2003 Audi A8 4.2L Petrol · OV03 FYR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a clean pass in October 2024 at 132,196 miles. However, the maintenance trend indicates a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The failure just one day prior to the 2024 test revealed multiple critical defects including excessively worn ball joints, deteriorated CV boots, and lighting failures. While these faults were addressed to secure the subsequent pass, the recurring nature of suspension and drivetrain issues suggests the owner only addresses mechanical components once they reached an MOT failure threshold. At 23 years old, the recorded mileage of 132,196 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 5,750 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with roughly 4,700 miles driven between the October 2023 and October 2024 tests. This low-frequency use on a heavy luxury saloon often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to age rather than mileage, which aligns with the deteriorated CV boots and worn ball joints noted in the 2024 record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the history shows repeated issues with lower arm ball joints. The tester also flagged inner tyre wear in both 2023 and 2024, which indicates a persistent alignment issue or worn bushings that have not been fully rectified. Given the history of split CV boots, the front driveshaft should be inspected for grease leakage or further tearing that could lead to imminent joint failure. Additionally, the advisory for thin rear brake pads in 2022 necessitates a check of the current braking system to ensure no caliper binding or excessive corrosion has occurred during the long intervals between use.