2017 Audi A5 2.0L Petrol · NA67 FBX

The defining mechanical story of this 2017 Audi A5 is a consistent pattern of brake and tyre wear advisories accumulating over the last three MOT tests, despite no outright failures across the recorded history. The most recent test on 2026-04-20 resulted in a pass with a minor defect for a partially failing offside rear position lamp, alongside advisories for nearside front tyre wear close to the legal limit, nearside rear sidewall cracking, and a shallow offside rear tyre cut. The 2025-04-10 test noted both front tyres and the offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, with rear brake pads flagged as wearing thin on both sides. By the 2024-02-27 test, rear brake pad wear was already being recorded as an advisory, accompanied by another offside rear tyre edge wear note. This recurrence of brake and tyre advisories over consecutive annual tests suggests a vehicle that is being used regularly enough to consume consumables at a predictable rate, but with no recorded structural, corrosion, suspension, or emissions concerns over the six tests on file. With six recorded MOT tests spanning from December 2020 to April 2026 and a current odometer reading of 57,771 miles, the vehicle averages roughly 6,419 miles annually over its nine-year life. This rate sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age and indicates the A5 has been in active service rather than left standing for extended periods. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would raise concerns about prolonged inactivity, and the relatively even accumulation between tests suggests consistent commuter or mixed-use driving rather than intermittent short journeys that could disproportionately stress components like the dual-clutch gearbox or cooling system. Mechanically, this kind of usage pattern tends to keep lubricants circulating, seals flexing, and the exhaust and emissions system functioning normally, which is reflected in the clean emissions and exhaust-related record across all tests. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the rear braking system and the tyres, both of which have shown a consistent advisory pattern. The rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin on both sides in both 2024 and 2025, which means replacement is likely imminent or possibly already overdue; on a test drive, listen for any metallic squeal or grinding from the rear wheels under braking, and feel for any rear-end judder or pull that could indicate worn or scored rear discs now that the pads have been running thin for some time. The offside rear tyre in particular has been flagged for edge wear on two consecutive tests, which can indicate either camber misalignment, a worn rear suspension bush, or a weak rear shock absorber; on the road, the car should be tested over uneven surfaces and speed bumps for any clonking, excessive body bounce, or a lack of damping control from the rear axle. A bouncy or unsettled ride after bumps would suggest the rear dampers or springs need attention, while any steering pull or uneven handling could confirm the geometry concern behind the recurring tyre wear pattern. Beyond the flagged components, the 2026 minor defect for a partially failing offside rear position lamp should prompt a check of all rear lighting, including the number plate illumination, during a pre-purchase walkaround, as multiple light-source LED units can fail progressively once one diode section drops out. The nearside rear sidewall cracking advisory is also worth examining closely by hand, as perished sidewall rubber on a 2017-vintage tyre could indicate age-related degradation of tyres that may have been fitted for some time regardless of tread depth. Given the recurring advisory pattern around consumables but the complete absence of any structural, corrosion, suspension arm, exhaust, or drivetrain advisories across all six tests, the recorded MOT history presents a vehicle with predictable wear items rather than any underlying structural concerns, though budgeting for a full set of tyres and a rear brake refresh should be factored into any purchase decision.