2009 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · GF59 VCX

The defining mechanical story of this 2009 Audi A6 centres on a clear pattern of front-end wear combined with a notable suspension failure and ongoing corrosion concerns. The most recent test on 14 March 2026 passed, but the advisory list was extensive: both front tyres showing edge wear close to the legal limit, near-side rear tyre cracking on the outer edge, front upper suspension arm pin and bush wear across both sides, and pitted or scored front brake discs on both sides. This is not an isolated finding; front brake disc pitting has been flagged repeatedly, with an identical advisory in December 2023, and front tyre edge wear has appeared across multiple tests. The vehicle has also recorded a failed test, on 1 March 2022, for fractured rear coil springs on both sides, followed immediately by a re-test the same day that passed with no recorded defects. A further failure in November 2024 involved both front headlamp aim being too low, the headlamp cleaning device being inoperative, and both headlamp lenses showing slight defects. Taken together, the record suggests a vehicle with chronic front suspension, braking, and tyre wear alongside intermittent lighting and rear suspension issues. Recorded mileage stands at 172,016 miles across approximately 17 years, equating to roughly 10,100 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps in the testing history or unusual jumps in the recorded odometer readings that would indicate long periods off the road or inconsistent use. This is a continuously used vehicle, and at this mileage level, wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, suspension bushes, and coil springs should be considered normal rather than exceptional. The cumulative mileage does, however, mean that components beyond those flagged at MOT, including engine mounts, drive shafts, turbocharger assemblies (if fitted), and gearbox mounts, are likely to be approaching or past their service life, even though they have not yet produced testable defects. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension should be the primary area of physical inspection. With advisories on upper suspension arm pins and bushes on both sides, plus historical advisories on the anti-roll bar linkages from November 2022, the front end is clearly a wear hotspot. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front when traversing speed bumps or rough tarmac, and feel for vagueness or delayed response through the steering, particularly during direction changes. Inspect the tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, as the recurring edge-wear advisories suggest a possible alignment issue or worn suspension geometry that has not yet been resolved. The front brake discs, flagged for pitting and scoring in both 2023 and 2026, should be checked by hand for a stepped lip on the outer edge and felt for brake judder or vibration under firm deceleration from around 40 mph. The remaining advisories also deserve targeted attention during a viewing. The corrosion noted in the front cross-member supporting the radiator in March 2025 should be physically examined with a torch for any perforation or flaking that could compromise structural integrity, and the area should be checked for evidence of repair or underseal. The non-excessive gearbox oil leak, also flagged in March 2025, warrants a check for fresh oil residue on the underside and a fluid level inspection. The fractured rear coil springs recorded in 2022 mean the current springs should be visually inspected for any signs of paint damage or corrosion cracking, and the rear ride height should be checked for sagging. Finally, the headlamp aim and cleaning device faults from the 2024 failure should be verified as fully rectified; both headlamps should be checked at night for correct beam pattern, and the headlamp washers should be confirmed as operational, as failure of either would result in another immediate MOT failure.