2017 Audi A3 2.0L Petrol · MD65 DAV

A clean advisory-light MOT record is the defining feature of this 2017 Audi A3, with all eight tests over the past six years resulting in passes and only minor observations recorded. The most recent test on 17 March 2026 was a clean pass with no defects or advisories, continuing an improving trend after the 2025 inspection which only flagged slight damage and perishing to the nearside front tyre, a straightforward consumable item. The only recurring theme across the history is the repeated fitting of under trays obscuring some underbody components, noted at both the 2021 and 2024 tests, which prevents full visual inspection of the suspension, subframe, and exhaust from below during the MOT. A 2023 advisory noted all four tyres were low on tread at between 3 and 4mm, suggesting the previous keeper may have allowed tyres to run close to the legal limit before renewal, though the lack of repeat advisories thereafter indicates replacements were eventually fitted. No structural, brake, suspension, or corrosion advisories appear in any of the recorded tests, and there are zero failures. With 57,012 miles recorded over a nine-year life, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,335 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. The mileage progression across tests is consistent and gradual, with no rapid increases that might suggest heavy motorway use, towing, or long-term fleet operation. A six-month MOT extension was granted in 2020 under the COVID-19 exemption, accounting for the closely spaced 2020 tests, and there are no multi-year gaps that would indicate a prolonged period off the road. This kind of moderate, steady usage generally means consumables such as brake pads, discs, and tyres have been replaced at sensible intervals, while suspension components have been exercised regularly rather than suffering from the dry rot and perished bushes associated with very low-mileage or laid-up vehicles. From a buyer perspective, the clean record means there are no flagged components that demand urgent follow-up, but the under-tray advisories should inform your inspection approach. Because under trays obscure the subframe, brake lines, fuel lines, exhaust, and lower suspension arms, any pre-purchase check should specifically request that these panels be removed so the structural and brake line condition can be visually inspected for corrosion or damage, particularly given the vehicle is now nine years old and likely to be encountering road salt exposure for the first time in its life on a corrosion-sensitive area. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar bushes, control arm bushes, or drop links. Pay particular attention to brake pedal feel, checking for excessive travel, a spongy response, or judder under heavy braking that might indicate worn discs, though nothing in the record flags these components specifically. The tyre-related advisories in 2023 and 2025 are worth treating as a prompt to check the current set thoroughly for age, as the perishing noted on the nearside front in 2025 may have migrated to other tyres by now. Inspect the sidewalls and tread blocks of all four tyres for cracking, and verify the manufacturing DOT date code on the sidewall to ensure none are older than around five to six years, as older tyres harden and lose grip regardless of remaining tread depth. Finally, because this is a turbocharged Audi with moderate mileage, listen on startup and idle for any timing chain rattle from the front of the engine, and check for any oil seepage around the cam chain cover and turbo oil feed lines, both known wear points on the EA888 family of engines fitted to the A3 of this era.