2021 Audi A1 Technik 30 Tfsi 1.0L Petrol · S17 DBA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 April 2026, was passed but returned two advisories: the front brake disc shows wear, pitting and scoring, and the front tyre is close to the legal tread limit and exhibits edge‑wear. The preceding year’s test (April 2025) also produced advisories for the rear tyres being close to the legal limit, while the 2024 inspection recorded no defects. This pattern indicates a gradual increase in wear‑related issues rather than a sudden deterioration, suggesting the vehicle has been maintained adequately but is now reaching the point where consumables are coming to the end of their service life. At five years old the car has logged 35,665 miles, averaging roughly 7,130 miles per annum. This usage is squarely within the normal range for a small hatchback and does not point to any abnormal stress on the power‑train or chassis. There are no obvious gaps in the mileage record that would imply long periods of storage, so the wear observed on the tyres and brake disc is consistent with a vehicle that has been driven regularly rather than one that has been idle for extended periods. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. The front disc’s pitting and scoring are early indicators that the disc thickness may be approaching the minimum safe limit; a visual inspection should confirm the remaining depth and look for any cracking or severe rust. If the disc is close to the statutory minimum, replacement will be required soon, and the condition of the front brake pads should be checked for uneven wear, glazing or contamination, as these can cause a shudder or pulsation under heavy braking. The front tyre, together with the rear tyres that were flagged a year earlier, are all within a few millimetres of the legal 1.6 mm tread threshold and show edge‑wear, suggesting that the vehicle may have been run with a mis‑aligned suspension or uneven tyre pressures. On a test drive the driver should listen for any wandering or pulling to one side, feel for vibration at higher speeds, and verify that the steering feels tight and responsive. Replacing the entire set of tyres is advisable, and an alignment and suspension‑bush inspection should follow to prevent premature wear on the new set. Beyond the immediate wear items, a five‑year‑old Audi A1 should be examined for age‑related degradation. The 12‑volt battery may have lost capacity, especially if the car has spent time standing, so a load test or voltage check is prudent. Rubber components such as the suspension bushes, engine mounts and door seals can harden and crack with time, so any squeaks, clunks or excessive play when the car is pushed over bumps should be noted. Fluid condition is also time‑sensitive; the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil should be sampled for colour and particulate content, and if service stamps are missing, a full fluid change cycle is recommended. Finally, verify that the service book is up‑to‑date and that any recall work for the TFSI engine has been carried out, as this will give further confidence in the vehicle’s long‑term reliability.