2012 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · WR62 VJA

The 2012 Audi A5 holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 2 February 2026 at 152,510 miles, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. That same day the car failed its initial test on four separate items before passing on a retest six miles later. The tester flagged both rear shock absorbers for light oil misting, both rear brake discs for wear, scoring or pitting, rear brake pads worn to the wear indicator, and an offside front tyre with tread below 1.6mm and exposed cords. The fact that the car needed a retest at all suggests the previous owner allowed consumable wear to reach a critical stage rather than replacing components proactively. The advisory for light oil misting on both rear shock absorbers remains on the pass certificate, indicating the units are not yet leaking heavily but are deteriorating and will require monitoring or replacement in the near term. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,894 miles per year over fourteen years is typical for this age of vehicle and does not raise immediate concern. The record shows a steady climb from 121,766 miles in September 2022 to 133,550 miles in December 2023, then to 142,433 miles in January 2025, and finally to 152,510 miles in February 2026. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops in recorded mileage. The annual distance covered has remained broadly consistent, which implies regular use rather than long periods of standing that can cause its own problems such as flat-spotted tyres, seized brakes, and stale fuel issues. A buyer should focus their in-person inspection on the rear suspension and braking components given the pattern of defects. The rear shock absorbers are misting oil on both sides, which means the seals are compromised and damping performance will be reduced. Left unaddressed, this can accelerate tyre wear and compromise handling stability. The rear brake discs were flagged for scoring and pitting during the February 2026 failure, so even though pads and discs may have been replaced for the retest, the condition of the current rear braking assembly needs close examination for any remaining unevenness or lipping. The offside front tyre failure with exposed cords is a serious indicator of neglect. A buyer should check all four tyres for uneven wear patterns that could point to misalignment or worn suspension bushes, particularly given the age and mileage of the car. Beyond the flagged items, the buyer should inspect the underside for corrosion on subframes, suspension mounting points, and around the rear arches, as these are common deterioration points on older Audi A5 models. The January 2025 test noted an offside front service brake binding, which was not flagged again in 2026, but a sticking caliper can recur if the slider pins or caliper mechanism has not been properly serviced. A road test should confirm that the car tracks straight under braking and that no pulling or binding is evident from any corner. Overall, the vehicle appears to have been used consistently and MOT tested regularly, but the most recent failure points to deferred maintenance that a buyer should price into any offer.