2013 Audi A3 1.6L Diesel · FX63 TKD

A recurring oil mist on the nearside rear shock absorber defines the vehicle’s MOT history; the same advisory has appeared on each test from 2021 through the most recent inspection on 24 October 2025, when the car again passed. Apart from that, the record shows only minor windscreen damage and occasional tyre wear advisories, with no outright failures across eight years of testing. The odometer reads 131,242 mi after roughly 13 years, giving an average of about 10,100 mi per annum – a figure that sits squarely within normal usage for a compact executive model. There are no significant gaps in the MOT chronology, indicating the car has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which reduces the likelihood of age‑related deterioration unrelated to mileage. The persistent shock absorber oil mist suggests the rear damper may be losing fluid, a condition that can lead to reduced ride comfort, increased body roll, and premature wear of surrounding bushings. On a test drive, listen for a soft knocking or thudding over bumps and feel for any excess squatting at the rear. A visual inspection should look for fresh oil stains around the shock mount and check the condition of the rear suspension bushings and mounting points. The windscreen chip noted in 2024 and 2025 is classified as minor and does not impair vision, but it should be examined for any propagation that could require replacement. Tyre advisories in 2019 and 2022 highlighted the off‑side front tyre approaching the legal tread limit and rear tyres showing edge cracking; confirm current tread depth, uniform wear, and sidewall integrity, and be prepared for replacement if the tyres are now near the end of their service life. Overall, the vehicle has maintained MOT compliance without any recorded failures, but the repeated rear shock oil mist and the historical tyre wear flags merit focused scrutiny. A pre‑purchase inspection should verify the integrity of the rear suspension, assess the condition of all four tyres, and ensure the windscreen chip remains benign. Any signs of fluid leakage, uneven tyre wear, or abnormal handling characteristics should be addressed before finalising the purchase.