2012 Audi A1 1.6L Diesel · VO12 XRA

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the recent maintenance history indicates a significant lapse in front-end component care. While the car passed its October 2025 test at 108,522 miles, this followed a major failure just five days prior at 108,480 miles. That failure identified multiple critical defects including excessive play in the steering rack inner joints, track rod ends, and lower suspension arm ball joints on both sides. The rapid rectification of these faults suggests a reactive approach to repairs rather than a proactive preventative maintenance schedule. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,750 miles per year. Between 2022 and 2024, the car maintained a clean record with no recorded defects, suggesting a period of stable operation. However, the accumulation of over 11,000 miles between October 2024 and October 2025 coincides with the sudden degradation of the suspension components, indicating that the wear-related parts likerubber bushings and joints have reached the end of their functional life simultaneously. A buyer must meticulously inspect the front suspension in person to ensure the repairs following the October 2025 failure were executed correctly. Given the previous failure of steering rack inner joints and ball joints, check for any remaining steering play or knocking noises which would indicate substandard workmanship. The recorded oil leak noted in the most recent test, while deemed non-excessive by the tester, requires a close visual inspection of the engine block and gearbox seals to determine the source and monitor for a rate of worsening. Ensure the horn is fully functional as this was a specific point of failure in the previous test.