2005 Audi TT 1.8L Petrol · KX55 YYG

The 2005 Audi TT passed its most recent MOT on 16 March 2026 at 84,952 miles, but the record reveals a worsening corrosion trend that demands careful attention. The tester flagged exhaust corrosion, general underbody corrosion, and a corroded offside rear coil spring at the latest test. These are not new issues. The same offside rear coil spring corrosion appeared in March 2025 and again in March 2022, indicating a persistent and unresolved structural weakness at that corner. Exhaust corrosion has been a recurring advisory or failure point across multiple tests since at least 2022. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening, with corrosion-related defects compounding year on year rather than being addressed at source. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use. The vehicle has covered roughly 4,045 miles per year over its 21-year life, which is exceptionally low. Between the March 2025 and March 2026 tests, just 3,117 miles were added. The annual increments have been modest and fairly consistent, with no sudden jumps suggesting long-distance towing or aggressive use. Low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components, but it also means the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which accelerates rubber deterioration, brake surface corrosion, and moisture ingress into structural cavities. The clean pass recorded in March 2023 at 75,603 miles stands out as an anomaly, since corrosion defects returned the following year and have persisted since. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection, focusing on the offside rear coil spring and its mounting points. A corroded coil spring is a structural risk; if the corrosion has penetrated deeply, the spring could fracture under load, causing sudden suspension collapse. The rear brake pipes were flagged as corroded in March 2024, covered in grease and contamination from caliper to flexi hose. Even though this did not reappear as a defect in 2025 or 2026, the underlying conditions that caused it, moisture retention and inadequate protection, likely persist. Inspect all brake pipe runs, particularly at the rear, for pitting and wall thinning. The exhaust system has been corroded across multiple consecutive tests, suggesting the rear sections and mountings are deteriorating. Check the exhaust hanger that broke away in 2024 and confirm whether the repair was properly completed or simply patched. The front suspension arm bushes were noted as worn in March 2025, so expect play or deterioration in the front wishbone bushes during a physical inspection. Given the recurring corrosion theme, a professional underbody assessment with a focus on structural integrity is strongly recommended before purchase.