2014 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · NG63 FZP

This particular A5 presents a notably sparse MOT record with no advisories or defects documented across any of its tests, which on the surface suggests strong roadworthiness, yet the pair of failure-and-retest combinations in both 2024 and 2025 warrants careful scrutiny. The most recent outcome on 10 October 2025 was a clean pass, immediately following a no-defects failure recorded the previous day, and a similar pattern occurred in November 2024 when a failure on the 20th was followed by a pass later that same day. While the DVSA entries themselves show no specific component failures, these back-to-back test events typically indicate items rectified between tests rather than deeply chronic structural or mechanical faults, but a prospective buyer should still verify what specifically caused each refusal and confirm the rectification was thorough rather than a quick patch. The overall trajectory is therefore stable rather than worsening, though the absence of any advisory notes across a twelve-year-old vehicle is unusual and may suggest advisories were either addressed promptly before testing or simply not recorded in the entries provided. With 136,743 miles accumulated over roughly twelve years of service, the A5 is averaging around 11,395 miles annually, which sits squarely in the typical range for a car of this age and indicates consistent regular use rather than the extremes of low-mileage storage or high-mileage motorway commuting. This kind of steady usage pattern is generally favourable mechanically, as it keeps seals, gaskets, fluids, and drivetrain components regularly worked rather than allowing them to deteriorate through long stationary periods. The mileage progression between tests does not show any dramatic jumps or inconsistencies, which suggests the odometer readings are reliable and the vehicle has not suffered extended periods off the road that could trigger issues such as seized brake calipers, perished rubber components, or stale fluids. At this mileage bracket, however, consumable wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts should still be expected regardless of MOT-recorded defects. Given the complete absence of flagged components in the test history, general mechanical guidance for a 2014 A5 at this mileage should focus on the items that commonly present on these vehicles regardless of MOT outcome. On a physical inspection, pay particular attention to the front suspension assemblies including the control arm bushes, wishbone rear bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links, as wear here produces clonking or knocking noises over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, along with imprecise steering and uneven tyre wear across the front axle. The quattro drivetrain on equivalent models also warrants listening for any whining or humming from the differentials under load, and a test drive should include tight low-speed manoeuvres to expose any binding or knocking from the front haldex coupling. For the braking system, even with no recorded advisories, request a thorough check of the discs and pads for wear, particularly on the rear assemblies where binding calipers are known to develop and can manifest as uneven pad deposition, a hot wheel hub after driving, or pulling under braking. Inspect the underbody and wheel arches carefully for any surface or structural corrosion around the suspension turrets, subframe mounting points, and rear arch areas, as corrosion here is a frequent issue on A5s of this vintage and can develop between MOTs without being flagged if still within acceptable limits. Finally, verify that the timing chain or belt service interval has been adhered to according to Audi specification, as neglecting this on the four-cylinder petrol and diesel variants can lead to catastrophic engine damage, and confirm a full service history exists to corroborate the consistent usage the mileage suggests.