2017 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · FD17 WLU

A rear coil spring failure on both sides within the last twelve months, alongside consistent brake and tyre wear advisories, defines the mechanical character of this A5. Although the most recent test on 17 December 2025 returned a clean pass with no recorded defects, the December 2024 test sequence is highly significant. The vehicle initially failed on 23 December 2024 with Major defects recorded for both the nearside and offside rear coil springs being fractured or broken, a serious structural and safety issue that would have resulted in immediate loss of roadworthiness if driven in that condition. It then passed the following day with advisories for worn front brake discs and pads, plus front tyres at the legal limit. The fact that the springs were replaced and the car returned a pass the next day suggests the work was completed at the test station, but a buyer must verify the quality and provenance of those repairs, as poorly sourced second-hand springs on a 2017 A5 are a known concern. With 117,289 miles recorded over nine years, this A5 has accumulated around 13,000 miles annually, placing it firmly in the higher-mileage bracket for its age. This sustained rate of use means the braking system, tyres, suspension bushes, and general drivetrain consumables have all experienced considerable real-world wear. The 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests show continuous annual MOTs with no significant lay-up periods or unexplained mileage jumps, which actually lends credibility to the recorded odometer reading. However, the higher annual accumulation means that components such as the front discs and pads, flagged as wearing thin in late 2024, are unlikely to have lasted in pristine condition for the intervening twelve months, even though the latest test recorded no defects. A fresh set of front pads and possibly discs by the time of sale would be entirely consistent with this mileage profile. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas during inspection are the rear suspension and the braking system. The fractured rear coil springs were replaced just before the latest MOT, but listen on a test drive for any clonking or scraping noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, and check for the car sitting level rather than leaning to one corner. Inspect the rear shock absorber mounts and top spring seats, as these can be overlooked when only the springs are replaced. On the front end, the previously flagged disc and pad wear warrants a thorough check: feel for brake pedal pulsation or vibration under firm braking, listen for any grinding or squealing on light application, and look through the wheel spokes to assess the inner and outer edges of the front discs for lipping, scoring, or a blueing colour from overheating. A road test should also focus on the steering geometry and any play in the front suspension, given that front tyres were recorded at 1.6mm and worn on the edge in December 2024. Uneven inner or outer edge wear on the current tyres would point to worn suspension bushes or weakened strut top mounts rather than just a tracking issue. Additionally, the 2023 test noted that engine covers, under-trays, and sill covers were fitted, which restricted inspection of inner CV joint gaiters, brake pipes, and fuel lines. These covers should be removed by a competent inspector to verify there is no corrosion on the underfloor brake and fuel lines, a known concern on older Audi products, and to confirm the inner CV gaiters are intact without splits or grease loss. Finally, check that the tyre tread depths are currently well above the legal 1.6mm minimum, and inspect the sidewalls for cracking consistent with the vehicle's age.