2006 Audi A4 1.8L Petrol · AF55 AAX

The 2006 Audi A4’s most recent MOT test on 2026-02-25 resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects, marking a positive trend in its roadworthiness history. Prior to this, the vehicle consistently passed previous MOTs from 2022 through 2025, though it did encounter recurring advisories—particularly around tyre wear and minor oil leaks—during its last three inspections. While the absence of failures in the last year suggests a stable maintenance profile, the persistent tyre edge wear and oil leak advisories indicate ongoing but manageable issues that warrant closer attention to prevent progression. The underbody obstruction advisory from 2023 remains a non-failing but critical concern, as it may obscure inspection of suspension components during future checks, increasing the risk of undetected wear or damage. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 88,780 miles at a rate of approximately 4,439 miles per year is notably low for a 20-year-old car, which typically accumulates around 10,000–15,000 miles annually under normal usage. Such a low annual mileage often reflects prolonged periods of inactivity, particularly in older vehicles, which can lead to accelerated wear from standing corrosion, particularly in the brake systems, suspension, and battery. The absence of higher mileage suggests the car may have been stored or used sparingly, which can exacerbate issues like brake disc corrosion, caliper binding, or fluid degradation due to stagnation. However, this also means consumables like tyres, fluids, and electrical components may have degraded over time without regular use, requiring a thorough review of their condition. As a prospective buyer, the first priority is to verify the tyre condition beyond the MOT’s advisory. Given the edge wear and proximity to legal limits, inspect the rear tyres for signs of uneven wear patterns, which could indicate misalignment or suspension issues. Look for cracks or perishing in the sidewall, as this is common in older tyres even if mileage is low, and could compromise structural integrity. The oil leak advisories suggest a potential issue with the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, or oil pan gasket, which should be checked for leaks during a test drive, particularly around the engine bay. Listen for any oil-related noises or smoke during acceleration, and ensure no oil is visible on the drive belt or engine components. For the suspension and underbody, the underbody obstruction advisory is critical. Remove or inspect the underbody panel to confirm no components are obscured, as this could hide signs of wear or damage to suspension bushes, coil springs, or control arms. During a test drive, watch for suspension clunks or uneven ride quality, which may indicate worn suspension bushes or broken coil springs. The brake system, given the low mileage, should be inspected for signs of corrosion on discs and linings, or binding calipers that may have formed from prolonged standing. Check brake fluid level and condition, as standing brake fluid can become contaminated and cause spongy pedal feel. Additionally, verify the battery’s health, as low usage can lead to sulphation or weak terminals, and test the alternator output to ensure it charges the battery during operation. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, consider a full fluid service—particularly the brake, coolant, and differential fluids—even if they appear clean, as they may have degraded over time.