2005 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel · RF55 UTG

The most recent MOT on 2025-10-24 recorded a pass , but several safety-critical issues were noted. These included a nearside rear tyre with cracking or perishing , a damaged track rod end dust cover , a worn suspension arm bush , and a corroded brake pipe . While these defects were classified as "not requiring immediate attention," they indicate ongoing wear in key areas of the vehicle’s steering and braking systems. A previous failure on 2025-10-17 revealed more severe problems , including excessive brake binding on both rear wheels, fluctuating brake performance , and seriously weakened brake discs . These issues suggest potential brake system degradation , which could compromise stopping power and safety. The same MOT also highlighted excessive wheel bearing play and corroded brake pipes , reinforcing concerns about the vehicle’s mechanical integrity. Recurring defects include suspension arm bush wear (noted in 2025, 2024, and 2022 MOTs) and tyre condition issues (worn tread, cracking, and damage). The track rod end dust cover and brake pipe corrosion also reappeared across multiple tests, indicating persistent maintenance gaps or systemic wear. While some issues were minor (e.g., windscreen chips, inner sill damage), the brake and suspension defects point to a worsening trend in critical components. The vehicle’s mileage of 135,700 miles for a 21-year-old car is within typical range (around 6,462 miles per year).