2004 Audi A4 1.9L Diesel · DP04 CBX

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 December 2021 resulted in a PASS, though accompanied by five advisories spanning brake condition, tyres, suspension components and coil spring corrosion. Reviewing the trajectory of recorded advisories over the four most recent examinations, the maintenance trend is best described as broadly stable but with persistent wear-related items becoming more pronounced, particularly across the suspension and braking systems. The 2020 test flagged play in both front track rod ends and both front upper suspension arm ball joints, alongside a defective exhaust mounting, while the 2021 test noted worn and pitted brake discs across the axle, thin rear brake pads, tyres approaching the legal limit, a corroded rear coil spring and general suspension arm pin or bush wear. Earlier advisories regarding sub-frame corrosion and a turbo oil leak remain historical but were never followed by a retest entry to confirm resolution. Overall, this is a vehicle that is passing but accumulating a pattern of deferred component wear typical of a high-mileage car. Against the 22-year vehicle age, the recorded 187,573 miles equates to an annualised average of roughly 8,500 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage. However, the MOT history shows a pronounced gap between the February 2017 test and the subsequent May 2019 retest, with no recorded mileage during that interval, and another shorter gap before the December 2020 pass. Such gaps in MOT coverage, particularly the 27-month interval, suggest the vehicle may have undergone periods of irregular use or possible standing, which on a 22-year-old Audi introduces risks of seized components, fluid degradation, brake disc corrosion and perishing of rubber components that do not show up purely in odometer readings. The combination of moderate annual mileage and intermittent testing means wear items have likely aged in calendar terms as well as in use. Prospective buyers should treat the recurring suspension advisories with particular seriousness. The 2020 and 2021 entries collectively point to wear in the track rod ends, upper arm ball joints and suspension arm bushes, and the 2021 advisory for a corroded rear coil spring indicates corrosion has already compromised that component. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front end, and feel for vagueness or a reluctance to self-centre through the steering, which would suggest the ball joint or track rod end play has progressed beyond advisory threshold. Uneven or feathered tyre wear across the front axle would corroborate deteriorated bushes or failing wishbone components. The brake-related advisories, comprising pitted and scored discs and worn pads, are equally pressing: expect to feel brake shudder or vibration through the pedal under firm pedal pressure if the disc corrosion is advanced, and listen for any binding or rubbing from the rear calipers during the first few metres of travel, which would confirm seized slider mechanisms, especially if the vehicle has stood. A thorough inspection of the front sub-frame for advanced corrosion should also be undertaken, given the advisories recorded in 2019, paying particular attention to the mounting points for the suspension and engine assemblies. Beyond the advisory history, age-appropriate physical checks are strongly advised for a 22-year-old vehicle, regardless of recorded mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be inspected closely for cracking, perishing and bulging, as rubber degrades with age irrespective of tread depth, and the same applies to the condition of the timing belt and auxiliary drive belts, which on an Audi of this era carry fixed replacement intervals and should be evidenced by service records. Brake fluid, coolant and automatic or manual gearbox fluid all degrade over time and should be checked for condition and date, rather than assumed serviceable. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as a standing vehicle or one used predominantly for short journeys will suffer premature battery failure. The exhaust mounting advisory from 2020 and the noted turbo oil leak from 2019 both warrant a physical inspection from underneath the vehicle for fresh seepage, blue smoke on overrun, or a drooping tail section. Finally, verify the integrity of the windscreen around the damage zones previously flagged and ensure the engine management warning light, noted as illuminated in 2017, has been subsequently diagnosed and rectified, as a persistent amber MIL can indicate unresolved emissions or sensor faults that will ultimately affect MOT compliance and drivability.