2001 Audi A4 2.4L Petrol · Y976 EJO

The 2.4-litre V6 petrol engine is reasonably economical for its size, typically returning around 28-32 mpg on a mixed cycle, but high-mileage examples will likely return less. Road tax for a 2.4-litre petrol of this age is modest (typically £165-£210 per year under current bands, subject to emissions-based changes). Insurance will be in a moderate group for an executive saloon of its era, but parts pricing for Audi is higher than mainstream brands, so budgeting for wear-and-tire items realistically is important.

Maintenance costs on a 25-year-old Audi V6 with this mileage can quickly add up. Coil springs are the second most common MOT failure reason across the model range, so set aside funds for suspension components. Factor in £600-£1,000 per year for routine maintenance and unexpected repairs on top of fuel, tax and insurance, giving a likely annual running cost in the £1,500-£2,000 region depending on usage.

Start with the suspension and steering — the 2025 MOT failure flagged a worn track rod end ball joint (excessive play) and a perished suspension arm ball joint dust cover, both of which should be re-inspected on a test drive by pushing laterally on each front wheel with the car lifted. The wheel hub spigot mounting flagged on the 2026 fail is a wheel-security issue that absolutely must be rectified before purchase; verify the work has been completed and the wheel is correctly seated. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear, as the nearside front was already at the legal limit in 2025.

Open the bonnet and check for fresh oil around the sump, cam covers and the front of the engine — an oil leak has been noted on every test since 2024. On the 2.4 V6, common culprits include the cam chain tensioner gasket, valve cover gasket, and the sump plug area. Inside the cabin, check the instrument cluster for engine management lights and confirm the engine starts cleanly from cold. Given the mileage, also inspect the coolant hoses and listen for timing chain rattle on first start-up, as these V6 engines are known for chain-related issues at high mileage. Finally, examine the bodywork around the wheel arches and sills for corrosion, a known weakness on early-2000s Audis.