2012 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · NA07 BAZ

Corrosion and tyre wear dominate the mechanical narrative of this 2012 Audi A6, with recurring advisories for off‑side and near‑side front coil‑spring rust, exhaust heat‑shield insecurity and progressive tyre edging appearing in each of the last five MOTs, most recently on 8 October 2025 when the car passed but retained four tyre‑wear warnings and two spring‑corrosion notes. No outright failures have been recorded, indicating that the vehicle has remained within the legal thresholds for roadworthiness, yet the persistence of these wear points suggests a gradual deterioration that warrants close scrutiny. At 147,614 mi the car averages just over 10 500 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a fourteen‑year‑old executive saloon. The MOT history shows an uninterrupted annual testing pattern with no significant gaps, implying the vehicle has been driven consistently rather than stored for extended periods. This steady kilometre accumulation means consumable wear – tyres, brakes and suspension components – will be proportionate to age, and the recorded mileage aligns with the observed tyre and brake advisories. When inspecting the car, focus first on the tyre condition: the near‑side and off‑side front tyres were flagged as “worn close to the legal limit” and the rear tyre shows a cut that does not yet breach the ply. Verify tread depth with a gauge, look for sidewall cracking, bulges or embedded objects, and listen for any thumping that could indicate internal damage. The front brake discs were noted as worn but still within limits; check for surface scoring, excessive pedal travel or pulsation under braking, which would hint at approaching the replacement point. The CV boot on the off‑side exhibits a slight grease leak – feel for any splatter on the wheel arch and watch for whine or vibration that could signal impending joint failure. Finally, the coil‑spring corrosion and suspension‑arm bush wear demand attention. Probe the front suspension for any looseness or clunking over bumps, and watch for uneven tyre wear that could betray a compromised spring or bush. The insecure rear exhaust heat shield may generate rattles at low speed and could presage further rust propagation into the exhaust system; a visual inspection of the shield and surrounding metal for flaking or perforation is advisable. Because engine and floor covers have been noted as obscuring components, request that these be removed for a thorough under‑car examination, particularly to confirm the condition of the corroded exhaust clamps and any hidden rust on the sub‑frame. Anticipate that the coil‑spring corrosion may eventually require replacement, so budgeting for that eventuality would be prudent.