2011 Audi A5 2.0L Petrol · PR58 PDR

The most recent MOT test on 2 July 2026 resulted in a pass with three minor defects and one advisory. The minor items comprised both offside stop and rear position lamps showing partial light source failure, alongside both front outer constant velocity joint boots being recorded as severely deteriorated. The advisory noted an oil leak not considered excessive. While the vehicle has cleared the test, the presence of two deteriorated CV boots flagged as minor on this occasion is worth noting, as the previous 2024 test saw an offside front outer boot recorded as a major failure for splitting and no longer preventing dirt ingress. A pattern is therefore emerging around the front drivetrain seals, and although the boots have not yet reached failure point on the latest test, further deterioration is likely. The broader MOT history shows recurring advisories for an oil leak from the front of the vehicle across four consecutive years, front anti-roll bar linkage bushes in 2023, nearside and offside front upper suspension arm inner bushes in 2025, front ABS wiring insulation issues in 2025, headlamp levelling device failure in 2024, and headlamp cleaning device failure in 2025. The maintenance trend overall appears stable in that the vehicle continues to pass, but there is a gradual accumulation of advisories pointing to age-related wear in the front suspension and drivetrain that warrants close attention. The recorded mileage of 118,277 miles on a 2011 Audi A5 equates to roughly 7,885 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and only marginally below average. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent, suggesting regular rather than erratic use. This level of annual mileage is unlikely to indicate prolonged standing periods, which reduces the likelihood of severe brake disc corrosion from inactivity or significant battery deterioration, although age-based fluid degradation and perishing of rubber components remain entirely relevant considerations on a fifteen year old car. Given the recurring advisories for front suspension components, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful road test paying particular attention to any knocking or clunking from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or during full lock turns, as worn upper arm inner bushes and deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage bushes commonly produce such symptoms before they fail outright. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the inside edges of the front tyres, would suggest the bushes are no longer holding correct geometry. The CV boot defects are significant because once a boot splits, grease escapes and contamination ingress leads to accelerated joint wear, producing a clicking noise on full lock manoeuvres and ultimately requiring full drive shaft replacement. A physical inspection underneath the vehicle should look for fresh grease splatter around the front outer CV joints, and any clicking under load should be taken as a strong negotiating point. The recurring oil leak advisory, while not currently excessive, should be monitored by checking the underside of the engine and the under trays for fresh seepage between services, as persistent leaks from the front of these Audi engines often originate from the cam chain tensioner, front crankshaft seal, or sump area. Beyond the advisories, age-appropriate checks should be carried out given that this is a fifteen year old vehicle regardless of mileage. Brake discs and pads should be physically inspected for wear lip on the disc edges and pad material thickness, as standing periods and general age produce surface corrosion that can lead to binding calipers, manifesting as uneven pulling or a hot wheel bearing smell after driving. All tyres, including the spare, should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing from age, which is a common MOT failure point on older vehicles even where tread depth remains adequate. The 12V battery should be load tested as units beyond five to seven years often show degraded cranking performance, particularly in colder months. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic gearbox or haldex oil if fitted should be confirmed as serviced within manufacturer intervals, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. The headlamp levelling and cleaning device failures from 2024 and 2025 should be rechecked for correct operation, and the LED or HID headlamp washers confirmed as functional. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframe, and wheel arches, is strongly advised for any A5 of this generation.