2007 Audi A4 1.8L Petrol · FG07 AEJ

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening. While the most recent test in March 2025 at 112,227 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged an exhaust gas leak, a non-excessive oil leak, and a perishing offside rear tyre. These issues mirror faults seen in previous years, suggesting that while the car is being kept roadworthy, underlying mechanical issues are not being fully rectified. The recurrence of an exhaust leak, first noted in December 2016 and appearing again in March 2019 and March 2025, indicates a persistent problem with the exhaust system or flexi-pipe. The mileage profile shows the vehicle has covered 112,227 miles over its 19-year lifespan, averaging approximately 5,900 miles per year. This is low for a vehicle of this age, which often implies lighter use but can lead to secondary issues like perished rubber components. The record shows consistent annual or biennial testing, though there is a notable gap between the December 2021 test and the March 2024 test. During this period, the vehicle covered roughly 13,000 miles, which is a higher annual average than the historical norm for this car. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage due to the persistent oil leaks recorded in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The history of fluctuating brake performance in 2019 and corrosion on brake hoses in 2016 suggests the braking system requires close scrutiny for binding calipers or degraded lines. Furthermore, the repeated failures regarding suspension arm ball joints and dust covers between 2016 and 2017 indicate that the front suspension components are prone to wear and should be checked for play or perished boots. Finally, the recurring issues with lighting and tyres suggest a reactive rather than proactive approach to basic maintenance. The vehicle has failed multiple times for simple bulb failures and tyre tread depths below the legal limit, such as in November 2018 and March 2024. Given the age and the low mileage, the perishing of rubber elements like tyres and suspension bushings is a high risk. An inspection should confirm if the recent exhaust leak and oil leak have been addressed or if they remain as ongoing maintenance liabilities.