2007 Audi A5 3.0L Diesel · RF57 PBO

The defining mechanical theme across this A5's MOT history is a steadily accumulating catalogue of front-end and rear suspension advisories, alongside intermittent brake and exhaust concerns, rather than any isolated or catastrophic defect. Across the recorded tests, the front upper suspension arm rear bushes on both sides were flagged in the most recent examination on 25 July 2024 as worn but within movement tolerances, a progression from the front lower rod bushes noted as worn on both sides back in 2021. Front shock absorbers have also been flagged twice in succession for reduced damping effect, with a rear nearside damper previously showing light oil misting in 2014 and the nearside rear unit subsequently recorded with reduced damping in 2024. The only outright failure in the record, on 5 December 2014, was driven by an exposed ply on the nearside front tyre combined with a headlamp aim defect, both of which were rectified within four days to secure a pass on 9 December 2014. Despite the accumulation of advisories, every test since 2014 has resulted in a pass, and none of the recorded defects escalated into a failure, which suggests the vehicle has remained within legal roadworthiness thresholds throughout this period. With 175,642 miles accumulated over roughly nineteen years, the annual mileage averages around 9,244 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The recorded mileages between tests do show consistent progression without any dramatic single-event spikes, indicating steady rather than erratic use. There is, however, a notable six-year gap between the 2014 test activity and the next recorded examination in July 2020, which means that wear and corrosion on components such as brake pipes, underbody metalwork and suspension joints could have developed during that period without being formally inspected. The subsequent tests from 2020 onwards re-engage with the record at a higher mileage bracket, and the advisory pattern from that point onwards likely reflects the natural progression of consumables and rubber components reaching the latter part of their service life on a vehicle that has now covered significant distance. Brake pad wear advisories in 2023 and suspension component wear advisories across multiple consecutive tests are consistent with what would be expected from a car approaching the upper end of its typical working mileage bracket. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension geometry, given the repeated advisories on both upper and lower arm bushes and the reduced damping effect noted on the front shocks. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly when steering is loaded or released, and feel for vagueness or imprecise turn-in response that could indicate advanced bush wear. Inspect the nearside rear shock for any fresh oil seepage down the body of the damper, and bounce each corner by hand to check for poor damping that would cause the vehicle to oscillate more than once and a half after being released. The 2023 advisory regarding a defective centre exhaust sleeve should prompt a check underneath for signs of blowing gases, rattling on start-up, or visible corrosion around the sleeve joint, while the 2021 nail-in-tyre advisory and 2023 worn-edge tyre suggest the wheels may benefit from a geometry check, particularly if there is any steering pull to one side under braking. The brake system should be evaluated by checking pedal feel for sponginess or excessive travel, listening for any grinding or scraping from the rear calipers given the thin rear pads flagged previously, and confirming that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as rear brake components on a high-mileage Audi of this era are known to suffer from seizing mechanisms. Finally, given the six-year inspection gap in the record, it would be prudent to have a thorough underside examination carried out, focusing on brake pipe corrosion, subframe and suspension arm integrity, and any signs of fluid leakage from the power steering or engine sump.