2017 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · JM64 RAM

The 2017 Audi A6 passed its most recent MOT test on 25 August 2026, retaining a clean pass with no failures or major defects recorded across the available DVSA history. However, the tester issued two advisories relating to the front suspension, specifically noting wear on both the offside and nearside front lower arm rear bushes. Critically, these same advisories appeared in the 2025 test as well, indicating that the wear has been present for at least twelve months and has not yet progressed to the point of failure. From a roadworthiness perspective the overall trend is stable but merits close attention, as suspension components on an Audi of this age are subject to progressive deterioration and a third advisory in 2027 could reasonably be followed by a failure at the next test if replacement is not carried out. The intervening tests in 2022, 2023, and 2024 recorded no advisories whatsoever, suggesting that suspension wear has only recently become a factor in the vehicle's condition. With 77,831 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the A6 has covered around 8,600 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record or indications of long periods off the road, which means the car is unlikely to have suffered significant standing-related degradation to the brakes, underbody, or seals. Equally, the mileage is not high enough to imply heavy wear on major drivetrain components, and the consistency of annual use generally supports the assumption of regular, mixed-condition driving. That said, the recorded figure is solely what has been documented at test time, and a buyer should still verify the mileage against the service book and dashboard history to ensure continuity. The recurring front suspension bush advisories warrant a focused physical inspection before purchase. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, and during sharp low-speed direction changes, as worn lower arm bushes allow excessive play between the arm and the subframe. Uneven or feathered front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, can also indicate that the bushes are no longer holding the suspension geometry within specification. Have the vehicle raised on a ramp so the bushes can be visually inspected for cracking, splitting, or separation of the rubber from its bonded metal inner sleeve. Replacement of the lower arm rear bushes, or the complete arms themselves depending on the design, is a relatively straightforward but necessary job, and budgeting for this work in the near term is prudent given that the advisories have now appeared in two consecutive tests. Beyond the documented suspension items, a nine year old Audi A6 at this mileage requires several age-based checks that the MOT history alone will not cover. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, as tyres deteriorate with age regardless of tread depth, and any units over six years old should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. Check the 12 volt battery, as original units rarely last beyond seven years and a failing battery will cause electrical gremlins across the car's numerous control modules. Examine the brake discs for any lipping or corrosion and confirm that the calipers are releasing freely, particularly given the standing periods that can occur with lower mileage vehicles. Verify the condition and date of the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, all of which degrade on a calendar basis and should be refreshed according to manufacturer schedules rather than simply mileage intervals. Finally, confirm that the cam belt or timing chain service interval has been observed, that the service book is fully stamped, and that any dashboard warning lights are fully extinguished from cold start, as these are the principal indicators of underlying mechanical or electronic concern in a premium executive vehicle of this vintage.