2009 Audi S4 Avant 4.2L Petrol · BF09 FPV

A clean and uninterrupted roadworthiness record defines this Audi S4 Avant. Across five recorded MOT events spanning late 2022 through January 2026, the vehicle passed every test without a single advisory or defect being logged, and even the lone failure on 3 October 2024 was recorded with no categorised defects, suggesting it was likely an administrative or retest situation rather than a mechanical disqualification. The most recent test on 20 January 2026 returned a clean pass, reinforcing an overall pattern of consistent compliance with DVSA standards. With no advisories on file, there is no documentary evidence from the MOT history of progressive wear on suspension components, brake lines, corrosion-prone underbody areas, or exhaust emissions that might otherwise flag an ageing B8-platform S4 for attention. Mechanically, the paper trail is reassuringly uneventful. At 106,217 miles over approximately seventeen years, this Avant has averaged around 6,250 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a high-performance executive estate of this age. There are no extended absences from the testing record, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods, which is a positive indicator for components that suffer from inactivity such as the quattro drivetrain, brake calipers, and underbody corrosion protection. Equally, the mileage has not accumulated aggressively enough to suggest heavy motorway or track-style abuse that would accelerate wear on the clutch, supercharger drive components, or cooling system. This is a steady, moderate-use profile that should not by itself raise concern about hidden mechanical fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisories means there is no specific component history to interrogate, which actually places greater emphasis on a thorough physical inspection and test drive. Particular attention should be paid to the B8 S4's known weak points: the oil filter housing gasket and valley pan gasket are prone to seepage, so look for fresh oil residue around the engine bay and underneath the vehicle. The supercharger drive system, including the belt tensioner and the coolant pump, should be checked for any unusual whining or bearing noise on cold start. On the road, listen for clonks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would point to worn upper or lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking that could indicate warped front discs. The Haldex-based quattro coupling should be tested for any shudder or binding on full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and a careful listen for diff or transfer box whine under load is worthwhile. Beyond the powertrain, the condition of the brake system warrants close scrutiny despite the clean MOT record, as the front pads and discs on an S4 are consumables that wear steadily under spirited driving. Inspect the inner and outer faces of the front discs for lipping and check that the caliper guide pins move freely, as binding calipers are a common source of uneven pad wear. Underneath, examine the front subframe mounting points, rear trailing arm bushes, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and along the fuel tank area where road salt collects. Verify that the timing chain has been addressed or shows no symptoms of stretch on cold start, as this is a well-documented concern on the CAK 4.2-litre V8 fitted to this generation S4. A compression test and a scan for any stored fault codes relating to the injectors, MAF sensor, or throttle body would round out a sensible pre-purchase evaluation on what is otherwise a refreshingly well-documented example.