2012 Audi A4 3.0L Diesel · SH12 AAJ

The most recent DVSA examination recorded on 5 October 2022 resulted in a Pass with no defects or advisories noted, and this follows an earlier Pass on 22 November 2021 which was similarly clear. It is worth observing that the MOT history provided is relatively sparse, covering only two tests over a four-year window, which itself suggests either gaps in testing records or extended periods where the vehicle was either off the road, recently registered, or otherwise outside the standard annual testing cycle. With both recorded outcomes being entirely clean and free of advisories relating to suspension, braking, tyres, or emissions, there are no specific defect trends to extrapolate, and the maintenance indicator based purely on the available data would suggest a stable or well-maintained condition at the time of those examinations, although the absence of any more recent test means the current roadworthiness has not been independently verified for several years up to the present date of September 2026. With the odometer reading 120,713 miles on a 2012 model, the annualised mileage equates to roughly 8,622 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates consistent, moderate use rather than extremes of either long-term standing or heavy motorway mileage. This usage pattern is generally favourable from a mechanical standpoint, as it implies that consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and the timing belt service interval are likely to have been exercised regularly rather than suffering the corrosion and degradation commonly associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles. However, four years have elapsed since the last recorded MOT, meaning the current mileage could realistically be considerably higher than the figure shown, and any service history or receipts covering this intervening period would be highly valuable in confirming ongoing maintenance such as cambelt replacement, fluid changes, and brake servicing. Given the clean MOT history and the vehicle's age now standing at fourteen years, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than chasing specific recurring failure points. Tyres are a primary concern at this age and mileage; even if tread depth remains within legal limits, the sidewalls will almost certainly exhibit signs of perishing or cracking from ozone exposure and natural rubber hardening, and any tyres older than five years should be viewed as due for replacement regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery is another common failure point on vehicles of this vintage, particularly those subject to short journeys, and its state of charge and ability to hold voltage under load should be tested. Similarly, brake discs on a standing vehicle or one used predominantly for short trips frequently suffer from surface corrosion and pitting, and sticking or binding calipers are not uncommon; a test drive should include several firm brake applications from speed to check for shudder, pull to one side, or any grinding noises. Additional inspection priorities should include a thorough check underneath the vehicle for oil leaks from the engine sump, valve cover gasket, and turbo oil lines if applicable, as well as coolant leaks from the radiator, water pump, and plastic coolant pipes which on Audis of this era are known to become brittle. The timing belt and its associated tensioners and water pump should be confirmed as replaced within the manufacturer recommended interval, typically every four to five years or around 75,000 to 100,000 miles, and absence of evidence for this work represents a significant impending cost. Fluid condition should be verified including engine oil colour and level, coolant strength and age, brake fluid which degrades hygroscopically over time and should ideally be changed biennially, and the condition of the automatic or manual gearbox oil. On the test drive, listen for any clonks from the front suspension over speed bumps indicative of worn anti-roll bar bushes, control arm bushes, or top mount bearings, monitor for any vibration through the steering wheel suggesting brake disc runout or wheel imbalance, and observe the engine for excessive smoke on start-up or under load which could point to worn turbo seals or valve guide issues.