2017 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · LC02 TAM

The most recent MOT inspection on 11 April 2026 resulted in a pass, though the record indicates a period of fluctuating maintenance standards over the preceding two years. While the vehicle passed its most recent test, the history shows a notable decline in mechanical attention during the 2025 testing cycle, which included a failure due to a structural tyre defect and multiple advisories regarding brake pad wear. However, the transition from a failure in 2025 to a clean pass in 2026 suggests that the identified major and minor defects have been addressed, indicating a corrective maintenance trend. The recurring advisory regarding the child seat preventing a full seatbelt inspection is a procedural note rather than a mechanical fault, but it highlights a minor lack of thoroughness during the inspection process. With a recorded mileage of 59,335 miles over approximately nine years, this Audi A6 has averaged roughly 6,600 miles per year. This represents relatively low annual usage compared to the UK national average, which typically sits much higher. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain, it can also suggest the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary. For a premium executive saloon of this age, such usage patterns necessitate careful scrutiny of components that degrade due to time rather than distance. You should pay particular attention to rubber components, such as suspension bushes and tyre sidewalls, which can perish or crack from age-related ozone degradation even if the tread depth remains substantial. The MOT history reveals a pattern of wear concerning the braking system and suspension components that requires close attention during a test drive. The repeated advisories for thinning brake pads on both the nearside and offside rear assemblies suggest that the braking system is approaching a replacement interval. During your inspection, listen for any grinding noises during deceleration or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or binding calipers. Furthermore, the 2024 advisory regarding a worn nearside front inner suspension arm bush indicates that the front end has experienced component fatigue. On the road, you should listen for any dull clunks or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as worn bushes can compromise steering precision and cause uneven tyre wear. Given the relatively low mileage and the potential for long periods of standing, you should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's consumables. Check the tyres not just for tread depth, but for any signs of sidewall cracking or perishing, particularly in the grooves. Examine the brake discs for excessive surface corrosion or pitting, which can occur if the vehicle has not been driven frequently enough to clear the oxidation. It is also advisable to verify the service history for evidence of calendar-based maintenance, such as oil changes, brake fluid flushes, and coolant replacements, as these are critical for a vehicle of this age regardless of the low mileage. Finally, ensure the 12V battery has been tested, as batteries in vehicles with low annual mileage are more prone to discharge and capacity loss.