2008 Audi A5 4.2L Petrol · LA51 ADE

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 12 May 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and suggests a decline in mechanical condition. There is a recurring pattern of suspension wear and fluid leaks that have persisted or reappeared over several years. The latest test highlights a combination of worn suspension components, deteriorating brake discs, and an active oil leak, alongside a minor failure regarding a drive shaft CV boot. This indicates a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a preventative one, with several issues being carried forward as advisories for multiple years without being permanently rectified. With a recorded mileage of 128,038 miles over eighteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,113 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a car of this vintage, meaning it has avoided the pitfalls of excessive long-distance wear while also avoiding the degradation associated with prolonged standing. However, at this mileage, the drivetrain and chassis components are entering a phase where high-wear items such as suspension bushings, engine seals, and braking hardware naturally reach the end of their service life, necessitating a thorough inspection of all rubber and sealed components. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension and drivetrain. The recurring advisories for the upper suspension arm pins and bushes suggest the vehicle may suffer from steering imprecision or audible knocks when traversing uneven surfaces. The severely deteriorated offside front inner CV boot is a critical point; if the joint has been exposed to road grit, you may hear a rhythmic clicking sound during tight, low-speed manoeuvres. Furthermore, the pitted and scored front brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion, and the driver should feel for any shuddering through the brake pedal during deceleration, which would indicate the need for immediate replacement. The persistent mention of oil leaks since 2018, including reports of oil collecting in the under tray, indicates a long-term seepage issue that requires professional diagnosis to determine if it is a simple gasket failure or a more significant engine seal leak. During a test drive, check for the smell of burning oil after the engine has reached operating temperature. Additionally, the history of inner-edge tyre wear and a previous dangerous failure for cord showing suggests a chronic wheel alignment issue or worn steering rack components. Finally, given the 2018 advisory regarding sub-frame corrosion, a physical inspection of the chassis and mounting points is essential to ensure the structural integrity of the vehicle has not been compromised by oxidation.