2012 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · FT61 YPE

The Audi A4 presents a clean MOT history in its most recent tests, with the February 2026 inspection at 186,467 miles showing no defects—a positive indicator of current roadworthiness. However, the repeated failures in February 2024 and 2025 (at 163,527 and 174,480 miles respectively) are unusual, as both tests were logged on the same day with identical mileages, suggesting a possible administrative error rather than mechanical issues. The absence of any advisories or defects in the passed tests implies that if problems existed, they were either minor enough to pass or resolved promptly. The trend is stable in terms of compliance, but the duplicate failures raise questions about the accuracy of the record, which a buyer should clarify with the seller. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation is aggressive for its age, averaging around 13,319 miles per year over its 14-year lifespan. This high usage is evident in the rapid progression from 163,528 miles in February 2024 to 186,467 miles in February 2026—a gain of over 22,000 miles in just two years. Such mileage demands heavier wear on suspension components, such as coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, as well as increased brake pad and disc consumption. The lack of recorded defects in recent tests suggests these components may have been recently serviced or replaced, but a buyer should verify their condition in person, particularly for signs of uneven wear or corrosion. Given the clean MOT history but high mileage, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should prioritise the suspension system, including the condition of coil springs for sagging or fatigue, and the integrity of control arm bushes for excessive play or cracking. The brake system—particularly the rear calipers—should be checked for binding or uneven pad wear, as high mileage vehicles often develop uneven braking performance. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and underbody panels, is another critical area, given the A4’s age and exposure to UK road conditions. While the MOT record shows no recent issues, these components are the most likely to fail under heavy usage and warrant direct examination.