2013 Audi A6 3.0L Diesel · DY11 MCV

The vehicle’s most recent MOT, conducted on 5 June 2026 at 172,727 miles, passed with only a minor advisory on the nearside rear inner tyre—worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. While this suggests the car remains mechanically sound for now, the broader maintenance history reveals a clear trend of recurring suspension wear, particularly in the front lower control arms. The pattern is worsening rather than stable: in August 2024, both front bushes were split and explicitly recommended for replacement, yet this issue persisted into the June 2025 test, where the nearside arm pin was still flagged as worn without excessive movement. The rear shock absorbers also showed early signs of deterioration with light oil misting in mid-2025, indicating potential long-term neglect of fluid seals or mounting integrity. No major structural or safety-critical failures have been recorded, but the consistent advisories on suspension components point to deferred maintenance rather than sudden mechanical failure. The mileage accumulation—averaging around 13,287 miles per year over its 13-year lifespan—is high for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the absence of defects until August 2022. Between that date and the June 2026 test, the odometer climbed by nearly 29,000 miles in just under four years, suggesting either heavy use or a lack of prolonged storage. The most recent 1,596-mile gap between MOTs (June 2025 to June 2026) is typical for annual testing, but the rapid mileage increase between August 2024 (164,904 miles) and June 2025 (171,131 miles)—a gain of over 6,200 miles in less than 10 months—raises questions about whether the suspension wear is accelerating due to driving conditions or if previous owners delayed addressing the advisories. The lack of defects in the August 2022 test further implies that the suspension issues developed gradually, rather than arising from a single incident. For a prospective buyer, the suspension components demand immediate scrutiny. Both front lower control arm bushes were split by August 2024 and remained unaddressed, which could lead to premature ball joint or knuckle wear, affecting steering responsiveness and tyre alignment. The rear shock absorbers’ oil misting is an early warning sign of internal failure, potentially compromising ride comfort and handling stability. Beyond suspension, the tyre advisory—particularly the edge wear on the nearside rear—may indicate misalignment or uneven loading, which could exacerbate suspension stress. A thorough inspection should verify whether the bushes have been replaced since the last MOT, check for any signs of binding or excessive play in the steering, and assess the condition of the rear shocks for leaks or reduced damping. The absence of brake-related advisories is positive, but given the high mileage, the discs, pads, and calipers should still be checked for uneven wear or corrosion. Structural integrity appears sound, but the vehicle’s history suggests that any future owner will need to prioritise suspension maintenance to prevent secondary damage.