2018 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · WM67 LSK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 December 2024, was passed with an advisory noting that items had been removed from the driver’s view prior to the test. Over the preceding five years the vehicle has moved from a clean pass in early 2021 to a failure in late 2022 for severely worn front tyres, then to a series of passes with minor advisories concerning a frayed near‑side front seat‑belt webbing and a slightly fluctuating service brake. The pattern shows a recovery from the 2022 failure, but the recurrence of brake and seat‑belt advisories indicates that the maintenance trend is stable yet not improving, with wear items still being managed rather than eliminated. At 161,298 miles the 2018 Audi A6 has logged roughly 20,000 miles per year, well above the average for a vehicle of its age. Such a high annual mileage accelerates the wear of consumables such as tyre tread, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, and engine oil. It also suggests the car has likely spent considerable time under load, which can exacerbate heat‑related degradation of the clutch and gearbox components. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record that would indicate long periods of standing, so the wear is principally mileage‑driven rather than calendar‑driven. A prospective buyer should give the tyre condition immediate attention. Although the front tyres were replaced or resurfaced after the 2022 failure, the rear set may be approaching the legal limit, and uneven wear patterns could reveal mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. On a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that changes when the steering wheel is turned, which would point to deteriorating front‑axle bushes, ball joints or tie‑rod ends. Examine the brake pedal for any sponginess or pulsation; a fluctuating service brake often signals worn pads, glazed discs or a partially seized caliper, and the vehicle should be inspected for brake disc thickness and pad wear on both axles. The near‑side front seat‑belt webbing should be checked for fraying and proper retraction, as a compromised belt can be a safety hazard. Given the car’s age and mileage, additional time‑based inspections are advisable. Verify that the 12‑volt battery is less than five years old and assess its cranking voltage, especially if the vehicle has been idle for extended periods. Inspect the coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid for signs of contamination or low levels, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Look for any corrosion on the chassis, especially around suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, and ensure that the service book shows regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service, and any major scheduled maintenance such as suspension bush replacement. A thorough visual and auditory inspection combined with a short road‑test will reveal whether the Audi A6 remains mechanically sound or requires imminent remedial work.