2014 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · SJ64 OAO

The most recent MOT on 11 May 2026 at 135,653 miles returned a pass, though the advisory slate has intensified compared to earlier years. The tester flagged worn front tyres on both edges, worn anti-roll bar linkages on both sides, and play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. This represents a notable escalation from the clean pass in May 2022 at 72,081 miles, suggesting accumulating wear in front-end components as the vehicle has aged beyond 100,000 miles. The pattern is worsening rather than stable, with steering and suspension items now requiring attention. Annual mileage has remained remarkably consistent throughout the recorded history, advancing from 72,081 miles in May 2022 to 135,653 miles in May 2026, a gain of 63,572 miles over four years at approximately 15,893 miles annually. This exceeds the typical 11,304 miles per year implied by the overall age, indicating sustained use rather than garage storage. The intervals between tests hold steady at roughly twelve-month cycles with no significant gaps, which supports regular use and compliance but also confirms continuous mechanical wear. No mileage anomalies or suspicious plateaus appear in the data. Recurring tyre wear patterns demand particular scrutiny. The April 2024 test at 103,425 miles recorded rear tyres worn to 1.9mm and showing inner-edge wear, with one tyre additionally exhibiting sidewall cracking. The May 2026 test shifted this pattern to the front axle with edge wear on both sides. This repeated asymmetric wear across axles at different times points toward underlying geometry or suspension faults rather than simple consumable expiry. The steering rack inner joint play identified in 2026 reinforces this concern, as rack wear can induce toe misalignment and accelerate tyre degradation. Prospective buyers should prioritise a pre-purchase inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry, including measurement of toe, camber, and caster settings. The anti-roll bar linkages require replacement before the next MOT given their worn condition. The steering rack inner joint warrants specialist assessment to determine whether refurbishment of the rack assembly is sufficient or if complete replacement proves necessary. Rear shock absorber misting noted in May 2025 at 119,025 miles should be re-evaluated for progression to fluid leakage. Overall, this vehicle presents as a higher-mileage example with emerging front-end wear that has transitioned from advisory status to components nearing failure threshold.