2010 Audi A3 1.6L Diesel · PR04 AJO

The most recent MOT, dated 5 December 2025, resulted in a failure because the nearside windscreen wiper does not clear the screen effectively; the test also recorded advisories for the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal limit and for tyre wear on the off‑side rear. Apart from that, the vehicle has passed its MOTs in 2024, 2022 and the earlier part of 2023, with only minor advisories for a damaged windscreen, headlamp aim and a deteriorated CV boot. The major fault recorded in 2021 – a fractured nearside front coil spring – appears to have been rectified, and since then the defect pattern has shifted from structural failures to wear‑related items, indicating an overall stabilising maintenance trend, though the recent wiper failure suggests that routine checks are still required. At 120,087 miles on a 2010 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7,500 miles, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope for a sixteen‑year‑old car. There are no obvious periods of excessive mileage accumulation that would accelerate wear beyond what the age alone would dictate. The relatively modest yearly distance means that components such as the engine, gearbox and differential are unlikely to have been subjected to extreme stress, but the vehicle’s age means that time‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone parts must be taken into account. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition. Both the off‑side front and rear tyres were flagged as being close to the legal tread limit; inspect the tread depth across the width, look for sidewall cracking or dry‑rot, and verify that the tyres are of the same specification and correctly inflated. Uneven wear may point to misaligned suspension, worn camber/caster bushes or a failing CV joint – the 2023 advisory noted severe deterioration of the off‑side front outer drive‑shaft CV boot, which can allow grease loss and eventual joint failure. During a test drive listen for a clunk or vibration when accelerating or cornering, and check for any play when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. The front brake disc was noted as pitted in 2021; examine the disc surface for deep scoring and measure the remaining thickness, and assess the pad wear – a disc that is already pitted may soon require replacement, especially if the vehicle is driven hard or in wet conditions. The previous coil‑spring fracture should be confirmed as repaired; push down on each corner of the car to ensure the suspension returns smoothly without excessive bounce, and look for any sagging or uneven ride height that could indicate a lingering spring or mounting issue. Beyond the wear items, verify that the nearside wiper now clears the windscreen adequately and that the headlamp aim is within the legal cone, as both were previously cited. Check the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as a sixteen‑year‑old battery is likely nearing the end of its service life, especially if the car has spent periods standing. Inspect all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and confirm that they have been changed at appropriate intervals, since time‑based degradation can occur even with modest mileage. Finally, look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, under‑body and suspension mounting points, and ensure that all service stamps in the logbook correspond to the work that would address the recorded defects. Addressing these items before purchase will give a clearer picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance outlay.