2012 Audi A3 1.6L Petrol · DG12 FPT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a concerning decline in basic upkeep standards. While the most recent MOT test in March 2026 at 78,886 miles passed, it revealed significant neglect regarding the front tyres. Both the offside and nearside front tyres were worn to the legal limit with uneven inner-edge wear and perished outer walls. This indicates a failure to perform routine maintenance between annual tests, which contrasts sharply with the clean records seen in previous years. At 78,886 miles, this 14-year-old Audi has covered low mileage, averaging approximately 5,600 miles per year. The mileage progression suggests consistent use, with a gap of roughly 3,300 miles between February 2025 and March 2026. However, the low mileage often masks age-related degradation of rubber components, evidenced by the perished tyre walls noted in the 2026 test. The vehicle likely sat for long periods or undertook very short trips, which can cause tyres to lose their structural integrity despite having sufficient tread-related life. A buyer must prioritize inspecting the front suspension and alignment. The recurring inner-edge wear on the offside front tyre across the 2025 and 2026 tests suggests a persistent geometry issue, worn control arm bushes, or failing ball joints. Furthermore, the failure in February 2025 due to ABS and electronic stability control warning lamps requires thorough verification. Although the car passed the subsequent test, these electronic faults often indicate underlying sensor failures or wiring issues that may recur if not properly diagnosed. The braking system should also be scrutinised for signs of corrosion, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from surface rust on discs due to lack of use.