2013 Audi A3 1.6L Diesel · FR62 EDJ

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a concerning downward trend in recent months. While the car maintained a clean record between 2021 and late 2024, the January 2026 testing period reveals emerging mechanical and structural issues. The tester flagged a failure on 2 January 2026 due to insufficient parking brake efficiency and a severely deteriorated offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. Although the vehicle passed a retest on 6 January 2026 at 150,074 miles, the presence of corrosion on the rear sub-frame remains a persistent advisory. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 11,500 miles per year. The data shows steady usage, with a notable jump from 120,832 miles in November 2023 to 137,740 miles in November 2024, and then to 150,074 miles by January 2026. This pattern suggests regular long-distance or commuter use rather than sporadic trips. The lack of significant gaps in the testing history indicates the owner has generally been diligent with annual inspections, though the recent failures suggest maintenance intervals may be slipping. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the chassis and underside. The January 2026 advisory regarding rear sub-frame corrosion requires close scrutiny to ensure the oxidation has not progressed beyond the reported non-serious stage. The recent failure of the parking brake and the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover indicates that wear on braking components and suspension bushings is becoming more frequent. You should verify that the parking brake now operates with full effectiveness and check the condition of all suspension joints to ensure the recent repairs were comprehensive. The history also shows a recurring pattern of neglecting tyre tread depth, with failures recorded in both 2019 and 2024. This suggests a tendency to run consumables close to the legal limit. While the 2018 advisory for thin rear brake pads was resolved, the recent parking brake issue suggests the braking system requires ongoing monitoring. Check the remaining tread on all tyres and the thickness of the brake discs and pads to ensure they are not nearing the next required replacement.