2017 Audi A5 3.0L Petrol · ENL 5

A single suspension failure on the offside front upper arm pin or bush in December 2023, followed by an immediate re-pass the following day, represents the only significant mechanical event in this Audi A5's MOT history. The record otherwise demonstrates a pattern of clean passes across the 2022, 2024, and 2025 tests, with no further advisories recorded against suspension, braking, steering, or corrosion components since the bush failure was rectified. The most recent test on 10 December 2025 passed with only a minor advisory noting that both rear seats were obstructed, preventing a full seatbelt inspection, which is an access issue rather than a mechanical defect. The earlier advisory from the failed test, concerning a perished offside rear lower rubber spring mount, also warrants attention, as perished rubber spring mounts can allow slight movement in the rear suspension location and may accelerate wear on adjacent components if left unaddressed. With 27,891 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this A5 has averaged around 3,099 miles annually, which is notably low for the vehicle's age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing history, indicating the car has remained in continuous use, but the low annual mileage suggests periods of standing or short-trip use. Mechanically, low-mileage vehicles of this age often present with dried and perished rubber components, particularly in the suspension and under-bonnet areas, which is consistent with the perished spring mount and split suspension bush already recorded. Brake discs and pads may also show surface corrosion from infrequent use rather than significant wear, and the 12V battery may have suffered reduced capacity from extended standing periods, though specific battery condition cannot be inferred from the MOT data alone. Given the recorded offside front upper suspension arm bush failure, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension during a test drive, listening for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end, especially over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or when turning into driveways. Steering should feel precise without vagueness or knocking through the rack, and the front offside wheel area should be inspected for any signs of fresh grease around the upper arm bush, indicating a recent replacement. The perished rear lower spring mount advisory suggests the rear suspension rubbers should be inspected for cracking, sagging, or excessive movement when the rear of the vehicle is rocked laterally, and any knocking from the rear over bumps would indicate these mounts require replacement. On road, the vehicle should track straight without pulling to either side under braking or acceleration, and the brake pedal should feel firm without sponginess or excessive travel, which would suggest corroded brake pipes or seized caliper pistons, common concerns on low-mileage cars of this vintage. Listen for any rhythmic knocking or scraping from the brake discs when coming to a stop, indicative of surface corrosion build-up on the discs from infrequent use. The advisory regarding obstructed rear seats should be followed up by ensuring all rear seatbelts retract correctly, latch firmly, and show no fraying, as this could not be verified at the last test. Finally, inspect the underside, particularly the rear spring mount locations and subframe mounting points, for any fresh underseal or surface treatment that might be masking developing corrosion, and verify that the upper suspension arm replacement carried out in 2023 used a quality component rather than a pattern part, as premature wear on pattern bushes is not uncommon.