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2002 Audi A2 1.4L Diesel · MK51 ABU

MK51 ABU

2002 Audi A2 (1.4L, diesel). First registered 01 Jan 2002. Recorded mileage 118,192 miles. MOT valid until 14 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.

Make & Model
AUDI A2
Year / Origin
2002 · Manchester & Merseyside
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 14 Feb 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
Recorded Mileage
118,192 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 1.4L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 14 Feb 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Mar 2027
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2002
Engine
1390cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A recurring pattern of minor electrical failures concerning the dipped beam headlamps characterizes the recent testing history, although the vehicle has remained free of mechanical advisories. This trend is reflected in the most recent test on 10 February 2026, where a failure for the nearside headlamp was corrected to achieve a pass, following a nearly identical failure of the offside headlamp in February 2025. The recorded mileage of 118,192 miles over a 24-year period indicates a low average annual usage of approximately 4,925 miles. Such a usage profile suggests the vehicle has seen limited road time relative to its age. Mechanically, this typically results in lower wear on the engine and transmission components, though it warrants a physical inspection of rubber suspension bushings and seals for age-related degradation. Given the specific failures recorded, a thorough inspection of the lighting circuits and headlamp connectors is recommended to ensure there are no underlying electrical faults beyond simple bulb expiration. It is advisable to verify that both the nearside and offside dipped beams operate consistently without flickering, as the alternating failures in 2025 and 2026 suggest a potential vulnerability in the lighting system. During a test drive, the absence of recorded suspension or braking defects in the MOT history allows for a focus on the tactile feel of the steering and the smoothness of the ride. The buyer should listen for any knocks over bumps or feel for steering pull and pedal judder, as these physical symptoms would identify wear in the suspension linkages or braking system that has not yet been captured in the official DVSA records.
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MK51 ABU Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 10/02/2026
  • 118,192 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

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MK51 ABU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 2 Sept 2026, 02:43
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Audi A2 (MK51 ABU) between January 2024 and February 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 10 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

MK51 ABU Mileage History

  1. 29/01/2024112,641 mi
  2. 07/02/2025113,892 mi+1,251 mi
  3. 07/02/2025113,892 mi
  4. 10/02/2026118,192 mi+4,300 mi
  5. 10/02/2026118,192 mi

Average of roughly 2,729 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for Audi Audi A2 (8Z)

Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
72/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£900-£1,200
Mileage
At 118,192 miles, this vehicle's mileage...

Our Verdict

A recommended buy for those seeking a quirky, fuel-efficient city car, provided you accept its age. This specific A2 has been consistently maintained to pass its MOTs, though it shows typical wear and tear for a 24-year-old vehicle.

When inspecting this A2, focus on the service history of the 1.4L diesel engine. Ensure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced according to Audi's intervals, as these are critical failure points for this engine. Check for any evidence of recent work on the braking system, specifically the rear pipes which were noted as excessively corroded in 2019.

Negotiate based on the age of the tyres and the current state of the suspension. Given the history of ball joint and anti-roll bar failures (noted in 2023 and 2024), a fresh suspension check is advisable to ensure no new wear has developed since the last test.

The 1.4L diesel engine is renowned for exceptional fuel economy, making this an ideal low-cost commuter. Being a 2002 model, it will fall into a lower tax bracket compared to modern diesels, though you should verify the specific VED rate for this registration year.

Insurance groups for the A2 are generally low, keeping annual premiums affordable. Maintenance costs are typically moderate, though some A2-specific parts can be harder to source than for a standard A3 or A4. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and basic servicing, are likely to be quite low.

Pay close attention to the front suspension. The MOT history shows a pattern of wear here, with anti-roll bar bushes failing in 2023 and ball joint/track rod end dust covers failing in 2024. Check for any current knocking or play in the steering.

Inspect the underbody for corrosion, particularly around the rear brake pipes, as these were flagged as 'excessively corroded' in January 2019. Finally, check the electrical health of the lighting system; the vehicle has failed two recent MOTs (2025 and 2026) due to dipped beam failures on both the offside and nearside headlamps.

This blue 2002 Audi A2 diesel has covered 118,192 miles, which is relatively low for its age. The MOT history shows a vehicle that is used regularly but requires periodic attention to suspension and lighting. While it has faced several failures, they have been addressed promptly, and the car has remained in roadworthy condition.

The Audi A2 is generally regarded as a robust and well-built vehicle, though its aluminium chassis requires specific care regarding corrosion and repair.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

AUDI A2 Model Intelligence & Reliability

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