2010 Audi A5 2.0L Petrol · LC10 HWN

A recurring pattern of brake-related advisories dominates the MOT history of this 2010 Audi A5, pointing to a front braking system that has consistently demanded attention across multiple test cycles. The earliest recorded advisory, in December 2021, flagged front brake pads wearing thin alongside front brake disc wear and front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both sides. By December 2022, the issue had progressed: both nearside and offside front brake pads were noted as thin, and both front discs were recorded as worn, pitted, or scored though not seriously weakened. The November 2025 test, the most recent recorded, passed cleanly but carried an advisory for a nearside rear brake pad wearing thin, suggesting that consumable wear has migrated from the front axle to the rear. This is a car whose braking components have been a recurrent item of note rather than a one-off concern, and the scoring and pitting of the front discs noted in 2022 in particular warrants close physical inspection. Annual mileage of approximately 6,021 miles over sixteen years is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, and the MOT testing frequency is consistent with regular road use. The mileage recorded across tests shows gradual accumulation without any conspicuous gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest long periods off the road or unusual usage patterns. The relatively modest annual figure means wear on major mechanical assemblies such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain is unlikely to be excessive, though it does not eliminate age-related deterioration of rubber, plastic, and corrosion-prone components. Two advisories relating to a splitting fuel filler cap seal, recorded in May 2019 and again in December 2020, indicate a small but persistent sealing issue that was never rectified between tests. For a prospective buyer, the braking system is the principal area requiring direct physical examination. The front discs noted as pitted or scored in 2022 should be inspected for lipping at the outer edge, surface corrosion, and any pulsation through the brake pedal under firm application, which would indicate disc runout beyond serviceable limits. Given the recurring thin pad advisories across both axles, a thorough check of pad material remaining on all four corners is essential, along with an assessment of caliper slide pins for free movement and any evidence of binding or uneven pad wear. The fuel filler cap area should be examined for continued seal degradation, as the same defect was flagged twice over an eighteen-month period. A test drive should focus on pedal feel under braking, listening for any grinding or scraping sounds that could indicate worn pads contacting damaged rotors, and checking for steering pull or vibration that may suggest front disc issues persisting from the 2022 advisories. Beyond the recorded advisories, an inspection of this sixteen-year-old Audi should include the usual age-related checks that MOT testing does not fully cover. The underbody and suspension linkages, including control arms, bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links, should be examined for play, cracking, or corrosion, particularly given the noted mileage accumulation. Tyres should be checked for even wear across the tread, as the 2021 advisory noted edge wear on both front tyres which can be symptomatic of alignment or suspension geometry issues. With no recorded structural advisories, fluid leaks, or exhaust defects across eight tests, the broader mechanical record is largely unremarkable aside from the brake pattern, but a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Audi platforms would be prudent given the vehicle's age and the recurring nature of the brake wear.