2016 Audi A6 2.0L Diesel · WV66 MWD

The defining characteristic of this A6's MOT record is a recurring, bilateral failure of the front outer CV joint boots, with one side splitting in April 2024 and the opposite side failing in July 2025. Both defects were classified as Major and both involved the protective rubber gaiter splitting to the point where it could no longer prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture into the constant velocity joint. Each time, the vehicle was subsequently presented again on the same day or shortly after and passed without any advisories, suggesting repairs were carried out promptly each time. The rest of the recorded test history is notably clean, with the most recent examination on 24 July 2026 recording no defects at all, and only one prior test producing advisories, both relating to front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on edge in March 2023. The pattern points to a driveline that has historically passed but has demonstrated a susceptibility to CV boot deterioration on both sides within a relatively short window. Recorded mileage stands at 91,858 miles across approximately ten years, equating to an annual accumulation of around 9,186 miles, which is broadly typical for the vehicle's age and consistent with regular mixed-use driving rather than long-term storage or exceptionally heavy motorway mileage. There are no extended gaps in testing history and the mileage progression between tests appears steady, with no evidence of sudden large jumps that might suggest clocked readings or undeclared tow loads. At this mileage level, expectations should focus on wear to consumable driveline and chassis components, particularly the items that have already been replaced under test, alongside the broader age-related items that an MOT does not necessarily cover, such as cambelt, water pump, and dual mass flywheel service intervals on the diesel and petrol engines commonly fitted to this generation of A6. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is to confirm the condition of the driveline that has caused two failures in fifteen months. The CV joint itself, if contaminated when the boot split, may have suffered accelerated wear even after repair, so a thorough test drive should focus on listening for clicking or knocking from the front of the vehicle during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and feeling for any shudder or vibration through the steering wheel or floor under acceleration. Inspect the inner and outer boots visually for fresh grease deposits, perishing, or any aftermarket clamps that may have been fitted rather than a proper replacement gaiter. Given the front tyres were flagged as edge-worn in 2023, also check for uneven shoulder wear on the current tyres and any steering pull to one side, which on an A6 of this age could indicate worn front suspension components such as control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, or top mount bearings. Beyond the driveline, an inspection should pay close attention to the corrosion-prone areas typical of this model, including the wheel arches, sills, subframe mounting points, and suspension turret areas, as rust in these locations will compromise structural integrity over time. On the road, listen for any clonking over speed humps or potholes that could indicate worn suspension arms or drop links, and check for brake judder or pull under firm pedal pressure, which would suggest disc warping given the mileage. Finally, verify the service history for the timing belt replacement interval, as neglected timing chain or belt service on these engines can lead to catastrophic failure, and confirm that any work carried out to rectify the CV boot failures was supported by an invoice from a recognised garage rather than a temporary roadside repair.