2013 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · R4 FVS

The most recent MOT test on 22 January 2026 resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator. However, the test taken the day prior on 21 January 2026 failed on three major items, namely significantly and obviously worn nearside and offside front brake discs and an excessively worn nearside front upper suspension arm rear bush. The same test also recorded advisories for nearside and offside rear brake pads wearing thin. The fact that the vehicle passed a retest the next day means the brake discs and suspension arm bush were either replaced or rectified immediately before the pass was issued, but the rear brake pad advisories appear to have been carried forward without action. Looking at the broader trend, the 2025 test already flagged rear brake pad wear and front brake disc pitting, suggesting brake deterioration had been progressing for some time. Overall, the maintenance pattern shows a cluster of braking and front suspension wear issues that have only just been resolved, which a buyer should treat as recent and relevant rather than historic. The recorded mileage of 126,072 miles over a thirteen-year lifespan equates to approximately 9,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. There is a notable absence of MOT records between January 2020 and January 2021, although this simply reflects the MOT exemption that applied to vehicles first registered between 2013 and 2015 during the COVID-era extension and does not necessarily indicate the car was unused. Mileage accumulation appears consistent across the recorded tests, with no evidence of significant gaps or rapid accumulation that would suggest an inconsistent usage pattern. Given the age and mileage, wear on suspension components, drivetrain mountings, and engine ancillaries such as the timing chain, turbocharger oil feed, and dual-mass flywheel if fitted should be assumed to be progressing. With the front brake discs having been renewed at the recent MOT and rear pads noted as wearing thin, a prospective buyer should confirm exactly what work was carried out, retain the invoice, and verify whether new pads were also fitted at that time or whether the rear pads remain on the advisory. On a test drive, listen for any residual brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, which could indicate incomplete disc bedding-in or a binding caliper, and check that the vehicle pulls evenly to a stop. The nearside front upper suspension arm rear bush failure is a common failure point on the A5 and B8-platform Audi range, and replacement of one arm often necessitates replacement of the opposite side as well. On test, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed bumps, cats eyes, and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, as any recurrence would suggest the work was incomplete or that adjacent bushes and drop links are also worn. Beyond the items already addressed at the recent MOT, a thirteen-year-old Audi A5 at this mileage warrants a thorough physical inspection regardless of how clean the paperwork looks. Check all four tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking, paying particular attention to the offside rear tyre which was previously flagged for a cut, and confirm that replacements are of matching specification. Inspect the wheel arches, underbody, suspension subframes, and brake lines for corrosion, particularly around the rear arch jacking points and exhaust mounting areas where salt damage is common. Verify the 12V battery state of health, as original or aged batteries are a frequent cause of non-start and electrical faults. Finally, confirm that the brake fluid and coolant have been changed within their recommended two and five year intervals respectively, check the oil level and its last service date, and ensure the cam belt or timing chain service interval has been observed per manufacturer schedule, as deferred timing chain replacement on the higher-output petrol and diesel variants can lead to catastrophic engine damage.