1991 Audi 100 2.0L Petrol · J202 KNH

The most recent MOT, carried out on 14 May 2026, recorded a pass but was accompanied by a series of advisories covering corroded front and rear coil springs, a minor front oil leak and external damage to both front and rear shock‑absorber casings. This pattern of recurring advisories – coil‑spring corrosion appearing at every test since 2022, shock‑absorber casing damage noted each year, and earlier alerts for fuel‑pipe corrosion, tyre perishing and brake‑cable wear – indicates that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory is essentially static rather than improving. While no fatal defects have been flagged in the latest test, the persistence of the same ageing‑related issues suggests that remedial work has either been deferred or only partially addressed. With a recorded mileage of 133 909 mi spread over 35 years the average annual usage is roughly 3 800 mi, well below typical UK averages. Such low mileage often points to long periods of inactivity, which can accelerate age‑related deterioration of rubber components, corrosion of metal parts and battery decay, even though the mechanical wear from road use is modest. The limited mileage does not mitigate the need to address age‑induced wear, but it does mean that high‑stress components such as the gearbox, clutch and differential are likely to have endured relatively low cumulative load. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the suspension and related corrosion. Inspect the coil springs for surface rust, cracks or loss of spring rate; any sagging rear ride height or front clunk when passing bumps can signal weakened springs. Examine the shock‑absorber casings for dents, oil seepage and test damping by pushing down on each corner – a rapid rebound or excessive bounce suggests internal wear. The front oil leak, although classified as non‑excessive, should be traced to its source – check the valve cover gasket, oil pan and surrounding seals and verify that oil level remains within limits after a short drive. The fuel‑pipe corrosion noted in earlier years warrants a visual inspection of all fuel lines for rust, pitting or brittleness, and replacement is advisable if any degradation is found. Further checks should cover the braking system, tyres and ancillary items. Verify that the handbrake now operates on both sides and that the rear brake cable moves freely without fraying; any pull‑hard or uneven engagement could indicate lingering damage. Test the rear wheel bearings for play or a humming noise that changes with wheel speed, especially on the nearside and offside where slight play was previously recorded. Examine the tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing or uneven wear – given the vehicle’s age, even low‑mileage tyres may have deteriorated and should be replaced if any sign of dry rot is present. Finally, assess the 12 V battery’s cranking performance, check coolant, brake and gearbox fluids for colour and moisture, and look for chassis rust, particularly under the sills and rear subframe, as prolonged storage can promote corrosion that compromises structural integrity. Addressing these items before purchase will give a clearer picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable standard.