2009 Audi A8 3.0L Diesel · FD09 OPP

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 July 2024 resulted in a Pass, though it was achieved only one day after a Fail on 23 July 2024 that was driven by a dangerous nearside front tyre with ply or cords exposed, along with a major washer jet deficiency. The advisories carried over to the Pass were deteriorated front and rear registration plates and slight cracking or perishing on the nearside rear tyre outer sidewall, the latter being a recurring age-related concern on this vehicle. Looking at the broader four-year MOT trend, the trajectory is broadly stable in terms of outcomes, but the underlying advisories point to progressive wear in several areas. Front suspension bushes have been flagged on each annual test since 2019, with shock absorber bushes in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and upper arm inner bushes recurring in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Rear brake pads were also noted as wearing thin in mid-2024, and tyre cracking on the rear axle has appeared intermittently across 2022 and 2024. Overall, the pattern suggests a car that is being maintained to a roadworthy standard but is displaying classic high-mileage wear on consumable and suspension items. With 183,493 recorded miles over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle averages around 10,794 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with steady private or mixed-use driving rather than long periods of standing or excessive motorway accumulation. There is no clear evidence in the MOT record of significant mileage gaps that would suggest prolonged inactivity, which is positive in terms of avoiding the standing corrosion and brake binding issues that affect low-use luxury saloons. However, the cumulative mileage is considerable, and on a 2009 Audi A8 this level of use places meaningful demand on the multi-link air or coil suspension, quattro drivetrain couplings, automatic transmission internals, and engine ancillaries, none of which are comprehensively inspected under the MOT scheme. A diligent buyer should therefore not be reassured solely by the test history but should consider the deeper mechanical implications of sustained high-mileage use on this platform. The recurring front suspension arm pin and bush advisories warrant particular attention on inspection. These items have been flagged on multiple annual tests spanning 2019 through 2022, covering both lower shock absorber bushes and upper inner arm bushes on nearside and offside. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps, uneven bumps, and during slow-speed direction changes, and feel for vague or wandering steering response, which can indicate worn bush compliance. At the same time, inspect the tyres carefully for uneven inner or outer edge wear, which has been noted on both front tyres in 2019 and 2020 and would suggest tracking or suspension geometry compromise. The nearside rear tyre perishing flagged in 2022 and again in 2024 is also worth checking visually across all four corners, as rubber cracking from age rather than tread wear is a common MOT failure point on cars of this vintage and can necessitate replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the documented advisory items, several age- and mileage-related checks are strongly advised for any prospective buyer. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing, and verify matching specifications on this quattro-equipped car. Examine the brake discs on both axles for corrosion ridges on the disc edges and check that the calipers are releasing cleanly, as seized calipers are a known concern on high-mileage Audis. Verify the service book history for evidence of cambelt or timing chain servicing on the petrol engine and for regular automatic transmission fluid changes, as these are time rather than mileage sensitive. Check the 12V battery health and the condition of all undertrays, noting that undertrays were recorded as fitted in 2023 and can mask oil or coolant leaks. Finally, examine the exhaust system for corrosion around joints and mountings, ensure all warning lamps extinguish promptly after engine start, and confirm the operation of the climate control, infotainment, and adaptive suspension systems, which can be costly to rectify on this model if they have deteriorated.