2009 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · NA09 CMF

A consecutive run of four clean MOT passes, with the most recent test on 7 November 2025 recording no advisories or defects, presents this 17 year old Audi A5 as a strong roadworthiness proposition on paper. The single failure logged on 14 November 2022 is notable only because the DVSA record carries no defect details against it, which typically indicates an administrative or paperwork-related refusal rather than a mechanical structural or safety issue, particularly as the vehicle returned to the test station just three days later on 17 November 2022 and passed without a single advisory. Across the last four tests there is no recurrence of brake pipe corrosion, no suspension component advisories, no oil leak flags, and no steering or tyre concerns recorded, demonstrating a stable and improving mechanical picture rather than any progressive deterioration. For a car of this vintage and mileage, that absence of chronic advisories is genuinely unusual and points to components being within tolerance at the point of test. With 167,194 miles accumulated over approximately 17 years, the A5 has averaged around 9,835 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with regular mixed private use rather than heavy motorway commuting or long periods of inactivity. There is no significant testing void in the DVSA history and no obvious mileage plateau that would suggest the vehicle was laid up or off the road for an extended period, meaning the recorded wear is the product of consistent running rather than stop-start cycles that can prematurely age bushes, dampers, brake calipers and exhaust mounting rubber. Mechanically, this kind of steady usage generally keeps lubricants circulating, prevents seized calliper pistons and corroded handbrake mechanisms, and avoids the flat spots and perished seals associated with low-mileage storage. The high absolute odometer figure should still be respected, as consumables such as dual mass flywheels, timing chains, turbochargators, and front suspension components will have absorbed considerable accumulated wear over that distance. Because the DVSA record contains no specific advisories to focus on, a prospective buyer should concentrate inspection effort on the components most likely to be approaching replacement thresholds at this mileage rather than relying on the MOT history alone to validate condition. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn upper or lower wishbone bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar mountings typical of high-mileage Audis. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which suggests warped front brake discs, and check for a pulling sensation to one side that could point to uneven pad wear, a binding caliper, or tracking issues. The engine bay should be inspected for oil seepage around the cam chain tensioner, valve cover gasket, and turbo oil feed lines, while the underside warrants close visual examination for any corrosion forming on the front subframe mounting points, suspension arm joints, and around the rear wheelarch arches. Finally, confirm the service history evidence for major mechanical milestones appropriate to this mileage band, including the timing chain replacement interval, which on the TFSI engines is a known service item well before 167,000 miles, along with any turbocharger actuator or coolant pump work. Check that the cooling system is pressurising correctly by inspecting the header tank for any mayonnaise residue or sweet-smelling leaks, as plastic coolant components on this generation are prone to age-related failure independent of mileage accumulation. Inspect the alloy wheels for kerb damage, ensure the tyres are matching in age and tread depth, and verify that the electronic handbrake releases and re-applies cleanly, as Audi electric park brake calipers can develop sticky mechanisms with high mileage. With a clean four-year MOT run behind it and usage consistent with normal private motoring, this A5 warrants a targeted physical inspection of the wear-sensitive items rather than any fundamental concern raised by its test history.