2009 Audi A6 3.0L Diesel · OY09 FKB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 22 January 2026, was passed but returned a minor fault for the off‑side registration‑plate lamp and three advisories – slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball‑joint, corrosion to the nearside and off‑side front outer sills and a repeat of the same ball‑joint advisory from the previous year. Over the last five years the vehicle has shown a consistent pattern of minor wear items emerging rather than any major failures, indicating a maintenance record that is broadly stable but with a gradual accumulation of suspension and corrosion‑related issues that should be monitored closely. At 209,818 miles the 2009 Audi A6 has logged an average of roughly 12,300 miles per annum, a usage rate that is above the typical figure for a vehicle of its age. This level of mileage suggests that consumables such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake pads and discs, and suspension components have been subjected to considerable wear cycles. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, implying the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which tends to exacerbate corrosion and fluid degradation. The high kilometre count also means that timing‑belt or chain service, coolant flushes and major engine inspections are likely due if they have not been performed to the manufacturer’s interval. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front lower suspension arm on the nearside. Check for any perceptible play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions and listen for clunking or knocking noises over bumps, which would indicate the ball‑joint is approaching the end of its service life. The advisory about the upper suspension arm pin or bush on the nearside also warrants a visual inspection for cracked or worn rubber and a feel for excessive movement. The front wheel bearing on the off‑side was noted as slightly noisy in 2023; a test‑drive should include a steady‑speed run on a smooth surface while listening for a low‑frequency hum or grinding that changes with wheel speed, as this would signal bearing wear that may soon require replacement. Tyre tread depth is already close to the legal limit on all four corners, with edge wear evident, so budgeting for a full set of tyres is advisable. Examine the outer sills for any rust beyond superficial surface corrosion, as deeper corrosion can affect structural integrity and lead to water ingress. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, especially if the car has spent periods standing, and check for signs of electrolyte leakage or swollen cases. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding; a pulsating brake pedal or squeal would indicate that the discs or pads need attention. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, filter, coolant and transmission fluid changes in line with Audi’s mileage‑based intervals, because time‑based fluid degradation can cause premature wear in a high‑mileage vehicle such as this.