2009 Audi A4 1.8L Petrol · FV09 FWB

Front‑suspension wear and an intermittent oil‑leak problem dominate the MOT history, with both items surfacing as major failures in 2026 and 2025 and persisting as advisories on the latest pass dated 26 March 2026. The vehicle has managed to clear the test after addressing the most serious defects, but the recurrence of upper‑arm bush wear and the continued oil‑drip advisory indicate that these areas have not yet been fully resolved and will likely require attention before long‑term reliability can be assured. At 123,459 mi the car averages just over 7,200 mi per year, a figure that sits comfortably within normal usage for a 2009 model. The MOT record shows no prolonged gaps in testing, suggesting the mileage has been accumulated steadily rather than in large, undocumented bursts. This moderate annual mileage means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components will be in line with expectations for a vehicle of this age, but the documented failures imply that the wear has been uneven or accelerated in specific areas. Prospective buyers should concentrate on the front upper suspension arms and their bushings. Listen for clunking or knocking when driving over bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering column, and inspect the wheel alignment for signs of drift. Excessive play in the arms can also manifest as uneven tyre wear, especially on the front tyres which have already been flagged as close to the legal limit. Replacing the worn bushings and checking the integrity of the arm pins will be essential to restore proper handling and prevent further structural fatigue. The brake system shows front discs and pads approaching the end of their service life, so a thorough visual inspection for scoring or thinning, coupled with a pedal feel test for pulsation, is advisable. The oil leak recorded as a major failure in 2025 and still noted as an advisory in 2026 warrants a close inspection of the engine bay and under‑car area for fresh oil spots, as well as a check that the oil level is stable and the engine does not emit smoke. The 2025 emissions failure and inoperative MIL light suggest a lingering engine fault; verify that the check‑engine light is extinguished and that the engine idles smoothly without hesitation. Finally, the near‑side rear tyre cut and the front tyres marked as near‑limit should be replaced promptly, and the windscreen chips noted in several tests should be assessed for any progression that could affect structural integrity.