2008 Audi A6 3.0L Diesel · PL57 AAJ

A front anti‑roll bar linkage pin that was judged excessively worn caused a MOT failure in November 2020, and the same test also highlighted a serious rear shock absorber fluid leak and an off‑centre headlamp aim. Those major items appear to have been remedied, because the car has recorded successive passes thereafter, the most recent on 27 October 2025, with only minor lamp, tyre‑edge and oil‑leak advisories now appearing. The pattern therefore shifts from a significant safety‑related failure to a series of low‑severity wear items, suggesting that the principal structural concerns have been addressed while routine component wear remains. At 185,898 mi the average annual mileage works out at roughly 10,300 mi per year, a figure that sits comfortably within normal usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows no prolonged gaps, indicating the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This mileage level implies that consumables such as suspension bushings, shock absorbers, brake pads and tyres will be approaching the end of their service lives, and that the drivetrain and engine internals have accumulated a moderate amount of wear that is typical for a late‑2000s executive sedan. When inspecting the suspension, pay particular attention to the front anti‑roll bar linkage and the upper suspension arm pins on the nearside; listen for clunking or knocking over bumps and feel for any looseness in the steering column that could indicate lingering bush wear. The rear shock absorber that previously leaked should be examined for any fresh oil stains on the rear tyre wells or under the vehicle, and the front shock misting noted in 2021 should be checked for excessive fluid or reduced damping feel. Tyre edges have repeatedly been flagged as close to the legal limit, so a visual inspection of tread depth around the circumference and a test for uneven wear will reveal whether the alignment or suspension geometry needs correction. The recurring off‑side registration plate lamp fault and the off‑side headlamp lens defect, together with the occasional headlamp aim issue, merit a functional check of all exterior lighting and a quick visual assessment of headlamp alignment while the car is stationary. The advisory oil leak noted in 2025 should be verified by looking for fresh oil drops on the engine bay floor and around the valve cover gasket area. Finally, the advisory about thin rear brake pads from 2019 suggests the pads may be nearing replacement, so a tactile test of pedal firmness and a visual inspection of pad thickness are advisable before committing to purchase.