2012 Audi A5 1.8L Petrol · HG62 AHF

The 2012 AUDI A5 presents a mixed roadworthiness profile marked by recurring component failures interspersed with clean passes, culminating in a satisfactory result on the most recent MOT conducted on 2024-06-01. Over its fourteen-year history, the vehicle experienced multiple advisory flags spanning front tyre wear, oil leakage from the 2020 service interval, compromised front suspension linkages, and braking instability, before achieving consistent compliance in subsequent assessments through 2024. While the pattern suggests intermittent rather than progressive deterioration, the persistence of certain advisories indicates areas where continued monitoring will be necessary regardless of passing results, and the absence of new critical failures in the last two years offers some reassurance despite earlier concerns. With 84,804 recorded kilometres on a fourteen-year-old chassis, the annual accumulation averages approximately 6,057 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage patterns for vehicles of this age and reflects moderate daily driving rather than heavy commercial use. The spacing between the 2019 failure and the 2020 successful test shows a six-month interval, while the subsequent clean tests occurred annually until the latest pass in mid-2024, indicating no prolonged lay-up periods. However, the proximity of the 2019 and 2020 test results—just weeks apart—highlights a brief window of heightened concern that may correlate with seasonal conditions or specific driving conditions during those months, warranting a closer examination of how the vehicle was treated during that short span. The front suspension system warrants particular attention given the documented light misting of oil from nearside and offside front shock absorbers in late 2020 and the reported worn upper suspension arms in that same period, suggesting potential degradation of the control arms' bushings or seal integrity under repeated flexing loads. Front tyres consistently appeared worn close to legal limits according to the 2020 and 2019 assessments, which could indicate either aggressive driving patterns or gradual tyre compound ageing that may manifest as uneven wear or vibration at speed. The 2024 pass did not list new critical failures, yet the prior oil leak advisory from 2020 remains relevant as a reminder to inspect the engine bay and coolant passages for residual contamination that might not have been fully cleared. When inspecting the vehicle, focus first on the front suspension assembly by applying lateral force to each corner of the wheel to detect any binding or abnormal play in the upper and lower linkage components, and check for oil seepage from the shock mounts and arm pins during a slow-speed test drive. Brake performance requires a dedicated assessment of the front disc caliper operation and pad wear, particularly noting whether the brakes exhibit any fluctuation or pulsation when applied hard, especially since the 2020 failure specifically cited excessively fluctuating front and rear brakes. The windshield wiper system should also be verified for full sweep coverage and smooth operation, as the 2018 failure noted inadequate wiper clearing, though this was resolved in later records. Given the history of oil leaking from the 2020 service and the ongoing presence of worn front tyres, consider having a professional mechanic perform a deeper drain and filter change on the engine sump to ensure no residual contaminants are affecting the lubrication system.