2011 Audi A5 1.7L Diesel · YR11 VVH

A pattern of brake disc wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 2011 Audi A5, and it is the most consistent mechanical signal a buyer should weigh. Both front and rear discs were flagged as worn but not excessively on the 2022 test, which culminated in a PRS failure for a nearside front headlamp aim that was set too high. The headlamp rectification appears to have held, since subsequent tests in 2023, 2024 and 2025 recorded no defects at all, and the most recent assessment on 25 March 2026 passed with only a single advisory noting that the nearside rear tyre was worn close to the legal limit and worn on its edge. While the recent run of clean passes is positive, the brake disc advisories from four years ago mark the only recurring wear theme, and at nearly 159,000 miles it would be reasonable to expect those discs to now be approaching or past the point at which they require replacement, particularly if the original items were not renewed after the 2022 advisory. The usage profile for this A5 is broadly typical for its age and platform. With seven MOT tests on file between March 2020 and March 2026 and a recorded odometer reading of 158,998 miles, the annual accumulation works out at roughly 10,600 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a fifteen-year-old car of this class. There are no gaps in the annual testing record, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than being laid up for any extended period, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than spiking, which avoids the concern of either a long stationary episode followed by heavy use or an artificially low reading. For an A5 of this vintage, a consistent working mileage means that consumables such as brake pads and discs, tyres, suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links will have been exercised regularly, but it also means wear items will be closer to the end of their service life than on a lower-mileage example. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the brake system on a physical inspection and a test drive. The 2022 advisory referenced wear on both front and both rear discs, so check the current disc thickness with a measurement rather than relying on visual judgement alone, and inspect the disc faces for a pronounced lip at the outer edge, scoring, or blueing from overheating. Listen on the road for any brake-related noises such as grinding or a metallic squeal under light application, and feel for pedal pulsation or judder through the wheel during moderate stops, which would indicate disc runout. The nearside rear tyre flagged in March 2026 should also be replaced as a matter of course, and given that the wear was recorded on the edge rather than across the full tread, it is worth having the rear wheel alignment checked, as uneven shoulder wear can also point to worn rear suspension bushes or a failing thrust arm. Beyond the items specifically flagged in the MOT history, the high overall mileage warrants a careful look at the suspension and underbody, as these areas tend to deteriorate quietly on Audis of this generation. On a test drive, listen for clonks or thuds from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn control arm bushings, drop link failure, or top mount degradation, and pay attention to any vagueness in the steering or a pulling sensation that could indicate worn tie rods or tracking misalignment. With an engine bay of this age and mileage, inspect for any signs of oil seepage from the cam chain cover, sump, and turbo oil lines on test, and verify that the coolant expansion tank and associated hoses are free from staining or crystallisation. Finally, confirm that the headlamp levelling mechanism is functioning correctly on both sides, since the 2022 PRS failure shows that this system can drift out of adjustment, and ensure the tyres are of matching makes and have adequate tread depth across the axle to avoid repeating the edge-wear issue noted at the most recent test.