2004 Audi A4 2.5L Diesel · EN04 HFX

The recorded MOT history for this 2004 Audi A4 demonstrates a consistent record of roadworthiness across its eight documented tests, with the most recent examination on 2026-04-27 returning a pass alongside a single advisory concerning the front upper suspension arm pin or bush on both sides. Prior to that, the vehicle passed seven consecutive annual tests from 2019 through 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the current advisory represents the first flagged mechanical item in this sequence. The fact that the suspension issue has only just been noted, after multiple years of clean testing, suggests an emerging wear point rather than a long-standing chronic defect, though on a 22-year-old vehicle it is mechanically consistent for rubber and metal bush components to begin degrading as age-related hardening and polymer deterioration take hold. The overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness with a minor recent caveat. With approximately 80,152 miles recorded across roughly 22 years of life, this A4 has covered an average of around 3,643 miles annually, which is notably low for a car of its vintage. This kind of usage pattern tends to mean that high-wear consumables such as brake pads, discs, clutches, and tyres have experienced less friction-based degradation than would be expected on a higher-mileage example, but it also raises the probability of age-related deterioration in rubber and polymer components, including suspension bushes, engine and gearbox mountings, coolant hoses, drivebelt auxiliary components, and underbody protective coatings. Periodic short journeys rather than sustained motorway use can also leave the engine and exhaust system prone to internal condensation and oil glazing, although the MOT emissions tests since 2019 have not flagged any such concerns. Mechanically, the lower mileage profile should be treated as a mixed signal, with the beneficial effect on wear items partially offset by the elevated risk of age-related material fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the immediate focus should be the front upper suspension arm pin or bush flagged on the 2026 test, since this is a component that, if left to deteriorate further, can compromise both ride quality and wheel geometry. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noise transmitted through the front suspension when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to whether the knock is more pronounced over bumps taken at lower speeds, which is typical of worn bush assemblies. Check for uneven front tyre wear, particularly inner or outer shoulder feathering, as this can indicate altered camber or castor resulting from play in the arm pin or bush. Steering response should feel precise, with no vagueness at centre, no wandering on a straight road, and no shudder through the wheel under braking. With the steering on full lock while stationary, ask an assistant to rock the wheels slightly and observe whether any free movement is visible at the upper arm joint. Beyond the suspension advisory, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody, exhaust system, and brake pipes, given the vehicle's age and the increased likelihood of surface corrosion and stone-chip damage on a car that has spent two decades on UK roads. Inspect the rear subframe mounting areas, suspension arm rear bushes, and the inner wheel arch liners for any bubbling or perforation, as corrosion in these zones is a known concern for early-2000s Audi platforms. Examine the brake discs for lipping, particularly on the inner edges, and check that the caliper slide pins move freely, because seized guides will cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Finally, verify the operation of all cooling system components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, and auxiliary water pump, as these are known weak points on the 1.8T and 2.0-litre petrol engines commonly fitted to this generation of A4, and any history of overheating would warrant close scrutiny of the head gasket and cylinder head condition.