2009 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · SM09 LWH

A pattern of recurring advisories rather than outright mechanical failure defines the roadworthiness history of this 2009 Audi A5, with the most recent test on 31 October 2025 passing but flagging both front upper suspension arm pins or bushes as worn alongside rear subframe corrosion. Across the seven recorded tests spanning 2019 to 2025, the vehicle has only failed once, a dangerous failure on 1 November 2022 for a nearside front tyre with exposed ply or cords, but the advisory trail tells a more nuanced story of gradual component wear. Rear brake discs and pads were noted as worn or thinning in November 2023, rear coil springs were flagged for corrosion in the same test, and a deteriorating offside front CV joint boot was recorded as a minor defect in November 2024 alongside a defective middle exhaust clamp. The advisories have clustered around suspension geometry, braking components, structural corrosion, and tyres, suggesting an accumulation of age-related wear typical of a high-mounted, multi-link rear suspension platform that has been in service for the better part of two decades. At 172,481 miles across roughly seventeen years, the A5 has accumulated approximately 10,146 miles annually, which sits within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and indicates regular rather than sporadic use. There are no significant gaps in the testing record, with MOTs recorded annually from April 2019 through to October 2025, and the consistent year-on-year testing pattern suggests the car has remained in continuous road use. The mileage is sufficient that consumables such as brake discs, pads, suspension bushes, and drivetrain flex components will have undergone multiple replacement cycles, and the advisory history confirms that braking and suspension items are now reaching the stage where further attention is being requested at each annual inspection. For a prospective buyer, the front upper suspension arm wear flagged on the 2025 test warrants a thorough physical inspection, as worn bushes in this area can produce clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, vague steering responses, and uneven front tyre wear patterns. A test drive should include brisk cornering to feel for imprecise turn-in, and a visual check underneath should confirm whether the arms have already been replaced, as Audi A5 front suspension components are known to require renewal at this mileage band. The rear subframe corrosion advisory should be inspected closely with a torch and ideally raised on a ramp, paying particular attention to mounting points and any evidence of structural compromise beyond surface oxidation, particularly given the vehicle's age and exposure to winter road treatments. The CV joint boot deterioration noted in 2024 should be confirmed as rectified, as a split boot allows grease to escape and moisture to enter the joint, leading to rapid failure if not addressed. On a test drive, listen for clicking or knocking from the front drivetrain during full-lock turns, which would indicate joint wear. The 2023 rear brake advisories mean discs and pads may now be approaching another replacement cycle, so pedal feel should be tested for any judder under braking, and the rear should be inspected for seized calipers or uneven pad wear. The exhaust middle clamp defect from 2024 should be verified as repaired, as a loose exhaust can produce droning or rattling noises. Finally, given the recurring tyre edge wear advisories across multiple tests, a four-wheel alignment check is advisable to rule out any underlying geometry issues causing premature tyre consumption on the 235/35/19 fitment.