2016 Audi A3 1.4L Petrol · SW16 FGF

The vehicle presents a mixed mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT activity. The February 2026 test at 89,070 miles failed on five separate items before a retest passed on the same day, indicating the previous owner addressed the defects promptly rather than ignoring them. Brake disc wear appeared on both axles alongside excessive fluctuation on the nearside front and rear service brakes, suggesting uneven caliper operation or disc thickness variation rather than simple pad wear. The nearside front tyre sidewall cut, though not deep enough to expose cords, was flagged twice on the same date, which implies the tester identified it as a borderline concern worth monitoring. The anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failure on the offside front points to degraded suspension sealing that allows dirt ingress and accelerates joint wear. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. From 66,114 miles in January 2023 to 76,111 miles in February 2024, the car covered roughly 10,000 miles in thirteen months. It then added another 6,616 miles by February 2025 and 6,343 miles by February 2026, showing a slight tapering of annual use in recent years. The overall average of approximately 8,900 miles per year is typical for a 2016 A3 and does not raise concerns about either excessive wear or long-term standing damage. The 2025 test flagged a corroded brake pipe, though the tester noted it was covered by undertrays, making full assessment difficult. Combined with the 2026 failure for worn and pitted brake discs on both axles, a buyer should inspect the entire braking system thoroughly. Request a visual check of all brake pipe runs underneath the car, paying close attention to areas where undertrays trap moisture against metalwork. The front brake discs and calipers need examination for scoring depth and uneven pad wear patterns that could indicate sticking pistons or seized guide pins. The nearside suspension merits particular attention given the repeated brake fluctuation on that side and the failed anti-roll bar linkage cover. A physical inspection of the nearside front and rear suspension bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers for play or deterioration would be prudent. The nearside front tyre sidewall should be checked in person for any progression of the recorded cut, and the buyer should verify whether that tyre has been replaced since February 2026.