2005 Audi A6 3.0L Diesel · ML05 EFF
2005 Audi A6 (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Jun 2005. Recorded mileage 163,739 miles. MOT valid until 17 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A6
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 163,739 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
ML05 EFF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 27/10/2025
- 163,739 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ML05 EFF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Audi A6 (ML05 EFF) between November 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has an unsafe modification bend (5.3.3 (c) (i))”; “Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.
ML05 EFF Mileage History
- 04/11/2022138,337 mi
- 13/11/2023143,544 mi+5,207 mi
- 18/11/2023143,549 mi+5 mi
- 17/11/2024152,508 mi+8,959 mi
- 27/10/2025163,739 mi+11,231 mi
Average of roughly 8,529 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
When viewing this Audi A6, prioritise a thorough inspection of the underbody. The MOT history shows a progression of corrosion issues, moving from rear suspension mounting points in 2024 to rear sub-frame corrosion and front sub-frame bush wear in 2025. You should ask the seller for evidence of any recent welding or structural repairs to address these specific areas.
Negotiate based on the documented history of suspension wear. Given the failures related to anti-roll bar linkages and ball joint dust covers, ensure the suspension feels tight and silent during a test drive. Additionally, check the recent tyre condition, as the vehicle has a history of being presented with tyres worn close to the legal limit in both 2023 and 2025.
As a 2.9L diesel, this A6 will fall into a higher insurance group and tax band compared to smaller executive saloons. Fuel economy will depend heavily on maintenance, but expect typical diesel performance for a vehicle of this age and weight.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the specific components flagged in the MOT history, such as sub-frame bushes and suspension mounts. Budget for potential structural repairs or component replacements to manage the documented corrosion.
Focus heavily on the underside of the car. The MOT records specifically mention corrosion on the rear sub-frame (2025), rear suspension mounting areas (2025), and rear end components (2024). Use a torch to check if this corrosion is surface-level or if it is progressing toward structural weakness.
Check the front sub-frame specifically, as the 2025 MOT noted a worn pin or bush. You should also inspect the anti-roll bar setup; the history shows a previous failure for an 'unsafe modification bend' in 2023 and deterioration of dust covers in 2024. Finally, check for any signs of the oil leak noted in the October 2025 MOT to ensure it remains 'not excessive'.
This 2005 blue Audi A6 2.9L diesel has covered 163,739 miles as of its last MOT in October 2025. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of age-related corrosion on rear sub-frames and suspension components, alongside repeated issues with tyres and anti-roll bar components. With mileage significantly higher than the model average of 9,245 per year, this is a high-mileage example that requires careful inspection.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 85.2% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being headlamps, tyres, and anti-roll bars.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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