2011 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · M321 ABB

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2011 Audi A4 was conducted on 21 February 2026, resulting in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents a clean and reassuring outcome at the point of testing. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance profile, with passes recorded consistently from 2020 through 2026 and only two failures, both of which appear to have been rectified promptly before re-testing within days. The most recent pass in early 2026 follows a clean test in late 2023, indicating that no major mechanical concerns have re-emerged in the intervening period. Overall, the trend suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory standard, with isolated component failures rather than systemic neglect. The advisory items relating to tyre wear have largely been addressed by subsequent replacement, as evidenced by the clean 2023 and 2026 results. With recorded mileage of 103,028 miles against a vehicle age of approximately 15 years, the annual usage rate stands at roughly 6,869 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage. The MOT history does not reveal any significant gaps in testing, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent and steady, with no sudden spikes or prolonged periods of standing that might suggest neglect. This regularity of use is mechanically favourable, as it tends to keep lubricants circulating, prevents seals from drying out, and reduces the risk of corrosion seizing components such as brake calipers and exhaust mountings. A typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this age also means that consumable wear on items like brake pads, discs, and tyres should be proportionate and predictable rather than accelerated. Turning to the specific defect history, the most significant recorded failure occurred on 21 December 2023, when an offside rear coil spring was identified as fractured or broken. Coil spring failure on an Audi A4 of this age is a recognised wear item, often caused by metal fatigue from repeated stress cycles, and replacement is typically carried out in pairs to ensure balanced handling. A fractured spring presents obvious symptoms on test drive, including a noticeably lower ride height on the affected corner, a clonking or thumping noise over bumps, and potentially uneven rear tyre wear due to altered geometry. It would be prudent to confirm with the vendor that the spring was replaced with a quality component and to inspect the rear tyres for any signs of uneven inner or outer wear that might suggest lingering suspension geometry concerns or that a second spring may be approaching end of service life. The earlier failure of 3 December 2020 recorded excessive wear to both nearside and offside front upper suspension arm pins or bushes at the rear location, which again points to typical age-related deterioration of rubber and metal-bonded bushings on the front suspension. Worn suspension bushes commonly produce knocking or creaking noises over uneven surfaces, vague or imprecise steering, and uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the outer or inner edges. Given this history, a careful test drive over broken surfaces and around tight corners is essential to listen for any renewed clonking from the front end. Beyond the recorded defects, given the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should also pay close attention to time-related degradation items not always captured in MOT testing, including checking the sidewalls of all tyres for perishing or cracking from age, inspecting the condition of the exhaust system for corrosion at mounting points and joints, verifying the 12-volt battery health as the original unit is long past its expected service life, and confirming that brake fluid and coolant have been replaced on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, as these fluids degrade over time and can compromise braking performance and cooling system protection if neglected.