2012 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · GY62 FWR

A pattern of rear brake disc wear on a 14-year-old executive saloon is the mechanical narrative defined by this Audi A4's MOT history, with the most recent test on 23 February 2026 confirming advisories on both rear discs for being worn, pitted, and scored though not yet seriously weakened. The recorded sequence shows no outright failures since an indicator colour defect in January 2022, and the rear brake disc deterioration has only just been flagged at the latest test, suggesting it is an emerging issue rather than a long-standing one. Tyre wear advisories, both front and rear, have appeared at intervals across multiple tests, indicating that tyre condition is being monitored closely each year but has not yet resulted in a failure. Overall, the trend is one of largely clean roadworthiness with localised wear concerns concentrated at the rear axle braking components and on tyre edges. The recorded mileage of 111,946 miles across roughly 14 years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 8,000 miles, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, with annual MOTs recorded consistently from 2020 through to 2026, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for any prolonged period. Mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than exhibiting any sudden spikes that would suggest inconsistent use. For a car of this vintage and accumulated mileage, the mechanical implications centre on wear to consumable and chassis components such as brake friction materials, suspension bushes, dampers, and drivetrain mounts, all of which will have accrued significant service life. For a prospective buyer, the priority items to examine on inspection are the rear brake discs and pads, given the dual advisories recorded in February 2026. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding noise from the rear brakes on light application, and feel for any pulsation through the brake pedal, which would indicate the pitted discs have reached a serviceable limit. Visually inspect the disc surfaces for visible grooving, lip formation at the outer edge, and signs of corrosion pitting that could compromise braking efficiency. It is also prudent to check the rear caliper sliders for smooth operation, as seized sliders accelerate uneven disc wear and are a known issue on vehicles of this age and mileage. The recurring front and rear tyre advisories over several years suggest the vehicle may be prone to uneven or rapid shoulder wear, which warrants checking the wheel alignment geometry, particularly camber and toe settings, and inspecting the suspension components for wear. On a test drive, pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking, steering wander, or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, as worn control arm bushes, drop links, or top mount bearings can all contribute to irregular tyre wear patterns. Additionally, given the mileage, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at mounting points and joints, check for any oil seepage around the engine and gearbox sump areas, and verify that the cooling system shows no signs of leaks or staining around the radiator and hose connections. The indicator lens colour defect from 2022 is unlikely to recur but is worth confirming has been resolved with a correct amber lens rather than a smoked or tinted unit.