Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA reliable?

Based on MOT data from 204 vehicles, the 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA has a first-time MOT pass rate of 90.9%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA (2021)

204 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.9% first-time pass rate

2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA

CarHunch analysed 204 real MOT records for the 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 2021 A5 is a strong performer, passing its MOT on the first attempt 89% of the time—well above the UK average of 80%—though roughly one in six vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect, which is worth factoring into your inspection checklist. At an average mileage of 31,786 miles, these cars are running light for their age, suggesting careful ownership, and they're averaging just 0.29 failures per test, indicating robust engineering overall.

When issues do crop up, advisories outnumber failures by a factor of six, pointing to minor wear items rather than structural problems. Before committing to purchase, request the full MOT history and specifically check for any history of electrical or suspension advisories, which are common on performance-oriented Audis of this generation.

We have limited data for the 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

90.9%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

17.2%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.29

Over 2.4 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

29k

Middle half: 22k–38k

For context

These stats describe 204 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 204 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA cars.

Before you buy a 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA

Based on MOT data from 204 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 17.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (98%)	199	90.8%	0.3

Colour Breakdown

Based on 234 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 39.3%

Black 24.8%

White 15.8%

Blue 14.5%

Green 3.4%

Red 2.1%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

28,761

typical

21,585

low mileage

38,285

high mileage

Half of all 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA vehicles fall between 21,585 and 38,285 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 21,585 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 21,585–38,285 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SAs sit.

⚠ Over 51,684 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

2.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.29

Avg failures per vehicle

1.8

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 2021 Audi A5 S Line Ed 1 35 TFSI MHEV SA stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?