2009 Audi A3 1.9L Diesel · DV09 XWB

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-12-11, though the maintenance trend shows no improvement — in fact, it has stagnated. Two consecutive tests on the same day, both at 159,847 miles, resulted in failure despite identical findings: offside rear service brake binding (not excessive), deteriorating registration plates, and corroded rear sub-frame. This suggests the issues were either unresolved or not addressed between tests, indicating a lack of proactive maintenance rather than a resolving condition. Mileage progression is consistent with the vehicle’s age — 159,847 miles over 17 years equates to roughly 9,400 miles annually, which is typical for a used car of this vintage. The gap between the 2024-01-03 test at 153,590 miles and the 2024-12-10 tests at 156,868 miles reflects a normal annual increase, with no signs of sudden or anomalous mileage jumps. The record is sparse in terms of mechanical failures beyond lighting and cosmetic issues, but the repeated failures on the same items suggest a pattern of deferred attention rather than escalating mechanical decay. Buyers should inspect the rear suspension and sub-frame for signs of corrosion progression, as the 2025-12-11 test flagged corrosion that was not structurally weakening but still warrants monitoring. The offside rear brake binding, while not excessive, should be checked for wear or caliper sticking — a recurring fault that may indicate neglect or a component nearing replacement. Registration plate and lighting issues, though minor, point to a broader pattern of deferred upkeep; inspecting the rear lamp assemblies and headlamp aim is advisable to ensure compliance and safety. Tyre tread and wiper blades are not mentioned in the record, so a visual and tactile check for wear is recommended.