2015 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · YA64 XML

The most recent MOT, dated 29 January 2026, was passed but recorded a minor defect – the off‑side front outer drive‑shaft constant‑velocity boot is severely deteriorated – and a series of advisories concerning worn front anti‑roll‑bar linkage bushes and a front lower suspension arm pin. Over the last six years the pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear items: recurring CV‑boot deterioration, progressive wear on front anti‑roll‑bar bushes, and repeated advisories on rear brake disc and pad condition. A single failure in early 2023 highlighted a serious rear shock‑absorber fluid leak and excessively thin rear outer brake pads, but the vehicle has since returned to a pass status. Overall the maintenance trend is stabilising, yet the persistence of wear‑related advisories suggests that components are approaching the end of their service life and will likely require attention in the near term. At 92 521 miles the car averages roughly 8 400 miles per year, which sits comfortably within normal UK usage for a 2015 model. There are no evident periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would accelerate wear on drivetrain or suspension elements, nor are there large gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. The mileage is consistent with the wear patterns observed in the MOT record, reinforcing that the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which can exacerbate corrosion and fluid degradation. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front drive‑shaft CV boot, as severe deterioration can allow ingress of dirt and loss of grease, leading to joint wear and eventual joint failure. Inspect the boot for cracks, oil stains, or torn fabric, and listen for any whine or clunk when the engine is revved in gear. The front anti‑roll‑bar linkage bushes and lower suspension arm pins have been flagged repeatedly; check for any looseness, knocking, or uneven tyre wear that could indicate excessive play. During a test drive, pay attention to any front‑end vibration, especially over bumps, and verify that the steering feels solid without excessive play. The rear shock absorber on the nearside was recorded with a serious fluid leak in 2023; examine the shock for oil seepage around the seals and feel for a soft or “bouncy” rear ride, which may signal imminent replacement. The rear brake discs and pads are approaching the end of their serviceable life – inspect the disc surface for deep scoring or glazing and measure pad thickness; a thin pad can cause reduced braking efficiency and increased disc wear. Given the vehicle’s age, also verify the condition of the tyres beyond tread depth; tyres older than six years can suffer from sidewall cracking even if the tread appears adequate, so check the sidewalls for dry rot, bulges, or cracks. Examine the battery terminals and assess the battery’s cranking performance, as a 12‑volt lead‑acid unit will have lost a significant portion of its capacity after eleven years. Look for any signs of corrosion on chassis mounting points, especially around the exhaust centre clamp noted as corroded in 2022, and ensure that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct level and appear clean, as time‑based degradation can occur even with modest mileage. A full service history, with recent replacement of the rear shock and brake pads or discs, would considerably mitigate the identified wear concerns and improve confidence in the car’s roadworthiness.