2013 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · DP13 FWY

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 September 2026 resulted in a PASS, although the test carried three advisories that warrant attention from a prospective purchaser. The front registration plate was once again flagged as deteriorated, a minor but persistent observation, alongside a note that both front brake discs are worn though not excessively. The third advisory, concerning corrosion on the rear subframe, is arguably the most significant because it is a structural element and represents an ongoing deterioration first observed in 2025. Looking back across the test history, the overall trend is one of gradual worsening rather than improvement, as successive advisories relating to front suspension arms and brake discs have accumulated over the past two years, alongside the increasingly prominent subframe corrosion. The presence of a failure in August 2024 further indicates that this vehicle has required corrective work to maintain roadworthiness, although no specific reason for that failure was recorded beyond the carry-over advisories already noted. The recorded mileage of 218,569 against a thirteen-year age equates to an annual average of approximately 16,800 miles, which is notably high and well above the typical 10,000 to 12,000 miles expected for a vehicle of this vintage. Such intensive use places considerable demand on mechanical components including the engine, automatic transmission, turbocharger system, suspension, and braking components. There is no evidence in the MOT record of significant gaps in motoring activity, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular service throughout its life, which is broadly positive for mechanical continuity but raises the likelihood of wear-related issues appearing in high-stress areas such as the drivetrain, dual-mass flywheel, and turbo system that would not be visible on an MOT. The recurring advisories on the front suspension arm pins and bushes across 2024 and 2025 indicate progressive wear of the front suspension linkage, a known issue on high-mileage Audi A6 models of this generation. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonks or knocks from the front end, particularly over speed humps, kerbs, and uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness in the steering or wandering at speed. These components should be inspected closely on a ramp, as worn bushes can allow camber changes that accelerate inner-edge tyre wear, which itself was flagged in 2024. The front brake disc advisories across consecutive tests suggest the discs are approaching the point at which replacement will be necessary, and any pulsing through the brake pedal, shudder under heavy braking, or grinding noises on the test drive would confirm the discs have now worn beyond the advisory threshold. The rear subframe corrosion, first noted in 2025 and repeated in 2026, requires particularly careful physical inspection. While MOT testers will only flag corrosion that is visible and structurally relevant, subframes on older A6s can suffer from advancing surface rust that develops into deeper section loss over time. The vehicle should be examined on a ramp with the undertrays removed to confirm the extent of the corrosion, paying particular attention to mounting points, mounting bushes, and any brake or fuel line bracketry attached to the subframe. Given the high mileage and thirteen-year age, the buyer should also verify the timing belt or chain service interval compliance, check the condition and age of the 12V battery, inspect the coolant and brake fluid for age-related degradation, and examine the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, particularly around mounting brackets and the rear silencer. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as age-hardened rubber can fail unexpectedly, and the service book should be reviewed to confirm the cambelt and automatic transmission fluid changes have been carried out at the manufacturer-specified intervals.