2017 Audi A3 1.5L Petrol · RF17 WHC

A recurring pattern of tyre wear and thinning brake pads defines the mechanical profile of this Audi A3, with the most recent test on 06 July 2026 showing a significant increase in advisory items. While the vehicle has maintained a continuous pass record since 2020, the latest inspection reveals multiple tyres nearing the legal limit, including edge wear on the nearside front, nearside rear, and offside rear, alongside cracking or perishing on the offside rear tyre. This trend of consumables approaching their limits is compounded by a persistent advisory for thinning rear brake pads, a defect that has appeared in the MOT records in 2023, 2025, and again in 2026. The vehicle exhibits an unusually low usage pattern for its age, having covered only 33,434 miles over approximately nine years. This equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 3,715 miles, which is significantly below typical UK driving averages. While low mileage can imply less mechanical wear on high-motion components like the engine and gearbox, the specific advisories for perishing tyres and recurring brake wear suggest the vehicle may spend extended periods stationary or is used for very short, infrequent trips. Such usage patterns can lead to uneven tyre wear or flat-spotting and may affect the condition of rubber components that degrade through age rather than distance travelled. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the condition of the tyres and the braking system during a test drive. The advisory regarding edge wear on multiple tyres suggests a potential issue with wheel alignment or suspension geometry; you should check for any steering pull or unevenness in the steering wheel while driving on a straight road. Given the repeated advisories for thinning rear brake pads, listen for any squealing or grinding noises when applying the brakes and feel for any pulsation or judder through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or uneven pad material. The mention of cracking or perishing on the offside rear tyre necessitates a physical inspection of all exterior rubber components. Beyond the tyres, the repeated focus on the rear braking system means the rear calipers and brake lines should be checked for any signs of binding or leakage. Because the vehicle has been driven so little, it is also prudent to ensure that the braking performance is consistent and that the vehicle does not exhibit any hesitation or unusual noises when transitioning from a stationary position to movement, which can sometimes occur when components have been subject to infrequent use.