2012 Audi A3 1.2L Petrol · DG12 FPY

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 19 March 2026 at 106,168 miles with no defects recorded, which is encouraging. However, the maintenance trend shows a mixed picture. Front shock absorbers displayed light oil misting consistently across three consecutive tests from 2023 to 2025, indicating gradual seal deterioration, though this did not appear as a recorded advisory in the latest test. The windscreen sustained chips and minor damage across the same period, and rear direction indicators showed slight discolouration in 2023 and 2024. Tyre wear was a concern in the March 2024 test, with the offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and both rear tyres showing cracking or perishing. The vehicle has clearly been maintained to a minimum roadworthy standard, but the pattern of recurring advisories suggests components were managed reactively rather than addressed proactively. The mileage progression is consistent and unremarkable for a vehicle of this age. The car covered approximately 7,500 miles per year on average between 2022 and 2026, moving from 76,267 miles to 106,168 miles across the five-year period. There are no sudden mileage jumps or suspicious gaps in the record. The annual mileage is moderate, suggesting the vehicle was used for typical commuting or light domestic purposes rather than high-mileage motoring, which would typically accelerate wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. A prospective buyer should prioritise a close inspection of the front suspension. The repeated oil misting on both shock absorbers across multiple years raises the possibility of ongoing seal degradation, even though the most recent test did not flag it. The tester may have assessed the damping performance as still within acceptable limits, but this warrants careful evaluation during any in-person assessment. The windscreen, while passing each year, has a history of chips that could propagate under thermal stress, and the buyer should verify whether a full replacement has been carried out or if the existing glass remains compromised. Brake components and wheel bearings should also be examined given the vehicle's age and mileage, as these are wear items that may not appear in MOT records until they reach failure threshold.