2012 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · LS12 XNH

The most recent MOT, carried out on 6 February 2026, was passed but returned three advisories: rear brake discs showing wear, pitting or scoring; front brake discs with similar condition; and noticeable play in the steering rack inner joints. The preceding MOT in February 2025 also passed with advisories for front lower suspension arm ball‑joint play, the same steering rack play, rear brake imbalance and front disc wear. A 2022 advisory highlighted a near‑side front tyre close to the legal tread limit. The pattern shows recurring brake disc wear and steering‑rack looseness that have not been rectified, indicating a maintenance trend that is gradually worsening rather than stabilising. At 203,345 miles on a 2012 Audi A6 the vehicle averages roughly 14,500 miles per year, well above the typical UK usage of around 8‑10,000 miles annually. This high annual mileage suggests the car has been subjected to considerable wear on all consumable components – brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, engine and transmission bearings, and tyre tread. The mileage also implies that any time‑based service items such as timing‑chain tensioners, coolant, and oil should have been replaced at regular intervals, and that the likelihood of hidden corrosion or fatigue in the chassis and drivetrain is increased. Prospective buyers should give the brake system particular attention. Measure the disc thickness on both front and rear units and compare with the manufacturer’s minimum specification; any disc approaching the limit will need replacement together with new pads. During a test drive listen for a low‑frequency shudder or pulsation through the pedal, especially under moderate braking, and watch for uneven pad wear or pulling to one side, which would confirm the rear‑brake imbalance noted in the 2025 MOT. The steering rack play should be evaluated by turning the wheel fully left and right while the car is stationary; any clunk, excessive free play or a vague “loose” feel indicates worn inner joints that may soon require rack refurbishment or replacement. The near‑side front lower ball joint should be checked for vertical and horizontal movement by lifting the front wheel and applying a lever; any detectable play will manifest as a clunk when negotiating bumps and may necessitate ball‑joint or control‑arm replacement. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough visual inspection of the tyres is essential – look for sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening even if the tread depth appears adequate, as tyres older than six years can fail irrespective of mileage. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking voltage and load, and consider a load test as batteries deteriorate after a decade of service. Inspect all fluid reservoirs for colour and level; engine oil should be changed at least every 10,000‑12,000 miles, coolant typically every 40,000 miles or five years, and the brake fluid should have been flushed within the last two years to prevent moisture uptake. Finally, request the full service book to confirm that timing‑chain or timing‑belt intervals (if applicable), spark‑plug changes and major service milestones have been observed, and look for any signs of oil or coolant leaks around the valve cover, oil pan and rear main seal which are common failure points on high‑mileage Audi engines.