2018 Audi A1 1.4L Petrol · KN02 AMY

The 2018 Audi A1 has demonstrated a stable but concerning maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 30 January 2026 confirming a passing result at 51,693 miles. However, the test revealed three tyres worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear—a pattern that has recurred in multiple tests, most recently in January 2026 and previously in January 2025 and August 2022. While no major mechanical or structural faults have been recorded, the persistent tyre issues suggest either neglect in regular rotation or alignment, or an owner who has deferred replacement until the last possible moment. The absence of advisories or major defects in earlier tests (notably September 2023 and August 2021) implies the vehicle has not suffered from catastrophic failures, but the reliance on tyres as a primary MOT concern is a red flag. Mileage progression indicates a steady but not excessive usage pattern, averaging around 6,462 miles annually—a rate typical for a vehicle of this age. The largest gap between tests occurred between September 2023 (34,768 miles) and January 2025 (45,811 miles), covering 11,043 miles in 16 months, which is within reasonable limits. However, the interval between the January 2026 and August 2025 tests (just 6 months) suggests the vehicle was recently tested to meet a specific deadline, possibly due to impending tyre replacement or another impending MOT failure. There is no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation or prolonged periods of inactivity that would suggest severe neglect, but the consistency of tyre wear suggests a lack of proactive maintenance. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of all four tyres, focusing on tread depth uniformity and the extent of edge wear, which could indicate misalignment or suspension issues. Given the repeated failures on the same tyres, the suspension bushes, coil springs, and wheel bearings should be visually inspected for wear or damage, as these components directly influence tyre contact patch and wear patterns. The brakes, while not explicitly flagged in recent tests, warrant scrutiny—particularly the rear brakes, as the January 2025 test noted items removed from the driver’s view prior to inspection, which could imply previous brake-related concerns. Finally, a thorough examination of the underbody for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and sills, is essential, as structural integrity degrades over time and may not always be evident in MOT records.