2017 Audi A1 1.4L Petrol · SW17 GOX

The 2017 Audi A1 holds a valid MOT passed on 27 March 2026 at 53,887 miles, but the maintenance trend is mixed and warrants caution. The same test initially failed that day due to a fractured nearside front coil spring and perished rear tyres, both rectified before the pass. A worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush at the rear has appeared across four consecutive tests since June 2022, indicating a component that has been monitored but never replaced. The most recent advisories confirm this wear persists without yet causing excessive movement, yet the pattern suggests deferred rather than proactive maintenance. The vehicle has covered 53,887 miles over roughly nine years, averaging approximately 5,987 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. The mileage progression is steady rather than erratic: 26,578 miles in October 2021, 29,974 miles by June 2022, 47,006 miles in March 2025, and 53,887 miles in March 2026. That jump of nearly 17,000 miles between June 2022 and March 2025 suggests increased use in recent years after a period of lighter driving. The gap between the 2022 and 2025 tests spans almost three years, which is longer than the typical annual cycle and may reflect a period of reduced use or ownership change. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension, given the recurring advisory on the offside front suspension arm pin or bush at the rear. This fault has been flagged in every test from June 2022 through March 2026, and while it has not yet resulted in excessive movement, the bushing is clearly deteriorating. Check for play in the offside front lower arm and inspect the condition of the nearside coil spring that was fractured in March 2026, as a fracture of this type can indicate stress corrosion or impact damage that may have affected the opposite side. Examine both rear tyres carefully, as perishing at the tread on both sides in March 2026 suggests age-related degradation consistent with the car's low annual mileage and long stationary periods. The braking system also deserves attention. Both rear service brakes were flagged as binding in March 2025, and a central exhaust mounting was noted as badly corroded or broken at the same test. Have a technician check the rear calipers for seized slides or pistons and assess the exhaust mounting and surrounding underbody for corrosion. The combination of binding brakes and corroded exhaust fittings points to a vehicle that has spent time standing idle, making a thorough underbody inspection essential before purchase.