2017 Audi A5 2.0L Petrol · OO13 XJO

Tyre condition and uneven wear form the defining mechanical story of this A5 over the past three MOT cycles, with each annual inspection flagging concerns at the front axle and a dangerous failure for exposed ply at the rear. The most recent test on 4 March 2026 recorded a pass with an advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear, mirroring the advisories issued on 29 March 2023 for both front tyres suffering the same edge wear pattern, plus a nearside front tyre with a shallow cut. Between those bookend advisories, the 25 March 2025 test resulted in a dangerous failure for an offside rear tyre with ply or cords exposed, a defect severe enough to prohibit driving away from the test station. The recurrence of front-edge wear across two tests separated by three years, combined with a dangerous tyre failure, suggests persistent issues with tracking geometry, suspension geometry, or simply prolonged use of tyres unsuited to the front-drive loads of this vehicle. Recorded mileage of 68,591 miles across nine years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,621 miles, which sits squarely within typical parameters for a vehicle of this age and demographic. There are no significant gaps in the testing record, with annual inspections carried out consistently from 2023 through 2026, suggesting the car has remained in regular service rather than suffering long periods of standing. This steady usage pattern is mechanically favourable in many respects, as regular driving keeps seals, brakes, and drivetrain components working as intended, but it also means wear items such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs have accumulated the kind of mileage where replacement becomes increasingly likely. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front-tyre edge wear warrants close attention to the suspension geometry and steering linkages. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or top mounts. Pay particular attention to whether the vehicle tracks straight on a flat road without pulling to either side, as consistent edge wear on both front tyres is often a symptom of misalignment, worn wishbone bushes, or play in the front strut assemblies. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres physically for feathering or stepped wear, and check that all four tyres are of matching brand, size, and tread depth, as mixing compounds or mismatched axles can accelerate uneven wear patterns on a vehicle with this drivetrain layout. The dangerous rear-tyre failure from 2025 also deserves specific scrutiny, particularly around whether a replacement was fitted promptly and whether the wheel or braking system contributed to the deterioration. On the test drive, apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, which would suggest warped rear brake discs, a known wear item on A5s at this mileage. Listen for any grinding or squealing from the rear wheels during light braking, indicative of worn pads or a binding caliper that could have caused uneven tyre wear. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle for any signs of corrosion on the rear suspension arms or subframe mounting points, and confirm that the recent advisory tyre has been replaced with one showing even tread across its full width, as the persistence of these advisories across multiple tests suggests that any underlying cause has yet to be fully resolved.