2011 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · KM11 BDV

The 2011 Audi A5 presents a broadly stable maintenance picture, passing its most recent MOT on 7 November 2025 at 129,447 miles with only minor advisories. The tester flagged a single inoperative registration plate lamp and noted the nearside rear brake pads were wearing thin. Both are low-level consumable items rather than structural or mechanical defects. The overall trend is one of steady upkeep rather than neglect, with no recurring safety-critical failures in the last three years. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between the October 2022 test at 109,160 miles and the November 2025 test at 129,447 miles, the car covered roughly 20,287 miles across three years, averaging around 6,760 miles annually. That sits slightly below the 8,630 miles-per-year lifetime average calculated from the vehicle's age, suggesting the car has seen lighter recent use or spent periods stationary. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record that would raise concern about clocking or prolonged disuse. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear sub-frame. In both the November 2023 failed and passed tests at 113,324 and 113,331 miles, the tester recorded rear sub-frame corrosion, noting it was not seriously weakened at that time. Under trays were fitted to the floor and rear suspension during both inspections, which can trap moisture and accelerate hidden corrosion. A physical underbody inspection is essential to verify whether the corrosion has progressed beyond surface level, particularly around mounting points and suspension pickup points. The braking system also warrants a closer look. The November 2025 advisory for thin nearside rear brake pads at 129,447 miles, combined with the November 2023 ESC warning lamp fault, suggests the rear braking circuit has had intermittent attention. A test drive should assess whether the car pulls under braking or if the ESC system re-engages correctly. The recurring registration plate lamp faults across multiple tests are minor electrical issues, but they do indicate a pattern of small, deferred repairs rather than thorough preventative maintenance.