2014 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · RF14 DOU

With four consecutive clean MOT passes and no advisories recorded at any test between mid-2022 and June 2025, this A5 presents an unusually tidy DVSA record for a twelve-year-old Audi of its mileage band. The only anomaly is a failure recorded on 9 July 2022, immediately followed by a pass on 12 July 2022 with no defects recorded on either entry, suggesting an immediate rectification rather than any structural or systemic issue. The complete absence of corrosion advisories on the subframe, brake pipes, or suspension mounting points is particularly reassuring, as these are the components that typically generate the most concerning advisories on A5s of this vintage. Sustained roadworthiness across three further annual tests confirms a stable mechanical condition rather than a one-off clean result, though it should be remembered MOT testing is a snapshot and does not cover the engine, gearbox or interior condition. The recorded mileage of 167,802 against a twelve-year registration implies an annual accumulation of roughly 13,984 miles, which sits firmly in the higher-use bracket for a car of this age. There are no apparent gaps in the testing history to suggest long periods of standing, which means the drivetrain, clutch, turbocharger, dual-clutch or torque converter (depending on transmission variant), suspension bushes and wheel bearings have all been worked consistently. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on timing chains, oil-control seals, PCV systems, injector seals and turbocharger actuator mechanisms, none of which are assessed under MOT. It also tends to bring forward the replacement cycle for discs, tyres, wishbones, anti-roll bar links and engine mounts well beyond what a lower-mileage example would experience, so component life remaining should be judged accordingly. For a buyer, the priority checks on the test drive should focus on the symptoms of wear that high-mileage Audis commonly develop beyond MOT scope. Listen for any rattle on cold start that lingers for more than a second or two, as this can indicate timing chain stretch on the TFSI or TDI engines offered in this chassis, and watch the exhaust for any haze of blue smoke on overrun pointing to worn turbo seals or valve guide oil consumption. With the vehicle moving, pay close attention to any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as the multi-link front geometry uses a number of aluminium control arms and bushes that wear progressively and can loosen the steering feel before any MOT advisory is triggered. Brake pedal response should be firm without excessive travel, and the car should pull up straight without vibration through the steering wheel, which would indicate warped front discs rather than simply pad wear. It is also worth inspecting the bodywork and underside carefully in person, given that the MOT record does not flag any rust concerns. Look along the wheel arches, sills, rear light clusters and the boot floor for any surface bubbling or repair evidence, as corrosion in these areas is common on A5s once they pass the ten-year mark even when the test centre does not consider it severe enough to record. Check for any signs of oil misting around the cam chain cover, turbo inlet pipes, and the area beneath the car when cold, and confirm the coolant level is stable between services. Confirm that the service history corroborates the high mileage with regular cambelt or timing chain inspections, DSG or multitronic fluid changes where applicable, and consistent oil and filter intervals, as the DVSA record alone demonstrates the car has been used hard and looked after mechanically enough to pass four tests in a row, but only the paperwork will evidence how that use was managed between annual visits.