2014 Audi A3 2.0L Petrol · PJ64 VLF

The 2014 Audi A3 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, passed on 21 November 2025 at 89,995 miles, is now over seven months old, meaning a fresh test is due by late November 2026. The trend is neither clearly improving nor worsening; it is stable but punctuated by recurring brake and suspension advisories. The tester flagged an offside rear service brake binding and thin rear pads in the latest test, while the November 2024 failure for a serious nearside rear shock absorber fluid leak was rectified before the retest five days later. Front brake discs were noted as worn in November 2024, and the rear lower coil springs could not be inspected on two consecutive tests due to undertray obstructions, which limits visibility into that area. Mileage accumulation is consistent with light-to-moderate use. The car covered roughly 9,800 miles between November 2022 and November 2023, then about 7,800 miles in the following year to November 2024, and has recorded zero miles since the November 2025 pass. That flat mileage over the past seven months raises the possibility of limited use or a period of standing, which can affect brake surface corrosion, tyre flat-spotting, and battery health. The overall annual average of around 7,500 miles is typical for a twelve-year-old vehicle and does not suggest excessive wear on the drivetrain, though consumable components like brake pads and discs will still require regular attention at this age. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and braking system. The repeated inability to inspect the rear lower coil springs means corrosion or cracking cannot be ruled out without removing the undertrays. The offside rear caliper binding flagged in November 2025, combined with worn rear pads, points to uneven rear brake wear; check the caliper slide pins, pistons, and handbrake mechanism for stiffness or seizure. Front brake discs were already noted as worn in 2024, so measure disc thickness and look for lipping or scoring. Inspect the nearside rear shock absorber closely for any fresh oil misting, as the 2024 failure for a serious fluid leak suggests the unit may have been replaced, but a damp or weeping damper would indicate a recurring issue. Given the mileage plateau, also assess tyre date codes, battery condition, and brake fluid moisture content, as prolonged standing can degrade all three.