2009 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · FN09 UPF

The most recent MOT test on 17 April 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is a positive indicator after a notable failure just four days earlier on 13 April 2026. That earlier failure cited a major defect on the nearside front upper suspension arm rear bush, accompanied by an advisory on the front arm bush, suggesting the suspension components were repaired or replaced in time for the retest. Reviewing the broader trend, the vehicle has accumulated a recurring pattern of front suspension advisories across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests, particularly relating to anti-roll bar linkage pins and bushes and lower shock absorber bushes, indicating progressive wear in the front suspension geometry. While the latest pass is reassuring, the recurrence of similar advisory items over three consecutive years points to a suspension system that has been subject to ongoing deterioration rather than a single isolated incident, and a prospective buyer should treat this as a wear pattern requiring close physical inspection. With 182,013 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged around 10,700 miles annually, which sits broadly within the expected range for a large executive saloon of this vintage and suggests regular rather than sporadic use. There is no evidence in the MOT record of any significant mileage gaps that might indicate long periods of standing, which is favourable from the perspective of avoiding calendar-based deterioration issues such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, perishing of rubber components, or 12V battery degradation. The mileage is consistent and continuous, pointing to a car that has been driven regularly and is therefore less likely to suffer from the binding brakes, dried seals, or stale fluids commonly seen in low-use or garage-kept vehicles. That said, a higher-mileage Audi A6 of this generation places meaningful demand on the drivetrain, turbocharging system, automatic transmission, and cooling components, all of which warrant attention beyond what MOT testing alone can verify. The recurring front suspension advisories are the most significant area of concern in the MOT history and should be the focus of a thorough physical inspection. Anti-roll bar linkage wear, upper and lower arm bush deterioration, and shock absorber bush play all contribute to imprecise handling, vague steering response, and audible clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps and during full-lock manoeuvres. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking from the front end over rough roads, pay attention to steering that feels loose or imprecise, and check for uneven inner or outer tyre wear which would indicate that worn bushes are allowing camber or toe misalignment. Given that the front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2024 and the front tyres have historically been flagged for wear and damage, it would be prudent to verify the current state of the brake discs, pads, and tyres, as these are consumable items that will require attention proportionate to the mileage. Additionally, the 2023 test recorded a dangerous nearside front tyre with structural separation, which, although addressed at the time, is a reminder that tyre integrity on a vehicle of this age and mileage must be checked carefully for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread depth. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer should perform a comprehensive age- and mileage-appropriate inspection covering areas the MOT does not fully assess. For a 2009 Audi A6 with over 180,000 miles, attention should be directed to the timing chain or belt service history depending on engine variant, the condition of the coolant and automatic transmission fluid with reference to documented changes, oil consumption between services, and any signs of oil leaks from the sump, camplate, or turbo seals. The vehicle should be started from cold to observe ease of ignition, idle quality, and any smoke from the exhaust which can indicate turbo, valve seal, or piston ring wear. Underneath, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at mounting points and joints, check the undertray for fluid staining, and examine the subframe and suspension mounting points for any structural corrosion which can be problematic on older Audi saloons exposed to winter road conditions. Finally, verify the service book stamping history, confirm the age and condition of the 12V battery, and ensure that the cam belt or chain intervals and any manufacturer-specific major services have been completed in line with the vehicle's age and mileage.