2008 Audi A6 2.7L Diesel · LS08 YVG

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 October 2025 resulted in a PASS, although the test did record four advisories relating to the front suspension, specifically worn pins or bushes on both the near side and off side upper suspension arms, and on both the near side and off side front lower suspension arms. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2018 without any failure items, but a clear pattern of front suspension deterioration has emerged over the last two tests. In 2023 and earlier, the record was entirely clean, whereas the 2024 test introduced advisories for all four upper arms and both rear lower arm bushes, and by 2025 this wear had progressed to involve the front lower arms as well as both front upper arms. This indicates a steadily worsening, rather than stable, front suspension condition that has now accumulated across multiple components, even though the wear remains within the DVSA pass tolerance for the time being. With 147,272 miles recorded on an 18 year old vehicle, the annual average of roughly 8,182 miles is broadly typical for its age and points to consistent, moderate use rather than prolonged standing or unusually heavy motorway mileage. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record to suggest long periods off the road, and the steady year on year accrual of advisories correlates well with normal wear progression on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The mechanical implications of this usage profile are that common service items such as timing belts, water pumps, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid will all be well past their standard replacement intervals, while suspension components, engine mounts, and drivetrain items are now entering the phase where original rubber and bushwork is beginning to fail progressively. The recurring advisories on the front suspension arms are the single most important area to investigate on this Audi A6. Worn upper and lower arm pins or bushes are extremely common on the C6 platform at this age and mileage, and while they are not yet failing the MOT, they will eventually require renewal. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps, uneven bumps, and during sharp direction changes at low speed, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, particularly under braking or on cambiered roads. Uneven or feathered front tyre wear, particularly inside or outside shoulder wear, is a strong secondary indicator that the bushes have slackened enough to alter camber or toe settings. Replacement typically involves both arms per side and the labour is significant, so budgeting for this work in the near future is sensible. Beyond the suspension, a prospective buyer should carry out a number of age and mileage related physical checks that are not necessarily visible on an MOT. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as 18 year old rubber compounds deteriorate regardless of tread depth, and check the production date on the sidewall to ensure none are genuinely life expired. Examine the brake discs for lipping, surface corrosion, and check that the calipers are releasing fully rather than binding, particularly after the car has been stood overnight. Verify the service book history, paying particular attention to evidence of cambelt and water pump replacement, recent brake fluid, coolant, and if automatic, transmission fluid renewals, and confirm the 12V battery is recent as original units are long past their service life. Finally, inspect the underbody and suspension subframes for any significant structural corrosion, look for signs of fluid leaks from the engine, automatic gearbox, power steering, and front and rear differential seals, and ensure there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, particularly relating to the emissions system, ABS, or suspension, all of which would warrant a diagnostic scan before purchase.