AUDI A42005 · 1.8L Petrol

The most recent MOT test on 4 January 2023 confirmed this Audi A4 as roadworthy at 88,019 miles, with no defects or advisories recorded. The overall maintenance trend appears stable, though the record is unusually sparse—five tests over nearly six years reveal no mechanical failures, advisories, or even minor defects. The final pass in January 2023 was just 3 years and 6 months ago, which is within the standard MOT validity period, but the lack of intervening tests raises questions about whether the vehicle has been regularly serviced or driven. The single failure in September 2021—on the same day as a subsequent pass—suggests either a minor oversight in the test process or an unusually clean run of luck with no genuine issues. The recorded mileage of 88,019 miles over 21 years equates to roughly 4,191 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests is irregular, with a 13-month interval between the 2020 and 2019 passes, followed by a 11-month jump to the 2021 failure and pass. The near-identical mileage between the failed and passed tests (86,359 vs. 86,360) is highly unusual and may indicate either a data entry error or that the vehicle was not driven between those dates. Such low mileage could imply prolonged periods of inactivity, which may have allowed for corrosion or fluid degradation without the usual wear patterns associated with consistent use. Given the absence of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components that are not routinely checked in an MOT. The suspension—particularly the bushes, coil springs, and dampers—should be examined for excessive play, corrosion, or leaks, as these are not always flagged in a basic MOT. Brake systems warrant close scrutiny, especially the calipers, pads, and discs, for uneven wear or binding, though the lack of advisories suggests they may be in reasonable condition. Structural integrity is another concern; the frame rails, subframe mounts, and wheel arches should be inspected for rust penetration or distortion, particularly given the vehicle’s age and the possibility of prolonged storage. Finally, fluid levels and condition—brake, power steering, coolant, and transmission—should be verified, as these degrade over time even with minimal use.