2016 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel · FD66 VCN

A pattern of deteriorating consumables and emerging corrosion defines the later stages of this vehicle's record, contrasting with several years of clean passes. While the test on 20 January 2026 resulted in a pass, it highlighted three tyres worn close to the legal limit and corrosion on the nearside rear suspension arm. This follows a 2025 failure involving a nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover and advisories for pitted brake discs and thin rear pads, suggesting a trend toward increased component wear and degradation. The recorded mileage of 124,526 miles is high for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 12,453 miles per year. This level of usage typically accelerates the degradation of high-friction components and rubber bushings throughout the chassis. Given the mileage, the vehicle has likely spent significant time in sustained use, which increases the likelihood of wear on the drivetrain and suspension systems beyond that of a lower-mileage equivalent. Attention must be paid to the braking system and suspension linkages during a physical inspection. The 2025 records specifically flagged all four brake discs as worn, pitted, or scored, alongside thin rear pads. During a test drive, feel for any pedal judder or pulsing under braking, which would indicate warped or heavily scored discs. Additionally, the failure of the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover suggests a need to check for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The corrosion noted on the nearside rear suspension arm in the latest test warrants a close visual inspection to ensure the structural integrity of the rear axle components. Check for any unusual steering pull or instability at motorway speeds, which can be symptomatic of worn suspension bushes or compromised linkages. Finally, the recurring tyre advisories across multiple years, including the most recent test, indicate that a full replacement of the tyre set may be required immediately to ensure safe grip and tread depth.