2004 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel · KY54 XPL

The vehicle achieved a roadworthy status at its most recent MOT on 16 November 2023, recorded at 210 646 miles. The test returned a PASS but listed several advisories: both outer sills show corrosion without perforation, near‑side front brake pads are wearing thin, an oil leak is present, headlamp lenses on both sides are slightly defective, and all rear suspension bushes are perishing. The PASS follows a FAIL entry on the same day, indicating the failures were rectified, and the overall maintenance trend has shifted from the multiple failures of 2020‑2021 toward a more stable, improving condition. Mileage progression aligns with a typical 22‑year‑old vehicle, averaging roughly 9 500 miles per year. The log shows a steady climb: 112 052 miles in March 2012, 120 448 miles in February 2014, 136 692 miles in March 2015, 163 313 miles in March 2017, then a jump to 185 767 miles by September 2020. After 2020 the rate stabilised, reaching 210 646 miles by November 2023. The data is consistent, with no extended gaps between tests, suggesting regular MOT compliance despite the age. A buyer should inspect the brake system for pad thickness, binding, and parking‑brake operation, as past records show thin pads, rear‑brake pipe corrosion, and parking‑brake inefficiency. Suspension components require close scrutiny: rear bushes are perishing, front and rear lower‑arm pins show excessive wear, and anti‑roll‑bar linkages exhibit wear. Structural corrosion is evident on both outer sills; the oil leak source should be examined, and the deteriorated CV boots on front and rear drive shafts need assessment. Rear shock absorbers show a serious fluid leak, and the cambelt was overdue in 2020, so its condition and service interval must be verified. Headlamp lenses and aim should be checked, and any unresolved advisories addressed before use. Overall, the recent PASS confirms the car meets minimum roadworthiness, yet the cumulative wear—brake pads, suspension wear, corrosion, and fluid leaks—indicates a vehicle that has required substantial remedial work. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection is essential to confirm the condition of these components and to avoid unexpected repairs after acquisition.