2010 Audi A5 2.0L Petrol · GF59 VBV

The defining mechanical theme across this 2010 Audi A5's MOT history is a persistent pattern of rear tyre degradation rather than any single major structural or mechanical failure. The most recent test on 14 November 2025 recorded a clean pass, but only one day earlier the vehicle failed on a dangerous defect concerning the offside rear tyre, where the ply or cords had become exposed through perishing, alongside an advisory on the nearside rear showing cracking and damage. This is not an isolated event, as both rear tyres were flagged for perishing in the November 2024 pass and again in the September 2024 failure, indicating an ongoing condition with the rear rubber that any prospective buyer must address immediately. The 2022 record also captured a nearside rear tyre valve leaking due to corrosion on the rim, reinforcing that the rear wheel and tyre area has been a recurring point of attention across multiple test cycles. Mileage accumulation over the vehicle's sixteen years presents a broadly typical usage profile, with the recorded odometer showing 96,211 miles, equating to approximately 6,013 miles per year. The testing intervals have been reasonably regular, generally between twelve and fourteen months apart, with no extended gaps that would suggest a long period of standing. There is a noticeable interval between the August 2023 pass and the September 2024 failure, during which the annual mileage appears consistent with the long-term average. The 2022 entry also notes that front-to-rear under trays are fitted, which restricted full visual inspection of certain underside testable items, a factor worth keeping in mind when interpreting the depth of the recorded findings. For a prospective buyer, the rear tyre perishing issue is the most pressing item to verify physically. Both rear tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and any exposure of the underlying cords, and a budget for a matching pair of quality replacement tyres should be assumed as a near-term necessity. The September 2024 failure also recorded an advisory on front brake imbalance, with braking efficiency at 24 percent, just below the 25 percent pass threshold, suggesting the front brake system may require adjustment, pad replacement, or caliper servicing to restore balanced performance. On a test drive, listen for any binding or pulling from the front calipers, and feel for uneven pedal response or judder under firm braking, particularly from the front axle. The front windscreen wiper failure recorded in September 2022 should also be verified by operating the wipers across all speeds and checking for worn blades or intermittent motor function. The headlamp lens defects flagged in both 2024 tests, recorded as minor on each occasion, are likely cosmetic oxidation rather than a functional concern, but they should be checked at night for adequate beam pattern and light output. The 2022 advisory noting under trays preventing full inspection means that components such as the exhaust system, rear suspension bushes, brake lines, and subframe mounting points cannot be fully evaluated from the MOT record alone. A pre-purchase inspection with the vehicle raised on a ramp would be strongly advisable to check for oil leaks from the engine and transmission, corrosion on the rear subframe and brake pipes, and the condition of the rear coil springs and shock absorbers, all of which are common wear points on an A5 of this age and mileage. Finally, verify the condition of the front tyres, as the 2022 record noted edge wear on the offside front, which can indicate tracking misalignment or worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes or drop links.