2016 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · KN66 AVL

A pattern of tyre wear and one unusual wheel-fastener failure punctuates the MOT history of this 2016 Audi A4, though the most recent test on 7 April 2026 was passed with no defects recorded, and the 10 July 2024 retest the following day also cleared without advisories. The tyre advisories appear on the 2021 and 2023 tests, where all four corners were flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on edge, which is a notable recurrence rather than a one-off observation. The 2023 test additionally recorded an oil leak described as not excessive, and the lone failure on 9 July 2024 involved all four road wheel fixings being recorded as missing, a Major defect that points to a specific incident of wheel or hub component work rather than systemic deterioration. Taken together, the recent trajectory is one of a cleared record following isolated but distinct mechanical events, and the absence of any advisories on the 2026 pass suggests these particular issues have not re-emerged at this test point. With 125,067 miles accumulated over roughly ten years, this A4 is covering around 12,500 miles per year, which is well above the typical average for its age and places it firmly in higher-use territory. There are noticeable gaps between tests, including the absence of recorded MOTs for 2022 and 2025, while mileage progress between documented tests is consistent with steady rather than sporadic driving. Mechanically, sustained higher mileage on a vehicle of this vintage means greater wear on consumable and chassis components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs and pads, engine mountings, and drivetrain flexes, even where MOT advisories are not yet being raised. The recurring tyre-edge wear across two consecutive tests is a relevant signal here, as it can indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes or worn lower arm links accelerating shoulder wear rather than simple tread consumption. The repeated edge-wear advisories on all four tyres at both the 2021 and 2023 tests warrant close attention during inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would point to worn anti-roll bar bushes, top mounts, or drop link joints, and feel for any vagueness or juddering through the steering wheel that could indicate tie-rod or track rod end wear contributing to uneven tyre scrub. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the current tyres for feathering or stepped wear patterns, and verify that all four road wheels are seated squarely with the correct torque, given the prior wheel-fixing failure across every corner which can on rare occasions follow subsequent refitment. Brake feel should also be evaluated, as higher-mileage Audis of this generation commonly develop worn front discs and binding calipers; expect to feel for any pulling to one side under firm application and listen for grinding or scraping from the front caliper area when cold. The 2023 advisory noting an oil leak, though characterised as not excessive, should not be dismissed on a vehicle now approaching 125,000 miles. On inspection, look for dampness or staining around the rocker cover gasket, the timing chain area at the rear of the engine, and the turbo oil feed and return lines if fitted, and check the undertray for any fresh oil residue or weeping from the sump plug and washer. A test drive should include sustained acceleration to working temperature, after which any increase in smoke from the exhaust, particularly on overrun or under boost, would warrant further investigation. Given the mileage and the history of edge-tyre wear, a pre-purchase inspection with the vehicle raised on a ramp is advisable to confirm the condition of the front suspension arms, subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and rear trailing arm bushes, all of which become vulnerable at this usage level even where MOT records remain relatively clean.