2017 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · FJ02 RAF

The defining mechanical thread across this A5's MOT record is a progressive deterioration of the front suspension components, with both upper arm bushes in 2024 and both lower arm bushes in 2026 flagged as worn within a two-year window. The pattern escalated from a clean pass with no advisories in 2023 to a failure in September 2024, caused not by the suspension but by a deep nearside front tyre cut, and then to a pass in March 2026 carrying paired advisories for the lower arm pin or bush wear on each side. The recurring front suspension advisories, all categorised as not yet resulting in excessive movement, indicate that the rubber pivot bushes on multiple front arms are approaching the end of their service life, and given the symmetrical wear across both sides, replacement of the full front arm bush set should be anticipated rather than deferred. Beyond the suspension, the brake-related advisories logged in 2020 and 2021 have not reappeared, suggesting those components were subsequently renewed. With 75,627 miles recorded over nine years, this A5 averages around 8,400 miles annually, a figure consistent with mixed private and commuter use. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, with annual or near-annual entries from 2020 through 2026, which means the mileage progression can be tracked with reasonable confidence and there are no signs of prolonged off-road storage that might otherwise raise concerns about seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, or a discharged battery. The steady accumulation rate is consistent with the wear pattern observed, particularly on the front brake discs and pads flagged in 2020, and on the suspension components now surfacing at this mileage band. The tyre advisories recorded in 2024, including feathering on both edges of the rear tyres and inner edge wear on the nearside rear, point towards alignment geometry drift rather than simple ageing, and this is worth investigating alongside the suspension wear, as worn suspension bushes can themselves contribute to irregular tyre wear. A prospective buyer should focus the test drive and inspection on the front suspension, as the advisories on both upper and lower arm bushes across consecutive tests suggest the linkages are nearing the threshold of play. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps, uneven surfaces, or during full lock manoeuvres, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the steering response, particularly during direction changes at speed. With the engine off and the car raised if a ramp inspection is possible, the tester should attempt to rock each front wheel vertically and laterally to detect play in the lower and upper arm bushes, and inspect the inner edges of all four tyres for uneven feathering, which would corroborate the geometry concerns flagged in 2024. Given the brake disc advisories from 2020 have not recurred, a brief check of pedal feel and any vibration under heavy braking remains worthwhile to confirm the discs and pads remain serviceable, while a visual inspection of the rear tyres for inner edge wear should be carried out before any purchase, as a wheel alignment check may already be due. Finally, although the only recorded failure was for a damaged tyre in 2024 rather than any structural or mechanical defect, the cumulative front suspension advisories represent the most material ongoing risk and should be priced into any offer. It would be prudent to obtain a current quote for a full set of front upper and lower arm bushes from an independent specialist, as on an A5 this work typically requires renewed components per arm rather than re-bushing, and to factor in a four-wheel alignment to address the toe or camber geometry that produced the inner edge tyre wear. Any signs of fluid seepage from the front struts, worn top mounts, or knocking from the rear suspension should also be noted during inspection, as the front-end wear pattern may extend to related components not yet flagged. Subject to satisfactory inspection of these specific items, the vehicle presents a usable platform, but the suspension refresh represents a known near-term cost rather than a speculative concern.