2018 Audi A7 3.0L Petrol · RA63 DJB

The 2018 Audi A7 presents a stable and largely positive maintenance trend, with a clean MOT record spanning four consecutive years from 2021 through 2024. The most recent test, conducted on 8 July 2025 at 27,735 miles, resulted in a pass but flagged advisories on all four tyres for cracking or perishing. This is the first recorded defect in the entire history, suggesting the car has been well maintained mechanically, though the simultaneous deterioration of all four tyres raises a question about storage conditions or age-related rubber degradation rather than a single localised damage event. The trend is essentially stable, with a minor new advisory that warrants attention but no indication of worsening mechanical failure. The mileage accumulation is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle. Between the June 2021 test at 15,410 miles and the July 2025 test at 27,735 miles, the car covered just 12,325 miles over four years, averaging roughly 3,081 miles annually. The increments between successive tests are consistent: 2,773 miles between 2021 and 2022, 1,973 between 2022 and 2023, 3,454 between 2023 and 2024, and 3,666 between 2024 and 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, and the pattern suggests genuine low-mileage use rather than a rolled-back reading. The car appears to have been used sparingly, likely for short urban or suburban journeys, which can be harder on certain components than steady motorway running. The all-round tyre advisory recorded in July 2025 is the only defect in the entire MOT history and should be the primary focus of any pre-purchase inspection. All four tyres showing simultaneous cracking or perishing suggests the rubber has aged beyond its service life, a common issue on vehicles that stand for extended periods or cover very short distances. A buyer should verify the date codes on each tyre to confirm whether the original factory-fit rubber is still in place and check the sidewalls closely for deeper structural splits that may not have been severe enough to fail the test but could become dangerous at speed. Beyond the tyres, the absence of any suspension, braking, or structural corrosion advisories across five consecutive tests is reassuring, though a physical inspection of the underside for surface corrosion on subframes, suspension arms, and brake lines remains prudent given the car's low annual mileage and potential for standing idle. Low-mileage vehicles like this one carry a specific risk profile that differs from high-mileage equivalents. Seals, bushes, and brake components can deteriorate from age and inactivity rather than wear. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to brake disc condition, as light use can lead to uneven corrosion on disc faces even when pad life remains adequate. The exhaust system and DPF, if fitted, should also be assessed for condition, as short-trip driving can accelerate internal soot loading. Overall, the MOT record is strong, but the July 2025 tyre advisory and the implications of very low annual mileage mean a thorough in-person mechanical inspection is essential before purchase.