2014 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · HN14 XMB

A pattern of recurring structural and chassis advisories dominates the MOT record for this 2014 Audi A6, with rear subframe corrosion flagged at every test since 2025 alongside two recorded failures and several advisories on suspension, braking, and tyre condition. The most recent entry on 25 June 2026 shows a pass with an advisory noting rear subframe corrosion deemed not seriously weakened, but the same date also carries a failure for an inoperative horn, which was presumably rectified prior to the pass. The 2023 test recorded a major failure for a fractured nearside rear coil spring, and rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2024. Coolant level was flagged low in both 2023 and 2025, suggesting either a persistent slow leak or a topping-up habit rather than a sealed system. Across six recorded tests spanning 2021 to 2026, two failures and multiple advisories on tyres, brakes, suspension, and structural corrosion indicate a vehicle with age-related wear that is actively accumulating rather than resolving. With 105,215 miles recorded over approximately twelve years, the annual accumulation sits at roughly 8,768 miles, which is broadly typical for the vehicle's age and consistent with regular use rather than extended storage or excessive long-distance running. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing pattern from 2021 onwards, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady. At this odometer reading, the mechanical implications centre on consumable wear and mid-life component fatigue, particularly given the recorded issues with coil springs, brake pads, and tyres, all of which are items that degrade proportionally with mileage. The combination of typical mileage and consistent annual testing suggests a working vehicle that has been used steadily, with the recorded defects reflecting natural wear rather than any unusual usage profile. For a prospective buyer, the rear subframe corrosion warrants close physical inspection, ideally with the vehicle raised, as advisories at consecutive tests can indicate progression that may eventually reach a point where structural integrity is compromised. Particular attention should be paid to the mounting points, bush housings, and any brackets attached to the rear subframe, looking for flaking, deep pitting, or distortion. The fractured rear coil spring recorded in 2023 should prompt a check of the remaining springs for signs of corrosion at the coils or saddle seats, as fractured springs on this generation of A6 are not uncommon with age and UK road salt exposure. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over bumps from the rear axle, particularly over undulating surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or impact harshness through the rear suspension that could indicate tired bushes or compromised damping. The braking system, with rear pads noted as wearing thin in 2024, should be inspected for remaining pad material and disc condition, with particular focus on the rear calipers for any signs of binding or uneven pad wear that would suggest a sticking mechanism. The horn failure recorded in 2026 is a straightforward electrical check, but its sudden presence on the record after years of clean electrical items is worth noting, and the buyer should confirm the horn operates correctly on activation. Low coolant advisories in consecutive years indicate that the cooling system has not been sealed; a pressure test of the radiator, expansion tank, water pump, and associated hoses is prudent to rule out any active leakage that could lead to overheating in an Audi of this vintage. Finally, the tyre advisories across multiple tests, including cracking and perishing on both rear tyres in 2025, suggest that rubber age may be as relevant as tread depth, and a close examination of sidewall condition is warranted alongside the usual tread and pressure checks before purchase.