2016 Audi A1 1.4L Petrol · CL04 DAS

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT test conducted on 11 May 2026, following a FAIL recorded just three days earlier on 8 May 2026 which cited a fractured offside front coil spring as a major defect. The fact that the vehicle returned to the test station and passed within the same week indicates that the suspension fault was rectified promptly, and the absence of any advisories on the subsequent pass certificate suggests the repair was carried out to a satisfactory standard. Examining the broader trend across the seven MOT records available, the maintenance profile is broadly stable with a cluster of advisories appearing in 2025 relating to an oil leak and rear brake disc wear, alongside an insecure exhaust heatshield noted at the recent failure. The 2026 cycle is otherwise clean, and the earlier tests from 2022 through 2024 were all passed without comment, indicating a generally well-maintained vehicle that has experienced only isolated wear-related issues rather than systemic neglect. With 90,988 miles recorded over a ten-year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,099 miles annually, which is consistent with typical usage for a car of this age and does not raise immediate concerns regarding excessive wear. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and continuous, suggesting the car has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods, which is beneficial for preserving drivetrain seals, brake system functionality, and battery health. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate long-term storage or potential odometer discrepancy, and the consistent annual accumulation supports a reliable service history assumption. The fractured front coil spring that caused the recent failure warrants particular attention during a physical inspection. Coil springs on the front axle are subject to continuous load cycling and corrosion stress, and a fracture indicates material fatigue that may be accompanied by deterioration of the opposite side spring. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over bumps, uneven changes in ride height, or degraded handling response. The nearside front spring should be carefully inspected for any signs of cracking or corrosion, as paired failure is not uncommon. Additionally, given the advisory noted on the 2025 test regarding an oil leak, the engine and underbody should be examined for residual staining or fresh seepage from the sump, valve cover gasket, or front crankshaft seal, with attention to the condition of the undertrays and their covers as a similar advisory was raised in 2021. The advisories on the rear brake discs from 2025, noting pitting and scoring on both sides, suggest progressive wear consistent with the vehicle's age and mileage. On a road test, any brake shudder through the pedal or vibration under heavy braking would indicate that the discs have reached a serviceable thickness limit. The exhaust heatshield insecurity from the recent failure should be verified as properly secured, and the exhaust system itself inspected for movement under load or signs of corrosion at mounting points. Given the calendar age, even at typical mileage, buyers should conduct several age-related checks including inspection of tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking, verification of the 12 volt battery's state of health as ten years exceeds typical service life, confirmation that brake fluid has been renewed within the recommended two year cycle, and assessment of coolant condition. Door and bonnet hinges, along with suspension bushes, should be checked for dry rot and perishing, as rubber components degrade with age regardless of mileage accumulation.