2010 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · OV10 AXA

A recurring theme of front‑end wear runs through the MOT history – repeated advisories for front brake disc thinning, corrosion on the off‑side brake hose, and progressive deterioration of upper and lower suspension arm pins, bushes and ball‑joint dust covers, capped by a 2025 failure for excessive play in both front track‑rod ends. The vehicle cleared the most recent test on 22 May 2025, but the persistence of the same suspension‑related advisories from 2020 onward and the recent failure indicate that the underlying wear has not been fully addressed and may be advancing. At 254,458 mi the car averages roughly 15,900 mi per year, well above the typical UK usage rate for a 2010 model. No significant gaps appear in the annual MOT schedule, suggesting continuous operation rather than prolonged storage. Such high mileage accelerates normal consumable wear – bushings, ball joints, brake discs and pads – and places additional stress on the drivetrain and chassis, meaning that components flagged as advisory are likely approaching the end of their service life. Prospective buyers should concentrate the test drive on front‑end handling. Listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, which may betray worn suspension arm pins or deteriorated dust‑cover boots. Check for any steering wheel shimmy or pull to one side, especially under braking, which could reveal residual play in the track‑rod ends that previously failed. A visual inspection of the lower arm ball‑joint dust covers for cracking, rust or missing material, and a tactile feel for looseness in the upper arm bushings, will help confirm whether the advisories have progressed to a condition requiring replacement. Brake performance warrants close scrutiny. Feel for any pulsation, increased pedal travel or uneven braking that could stem from the front disc wear and the corroded hose noted in 2025. Examine the rear brake pads for thinness, as they have been flagged as thin on several occasions. Finally, verify tyre depth on all four wheels – the near‑side front tyre was declared dangerous in 2022 and the rear tyres were close to the legal limit the same year – and watch for sidewall bulges or uneven wear that would indicate alignment or suspension issues still present. A comprehensive mechanical inspection focusing on these items will be essential before committing to purchase.