2012 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · FT12 JFE

Front suspension wear and corrosion dominate the MOT history of this 2012 Audi A4, with repeated advisories for worn upper and lower suspension arm pins, bushings and ball‑joint play on both sides, plus a corroded rear coil spring that has been flagged every year since 2024. The most recent test on 24 March 2026 was a pass, but the same pattern of front‑suspension wear persisted, while the electronic parking‑brake advisory re‑appeared, indicating that the underlying issues have not been fully resolved. A single major failure in May 2024 for ABS, electronic brake and electronic parking‑brake faults shows a step‑up in electronic‑system concerns, yet the vehicle has otherwise avoided outright safety‑critical failures in the last two years. At 97,532 mi the car averages just under 7,000 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within typical UK usage for a fourteen‑year‑old saloon. The MOT record shows regular annual testing with no extended gaps, suggesting the mileage has been accrued at a steady pace rather than in short, high‑intensity bursts. This moderate annual accumulation means wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension components is likely to be proportionate to age, but the persistent suspension advisories indicate that the wear rate for those parts may be ahead of the mileage‑based expectation. Prospective buyers should focus on the front suspension assembly: the upper and lower arm pins and bushings on both nearside and offside have been noted as slightly worn for several consecutive years, and ball‑joint play was recorded on the lower arms in 2024. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking noises when traversing bumps, feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering, and inspect the tyre wear pattern for signs of uneven load transfer. The rear coil spring corrosion, flagged each year since 2024, may manifest as a soft or sagging rear ride and could eventually affect rear‑wheel alignment; a visual inspection of the spring for rust pitting and a bounce test are advisable. The electronic braking system warrants particular attention. The May 2024 failure listed ABS, electronic brake and electronic parking‑brake warnings, and an advisory in 2025 noted that the electronic parking brake was defective but operable. Verify that the ABS warning lamp, electronic brake‑system indicator and electronic parking‑brake light remain off during a drive, and test the parking‑brake lever for smooth engagement and release. Any pulsing pedal, reduced braking feel or intermittent warning lights should be investigated with a diagnostic scan, as the underlying fault may require sensor replacement or control‑module re‑programming. Additionally, the front tyre wear advisory from 2025 suggests the tyres are close to the legal limit; confirm tread depth and look for edge wear that could indicate alignment or suspension issues.