2018 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · LT18 RYF

The most recent MOT inspection on 10 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend shows signs of progressive wear and a recent period of neglect. The transition from a dangerous failure in late 2025, involving a critically worn nearside front tyre and a non-functional windscreen washer, to a pass indicates that immediate safety issues were addressed. However, the recurring nature of the suspension and tyre advisories suggests that while the vehicle is being kept roadworthy, the owner is reacting to defects rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. The persistence of suspension component advisories over several consecutive years indicates a gradual degradation of the chassis components that has not yet reached a failure point but is steadily worsening. With 106,226 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Audi A4 has averaged roughly 13,278 miles per year. This is considered relatively high mileage for a premium saloon of this age, placing it well above the UK average. Such consistent usage implies the vehicle has likely been used for regular commuting or motorway driving, which generally helps prevent certain types of degradation like brake binding or battery discharge from long periods of standing. However, this higher mileage profile accelerates the wear on consumable items such as suspension bushes, dampers, tyres, and braking components. You should expect more significant mechanical fatigue in the drivetrain and chassis compared to a lower-mileage equivalent. A primary concern for a prospective buyer is the long-term advisory regarding the upper suspension arm pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside fronts. This issue has appeared in the MOT record since at least 2023, indicating that the rubber components are perishing or compressing. During your test drive, listen closely for any dull knocking or clunking sounds when navigating uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, as this is a classic symptom of worn suspension bushes. Furthermore, pay attention to the steering feel; worn bushes can lead to imprecise steering or a slight wander at motorway speeds. The recent advisories for tyre cracking and perishing on both rear tyres suggest the rubber is ageing and losing its structural integrity due to UV exposure or age, regardless of tread depth. You should inspect the sidewalls for any fine cracks and check for uneven tread wear patterns, which could indicate that the suspension wear is already affecting wheel alignment. Beyond the recorded defects, the high mileage necessitates a rigorous check of the service history to ensure that major interval items have been addressed. Given the mileage, you should verify if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced, as failure of these components can be catastrophic for the engine. Inspect the brake discs for excessive lip formation or scoring and check the brake pads for remaining thickness, as high-mileage vehicles often require more frequent replacements. Finally, examine the engine bay for any signs of fluid weeping from gaskets or seals, as high-mileage Audi engines can develop minor oil or coolant leaks that may not yet be significant enough to trigger an MOT failure but will require attention in the near future.