2016 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · SA05 PET

The defining mechanical story of this 2016 Audi A5 is one of consistent structural and safety compliance, with the only significant intervention being a dangerous tyre-related failure recorded at the beginning of 2023. Since that event, the vehicle has passed three consecutive MOT tests without any advisories being raised, including the most recent examination on 9 January 2026 which recorded no defects at all. The single advisory prior to that, issued at the January 2025 test for a nearside rear inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, demonstrates that the early-2023 tyre issue has not translated into a wider pattern of neglect or premature wear across other axle positions. Overall, the trajectory is stable and improving, with no recorded brake, suspension, exhaust, or corrosion advisories across the entire five-test history. Against an age of roughly ten years, the recorded mileage of 65,982 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 6,600 miles, which sits squarely within the typical usage bracket for a vehicle of this vintage and segment. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests remains consistent without any sudden spikes that might indicate a long undocumented journey or clock-related concerns. For an A5 of this age and mileage, this places the vehicle in the moderate-use category, meaning consumable wear such as brake discs, pads, and tyres should be progressing normally rather than reaching an advanced state of fatigue. Mechanically, the powertrain and drivetrain will not yet be subjected to the elevated wear typically seen on high-mileage examples, though age-related deterioration of rubber and polymer components should still be expected. For a prospective buyer, the historical tyre failures and advisories warrant specific attention to the running gear, particularly given the edge-wear pattern noted on the nearside rear in 2025. On a test drive, listen for any rhythmic thumping or drone from the tyres at speed, which could indicate uneven wear, and pay close attention to steering behaviour as any persistent pull to one side might suggest that alignment geometry has been compromised by worn or bent suspension components. Check the rear nearside inner tread shoulder carefully with a depth gauge, as edge wear on a multi-link rear axle can often point to perished or softened rear bushings rather than simply a need for a new tyre. Inspect the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mounts for any knocking over uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel when traversing speed bumps, as these are common wear items on A5s approaching a decade in service. Given the absence of any brake, exhaust, or corrosion advisories across the MOT history, the braking system and underbody structure have not yet attracted official attention, though a physical inspection remains essential. On the road, the brake pedal should feel firm and progressive without any sponginess, excessive travel, or judder under heavy application, all of which could indicate binding calipers or warped front discs given the mileage. Listen for any exhaust rattles on cold start, particularly from the heat shield or rear silencer mounting, and inspect the rear subframe mounting points, wheel arches, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion that could develop into a future advisory or failure item. With a clean recent record and consistent usage, this A5 presents as a mechanically sound proposition provided a thorough physical inspection confirms that age-related wear on suspension and braking components remains within acceptable limits.