2003 Audi A4 4.2L Petrol · V8 UJO

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in December 2023 at 118,071 miles passed, the tester flagged all four tyres reaching the legal limit and play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. This indicates a failure to address basic consumables until they reached critical thresholds. The history suggests a period of neglect following a significant failure in November 2020 which revealed multiple electronic and mechanical faults. At 118,071 miles, this 23-year-old Audi has covered a low distance, averaging approximately 5,134 miles per year. The mileage accumulation is relatively consistent, with roughly 2,600 miles driven between the December 2022 and 2023 tests. However, low mileage often correlates with age degradation of rubber components and seals, which is evident in the record. The gap between the 2020 failure and subsequent tests suggests the vehicle may have sat for extended periods, potentially leading to dry rot or perished bushings. A buyer must specifically inspect the front suspension geometry, as the record shows a recurring history of worn bushes and ball joints dating from 2020 to 2023. The nearside front ball joint requires immediate attention to ensure the play has not progressed into a dangerous mechanical failure. Furthermore, the oil leak noted in 2022 and 2023 should be monitored to ensure it is not originating from a failing gasket or manifold seal. Given the previous ABS and electronic stability control faults in late 2020, a diagnostic scan of the various modules is essential to confirm those electronic systems were properly rectified and are not currently masking intermittent errors.