2007 Audi A4 1.8L Petrol · E16 EAP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 25 February 2026, with four advisories recorded relating to tyre perishing on the nearside and offside front as well as the offside rear, alongside a general observation of suspension corrosion. Looking back over the test history, there is a recurring pattern of front brake disc wear advisories spanning from 2020 through to 2024, with a more serious episode in February 2025 when the offside front service brake exhibited excessive fluctuation and an axle imbalance was flagged as a major failure, accompanied by a note that the offside front brake disc was significantly worn on its inner face. This episode was rectified shortly afterwards at the same test centre within the same month, after which the vehicle passed again in 2026. The overall trajectory suggests a vehicle whose brake condition has been a persistent area of attention, with a clear worsening event in early 2025 that has since been addressed, and the current advisories indicate ongoing concerns with tyre age-related deterioration and structural corrosion. The maintenance trend can therefore be characterised as broadly stable but with identifiable wear patterns that warrant close inspection. The recorded mileage of 65,089 miles on a 2007 vehicle represents an annual average of approximately 3,426 miles, which is considerably below typical usage for a car of this age and points towards either predominantly light running, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both. The MOT record shows tests in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025/2026, with notable gaps such as between late 2021 and early 2023, which is consistent with either low usage or possibly a period off the road. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the engine internals, clutch, and drivetrain, but conversely elevates the risk of calendar-based degradation. Prolonged standing commonly leads to corrosion on brake discs and calipers, perishing of rubber components including tyres and suspension bushes, fluid degradation in the hydraulic and cooling circuits, and potential issues with the 12V battery holding charge. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front brake disc advisories across multiple test cycles indicate that the discs have been a known weak point, and although the 2026 pass suggests the most recent imbalance issue has been resolved, it would be prudent to confirm exactly what remedial work was carried out in February 2025 and whether new discs and pads were fitted or whether the existing components were skimmed or cleaned. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder through the steering under firm application, particularly from low speed, which would suggest remaining disc run-out or uneven surface wear. Check that the car pulls up straight and that the handbrake holds without excessive travel, as calipers that have seized from standing can produce uneven pad wear and pulling to one side. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the front discs visually for a pronounced lip and any pitting or scoring, and examine the caliper slide pins and carriers for corrosion that could impede retraction. Beyond the brake system, the advisories on tyre cracking and perishing recorded across the 2025 and 2026 tests are particularly significant on a vehicle of this age, as the factory-fitted tyres would long since have been replaced and the current cracking suggests rubber age degradation rather than tread wear. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, checking that the DOT date code indicates rubber less than five years old, as perished tyres compromise grip especially in wet conditions and may fail at the next test. The advisory on general suspension corrosion should prompt a thorough underbody examination, ideally with the vehicle raised, paying particular attention to subframe mounting points, suspension arms, coil spring seats, and brake and fuel line runs, as corrosion in these areas can progress to structural failure. Given the low annual mileage, verify that the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil have been serviced on a calendar basis rather than purely by distance, check the 12V battery for date stamping and load test capability, examine all rubber boots and gaiters for splitting, and confirm that the exhaust flexi pipe noted as deteriorated in 2024 has been replaced, as failure of this component would result in exhaust gas leaks and elevated noise levels.