2012 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · JC60 RST

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 12 March 2026 with no defects recorded, following an earlier failure on 10 March 2026 which also recorded no defects. The absence of advisory notes or recorded failure items makes it difficult to determine what specifically was addressed between the two tests, but the final clean pass suggests any issues were rectified prior to certification. Looking at the broader trend across the available DVSA history, the pattern of a failed test immediately followed by a pass on a subsequent attempt has occurred on two consecutive occasions in early 2025 and again in early 2026, which may indicate a recurring need for minor remedial work before each annual test rather than any worsening mechanical condition. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable with the vehicle consistently achieving a passable standard, though the repeated two-test pattern warrants some scrutiny from a prospective buyer. With 166,833 miles recorded against a 14-year age, the vehicle has averaged approximately 11,917 miles per year, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a car of this vintage. This is neither a low-mileage garage queen nor an excessively high-mileage example, suggesting a balance of regular use that generally keeps mechanical components and fluids circulating. However, at this accumulated mileage, significant wear items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts will have experienced substantial fatigue cycles regardless of annual averages. The relatively consistent annual usage also means the vehicle is unlikely to have suffered from prolonged standing periods, which reduces the risk of seized calipers or severe underbody corrosion, though it does not eliminate them. Given the clean defect history and the considerable mileage already covered, a prospective buyer should focus on age and mileage-related wear that may not surface in an MOT test. Tyres warrant particular attention: despite the vehicle's active use, the rubber compounds on a 14-year-old car can suffer from perishing and sidewall cracking even if tread depth remains adequate, so a close visual inspection of the sidewalls for hairline cracks is essential. The braking system should be examined for disc lipping, pad material thickness, and any signs of caliper binding or uneven wear, as high-mileage Audis of this era are known for rear caliper issues. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) will almost certainly be due for renewal based on calendar age rather than mileage, and a full service history verifying these time-based items would be highly reassuring. On a test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mounts, and pay particular attention to any vagueness in the steering or uneven tyre wear patterns when inspecting the wheels. A scan for any stored fault codes via an OBD diagnostic tool is strongly advised, as the MOT examination does not cover electronic system faults or engine management warnings. The 12V battery should be load-tested regardless of its apparent condition, as batteries of this age frequently fail without warning. Finally, verify the continuity of service book stamps and check for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, or power steering, as preventative maintenance records on a high-mileage executive vehicle of this age are the strongest indicator of long-term reliability.