2012 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · FN12 BFE

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 March 2026 resulted in a PASS, although it was preceded only the day before by a FAIL with no additional failure items beyond what appeared as advisories on the subsequent pass; this suggests a minor rectification was carried out between the two tests, though the records show the same windscreen minor, brake disc advisories, front shock oil misting advisory, and rear sub-frame corrosion advisory on both entries. The overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than improving, with a recurring pattern of advisory-level issues accumulating across the four-year MOT history. Notably, an offside rear shock absorber was recorded as a Major failure in March 2024 due to a serious fluid leak, and persistent advisories relating to front and rear shock absorber oil misting have appeared in 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026, indicating progressive deterioration of the suspension damping system. The reappearance of rear sub-frame corrosion in both 2025 and 2026 advisories also warrants attention, as corrosion in this area can progress toward structural weakening over time. With 134,076 miles recorded on a 2012 Audi A4, the vehicle has covered approximately 9,577 miles per year, which is a broadly typical annual usage figure for its age. The mileage progression between MOTs is consistent year on year with no significant gaps or periods of rapid accumulation, suggesting the car has been in continuous use rather than left standing for extended intervals. This level of mileage implies commensurate wear on consumable items, suspension bushes, drive belts, clutch or automatic gearbox internals, and exhaust mounting points. Equally, at this age and mileage, calendar-based degradation of rubber components, fluids, and electrical items should be considered regardless of the odometer reading. Given the recurring advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused physical and dynamic inspection. The shock absorbers require particular attention: on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over bumps, particularly from the rear, and assess whether the vehicle settles evenly after a bounce test on each corner; any continued misting suggests seal failure is progressing and replacement is likely imminent, ideally in axle pairs to preserve handling balance. The front brake discs should be inspected for lipping and surface corrosion, as the advisories noted wear combined with corrosion which on Audi calipers can indicate sticking pistons or seized guide pins; test the brakes from speed for any shudder, pulsing, or pulling to one side. The front brake hoses were flagged as chafed in 2022 and 2024, so verify the braided lines and rubber sections for cracking or abrasion, particularly where they pass through the suspension assembly. The rear sub-frame corrosion should be examined on a ramp if possible, checking for any flaking or scaling that may be approaching the seriously weakened threshold, and a structural inspection beneath the boot floor and around mounting points is advisable. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age of the vehicle dictates attention to several time-sensitive items not necessarily captured in MOT data. Check all four tyres, including the spare, for sidewall perishing and cracking from age as well as tread depth, given the front tyres were noted as worn close to the legal limit in 2022; confirm they are of matching make and specification on each axle to avoid differential wear or ABS sensor anomalies. Inspect the timing belt and water pump replacement history, as Audi's 2.0 T4 engines typically require belt replacement at five-year or 60,000 to 90,000 mile intervals, and absence of documentation should prompt negotiation. Verify the 12V battery state of health, condition of coolant, brake fluid (which absorbs moisture and should be renewed biennially), and automatic or manual gearbox oil; service book stamps and invoices should substantiate these. Finally, examine undertrays, exhaust hangers and flexi joints, and the cam belt cover for oil leaks common on higher-mileage T4 units, and ensure the timing chain on TFSI variants shows no rattle on cold start, as stretched chains are a known wear item on this generation.