2018 Audi A3 1.0L Petrol · HV68 KVP

The 2018 Audi A3 presents a mixed but largely stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT in November 2025 at 25,545 miles passing cleanly except for minor tyre perishing on both front tyres. This follows a clean test in September 2024 at 21,282 miles, suggesting no major mechanical deterioration in the past year. The only recurring issue is tyre-related, with two separate failures in 2022—one for a deep cut and another for excessive wear—indicating a pattern of neglect or inconsistent maintenance. The light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber in 2023 suggests potential suspension wear, though it was not repeated in later tests. Overall, the vehicle’s condition appears stable, but the tyre history raises concerns about basic upkeep. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging just over 3,190 miles per year, which may reflect light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. There are no rapid mileage spikes or gaps between tests that would suggest abuse or neglect, though the two MOTs in September 2022—one passing and one failing—hint at a brief period of irregular maintenance. The lack of defects in the 2024 and 2025 tests implies that any issues were addressed promptly after the 2022 failures, but the low mileage also means some wear-related components may not have been stressed enough to reveal hidden problems. A prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the tyres, given the repeated failures and current advisories for perishing. The front tyres should be checked for internal damage, uneven wear, or dry rot, particularly if the vehicle has spent time unused. The rear suspension, specifically the offside shock absorber, warrants closer examination for leaks, stiffness, or uneven tyre wear, as oil misting can precede complete failure. While no brake-related advisories appear in the MOT history, the binding rear brakes noted in the 2023 test—though not repeated—suggest a need to verify brake pad thickness, disc condition, and caliper operation. Structural integrity, including sills, wheel arches, and underbody corrosion, should also be assessed, as low-mileage vehicles can still suffer from rust if stored in damp conditions.