2009 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · FV59 UGH

The 2009 Audi A4 passed its most recent MOT on 9 October 2025 at 254,668 miles, but the record reveals a worsening trend in front-end wear. That latest test flagged play in both nearside and offside steering rack inner joints, a fault that also appeared on the offside in February 2023. The recurrence and spread of this defect across both sides of the rack point to progressive deterioration rather than a one-off issue. Combined with advisories for worn front brake pads in 2023 and a history of tyre wear across all four corners, the maintenance picture suggests a car that has been driven hard and not always kept on top of basic suspension and steering upkeep. At roughly 15,000 miles per year, this A4 has covered significantly more ground than the typical UK average for a 17-year-old vehicle. The mileage progression is fairly consistent, climbing from 218,338 miles in February 2021 to 254,668 miles by October 2025, which represents about 36,000 miles over four years and eight months. There are no alarming gaps in the record that would suggest long periods of inactivity, but the sheer volume of miles places heavy demand on consumable components, particularly tyres, brake pads, and steering linkages. The repeated tyre advisories in 2021 and 2023, all citing wear close to the legal limit or worn on the edge, indicate that wheel alignment or suspension geometry may have been marginal for some time, accelerating uneven wear. A buyer should pay close attention to the steering rack and inner joints, as the play flagged in both 2023 and 2025 suggests the rack itself may be approaching the end of its serviceable life. Inspect the gaiter condition carefully, given the 2022 advisory for a damaged nearside rack gaiter that was still allowing dirt ingress. Front brake discs and pads deserve a thorough check, especially if the car has continued to rack up miles since the October 2025 test. The missing offside front wheel arch cover noted in June 2024 is a minor item but worth verifying, as it can allow road debris and moisture to accelerate corrosion in the inner wing area. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should cover the front suspension bushes, coil springs, and top mounts, all of which endure accelerated wear at this mileage. Check the inner wings and sills for corrosion, particularly if the car has spent years on salted roads. The CV joint area on the nearside front also warrants attention, given the loose flange bolt recorded in 2022. This is a high-mileage car with a documented pattern of front-end wear that demands careful hands-on evaluation before purchase.