2015 Audi A3 1.8L Petrol · G9 CAS

The defining mechanical story on this 2015 Audi A3 is a clear, progressive deterioration of the braking surfaces, with both front discs showing inner-face pitting in 2025 and all four discs showing measurable wear, pitting and scoring by the February 2026 test. While the 2026 pass is clean of failures, the sheer volume of brake-related advisories across consecutive tests points to components that are now at or approaching their wear limit. The vehicle also carries an advisory for perishing on the nearside rear tyre, which warrants close attention even though it was not classed as a failure at the time. Set against this is the fact that the only outright failures were the dangerous tyre cords exposure in February 2024, which appear to have been rectified immediately given the same-day re-test pass, and a fully clean 2023 test. The overall trajectory is one of gradually declining but still legally compliant roadworthiness, with the brakes now representing the primary area of mechanical risk. With 52,610 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this A3 is averaging around 4,780 miles annually, which is notably low for the model and its age bracket. The MOT record itself shows no multi-year testing gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than laid up, and the consistent year-on-year testing pattern indicates regular, if light, mileage accumulation. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally preserves the engine, transmission and interior trim, but it can be less favourable for components that suffer from prolonged standing, particularly brake discs, which corrode and pit through surface oxidation faster than they wear through use. The advisories visible on the discs are entirely consistent with a car that has been driven gently and infrequently, where light braking over short journeys allows surface pitting to develop without the discs ever being scrubbed clean through heavy use. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough inspection and likely replacement of all four brake discs, with the pads to be assessed at the same time since uneven disc wear often accelerates pad wear on the inner edge. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squeal or pulsation through the brake pedal, particularly under firm braking from speed, which would indicate the pitting has progressed beyond advisory level, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal that suggests disc runout. The nearside rear tyre perishing advisory should be checked by close visual examination of the sidewall for cracks, and the tread depth measured with a gauge to confirm it remains above the 1.6mm legal minimum. Given the low mileage and consistent testing history, the suspension, steering and exhaust components have likely seen minimal stress, but it is still worth checking for any knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps, uneven tyre wear suggesting alignment or bush issues, and any signs of oil weep from the engine or gearbox. Finally, given that the dangerous tyre failures occurred in early 2024 and the most recent test is now over eighteen months old in MOT terms, an early MOT would be prudent to confirm that the disc wear flagged in February 2026 has not deteriorated into a failure, particularly as brake discs can move from advisory to non-compliant within a single year of normal use. A buyer should also verify that the tyres currently fitted are recent production and that the brake fluid has been changed in line with service intervals, as low-mileage cars are frequently neglected for time-based servicing items even when mechanical wear remains light.