear pads were noted as wearing thin in 2025, and at nearly 83,000 miles it should be expected that new rear pads, and potentially rear discs, will be due within the next service interval, so confirm pad thickness visually and check the rear disc surfaces for lipping or corrosion at the hat edge. The front suspension bushes flagged on both sides should be assessed for any progression; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response, particularly on initial turn-in, which could indicate the bushes have worn beyond the advisory threshold. A four-wheel alignment check after any suspension component replacement is also advisable, as worn bushes frequently introduce uneven tyre wear across the front axle. Beyond the flagged items, the inspection should focus on the areas commonly affected on a higher-mileage Audi A5 of this generation. Check the underside of the engine and transmission for any oil misting or wet residue around the cam cover, turbo oil feed lines and sump, as these are known seepage points that can develop with age. Inspect the front subframe, suspension arms and rear trailing arm bushes for any surface corrosion, and examine the exhaust system, particularly the centre and rear silencer mounting points, for corrosion or loose hangers. On the road, monitor for any vibration through the brake pedal under firm stopping, which would suggest warped front discs, and verify that the dual-clutch automatic, where fitted, changes gear smoothly without judder at low speed, as this is a known wear item on Audi transmissions of this era.