2013 Audi A5 4.2L Petrol · L28 LBB

The 2013 Audi A5 presents a largely stable mechanical picture through its MOT record, though the most recent test on 24 November 2025 at 51,601 miles introduced a notable advisory. The tester flagged a light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, classified under DVSA item 5.3.2 (b). This is not an outright failure, but it indicates the damper is beginning to seep fluid. A single advisory of this nature, following four consecutive clean passes, suggests the maintenance trend is currently stable but warrants monitoring. The misting could resolve if it is merely weeping from a seal, or it could progress to a full hydraulic loss, requiring replacement of the damper unit. The mileage accumulation tells a story of very light use. Across thirteen years, the car has covered just 51,601 miles, averaging roughly 3,969 miles annually. The record shows consistent but modest jumps: 45,296 miles in September 2022, 47,639 miles by September 2023, 48,158 miles in November 2023, 49,826 miles in November 2024, and 51,601 miles in November 2025. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer readings. The vehicle appears to have been used sparingly, likely for short urban trips or occasional longer journeys, which can be harder on components like the exhaust system and DPF than steady motorway miles. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension during any in-person inspection. The shock absorber advisory is the only mechanical flag in the entire history, and it sits on the offside front corner. Check for uneven tyre wear on that side, listen for clunking over speed bumps, and inspect the top mount and lower wishbone bushes for play. The September 2023 test at 47,639 miles flagged inner-edge wear on all four tyres, which points to tracking or alignment issues that may have been corrected before the November 2023 pass. Verify the current tyre condition and ask whether the tracking has been reset recently. Beyond the suspension, the low annual mileage raises a few practical concerns. Brake discs and calipers can suffer from surface corrosion if the car sits for extended periods, so check for binding or uneven pad wear. The exhaust system, particularly the flexi-joint and catalytic converter, should be inspected for condensation-related corrosion common in short-trip vehicles. The MOT record itself is reassuringly clean aside from the single shock absorber advisory, but the car's usage pattern means a thorough test drive and underbody inspection remain essential before purchase.