2008 Audi A5 2.7L Diesel · PL08 AEN

The most recent MOT test in December 2022 confirms this Audi A5 remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a concerning trend of recurring and unresolved mechanical issues. The December 2021 failure—just one day prior to the passed test—highlighted a fractured offside front coil spring, imbalanced front brakes, and worn suspension bushes, all of which were either overlooked or inadequately addressed before the subsequent retest. The December 2022 pass suggests these faults were either ignored or temporarily masked, with only the offside front tyre tread noted as critically low. This pattern indicates a vehicle that has been driven despite serious structural and braking concerns, raising questions about whether critical components have been properly replaced or if the owner has accepted a compromised state. The mileage progression of roughly 9,700 miles annually over the past four years aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, with no abrupt spikes or prolonged periods of inactivity. The recorded mileage at the last test (175,279) matches the current odometer reading, confirming no tampering with the mileage register. However, the gap between the December 2021 failure and the December 2022 pass—where a fractured coil spring and imbalanced brakes were present but not remedied—suggests either a rushed or negligent approach to repairs. This is particularly alarming given the suspension and braking systems are critical to the vehicle’s handling and safety. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the front suspension, particularly the coil springs and upper arm bushes, as the December 2021 failure explicitly identified a fractured spring and worn bushes that were not resolved. The imbalanced front brakes from the same test should prompt a check for uneven pad wear, warped discs, or binding calipers, which could indicate a history of inadequate servicing. Additionally, the offside front tyre’s proximity to the legal tread limit in December 2022 warrants verification that it has not been driven further without replacement, as this could signal a pattern of deferring basic maintenance. Structural corrosion around the wheel arches and subframe should also be examined, as this age and mileage increase the risk of hidden deterioration.