2016 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · WH65 LWM

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 May 2026 returned a Pass, but the test exposed a cluster of advisories that should not be dismissed lightly, given that the same areas were already flagged or acted upon in earlier cycles. Specifically, the front brake discs on both sides were noted as worn, pitted or scored, the front brake pads were recorded as wearing thin, and both front suspension arm bushes (rear arm bushes) were identified as worn though not yet presenting excessive movement. One year earlier, the 2025 test was completely clean, so the sudden reappearance of brake and suspension advisories after a defect-free year suggests an accelerating rate of wear rather than a stable maintenance picture. The single failure recorded in the history, dated 16 May 2024 for an excessively worn nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage, was rectified and the vehicle subsequently passed, but the appearance of further front suspension wear in 2026 indicates that the front axle components are degrading progressively. Taking the wider five-year view, the maintenance trend can therefore be characterised as stable on body and emissions but clearly worsening on the front braking and suspension assemblies, which are now due for attention. The recorded mileage of 155,087 miles against a 2016 registration equates to an average of approximately 15,500 miles per year over the ten-year life of the vehicle, which is at the upper end of what is considered average for a privately owned car of this age and noticeably higher than typical fleet or commuter expectations. There are no unusually long gaps in the MOT record suggesting prolonged standing, and the consistent year-on-year testing implies the car has been in regular use throughout its life. Higher annual mileage of this nature places cumulative demand on the braking system, the front and rear suspension components, the clutch and dual-mass flywheel (if manual) or torque converter (if automatic), the cooling system, and the engine oil sealing components. The MOT history broadly corroborates this, as braking and drive-line wear items have featured more prominently than would typically be expected at moderate mileages. From a buyer's perspective, the front brake discs and pads should be treated as an immediate forthcoming expense; on a test drive, listen for any brake shudder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm stopping, which would confirm the pitted disc advisories have progressed to a measurable lip or run-out, and inspect the inner and outer pad material through the wheel spokes to confirm remaining friction material. The two front suspension arm bushes and the previously replaced anti-roll bar linkage should be evaluated on a raised ramp or by a mechanic, as worn bushes typically present as clonking over speed humps and uneven inner-edge tyre wear; a road test should be performed with windows down over uneven surfaces to detect any rattling or vague steering response. The constant velocity boot on the nearside front driveshaft, which has been recorded as severely deteriorated on three separate occasions since 2022, is a particular concern, as a split boot will allow grease escape and subsequent ingress of water and dirt, leading to premature joint failure; on a test drive, listen for clicking or knocking from the front when turning at full lock, either direction, and inspect the boot for any fresh grease deposits or fresh splits. The offside rear inner brake pads noted as wearing thin in 2024 should also be confirmed as renewed by the time of purchase. Beyond the recorded items, age and mileage appropriate checks remain essential. The tyres should be inspected for both legal tread depth and, given the vehicle's age, sidewall perishing or cracking, which can affect grip regardless of tread depth; a 2016 tyre that has never been replaced may be unsafe regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as Audi vehicles of this generation are sensitive to voltage drops and a marginal battery frequently causes spurious warning lights and electronic control unit issues. Brake calipers, particularly on the rear axle where electronic parking brake mechanisms are fitted, should be exercised on the test drive to confirm clean release, and all fluid services should be verified by service book evidence, as brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should be renewed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. Finally, confirmation of cambelt or timing chain service intervals, coolant renewal, and automatic transmission fluid condition (where applicable) is strongly advised, given that high-mileage examples approaching their second decade will soon face these substantial scheduled maintenance items.