2015 Audi A5 3.0L Diesel · OV15 LBJ

The defining mechanical story of this 2015 Audi A5 centres squarely on its braking system, which has been a consistent source of advisory notes and one significant failure across the recorded test history. The most recent test on 23 October 2025 was a clean pass with no defects recorded, but this should be read against a clear pattern of brake-related wear. The immediately preceding test on 24 June 2025 failed, with all the failure items carrying forward as advisories on the same-day pass: front and rear brake discs worn, pitted, or scored (though not seriously weakened at that point), front brake pads wearing thin, and both rear tyres showing perishing or cracking. Two years earlier, on 23 October 2023, a more serious episode was recorded, with the offside rear service brake excessively binding, an offside rear brake pad dangerously worn below 1.5 mm thickness, and advisories on front pads and both front and rear discs corroded. A retest the following day passed, but the recurring disc corrosion and pad wear across three consecutive tests points to an ongoing consumable wear profile rather than a one-off rectification. With 68,002 miles recorded over roughly eleven years, the A5 averages around 6,182 miles annually, which sits close to typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage recorded at the October 2023 test reads lower than the June 2025 figure in a way that suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods. There are notable gaps between tests, including the absence of recorded MOTs in 2024, which on a vehicle over three years old is unusual and may indicate either a lapse in testing or periods off the road, though it does not in itself flag a defect. Mechanically, this mid-range annual mileage generally means suspension components, bushes, and anti-roll bar links will have accrued meaningful wear, while brake consumables such as discs and pads are clearly already on a replacement cadence consistent with the advisories shown. For a prospective buyer, the priority is a focused inspection of the braking system. The binding offside rear caliper recorded in 2023 is particularly worth investigating, as sticking calipers frequently recur and can lead to uneven pad wear, hot wheels, and pulling under braking. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the rear, feel for the vehicle pulling to one side, and check whether the rear offside wheel runs noticeably hotter than its pair after a firm stop. Given that both front and rear discs were flagged as pitted and corroded in 2023 and again as scored in 2025, the current disc thickness and surface condition should be measured with a gauge or visually inspected for lipping and runout; pedal pulsation or judder under braking would indicate disc distortion. The rear tyres showing perishing or cracking in mid-2025 should also be closely examined, as sidewall cracking can develop further with age and UV exposure regardless of tread depth, and any replacements should be matched in size and load rating to the Audi specification. Beyond the braking items, the absence of any structural, suspension, or corrosion advisories in the recorded history is a positive data point, but buyers should still verify the condition of components that MOT testing does not cover comprehensively. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any fresh corrosion on subframes, suspension arms, and brake pipe routing is advisable, particularly given the car's age. Inspect the condition of the tyres on all four corners for uneven shoulder wear, which can point to suspension bushes, track rod ends, or shock absorber wear, and confirm there is no clonking over bumps or vagueness in the steering. Finally, check that all warning lamps extinguish promptly on start-up and that there is no visible smoke from the exhaust on a cold start, as a diesel or petrol unit of this age and mileage can begin to show wear in turbo, injector, or emission-related components that fall outside the MOT record but matter considerably for day-to-day reliability.