2008 Audi A4 1.8L Petrol · NE08 KAX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 September 2025, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering front and rear brake discs, a minor oil leak, wear on the front upper suspension arm pin or bush, and the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal tread limit. Over the last three years the vehicle has moved from a pattern of frequent failures – notably lighting, ABS/ESC, steering column universal joint and a fractured rear coil spring – to a clean pass, albeit with lingering wear items. This suggests the owner has addressed the most serious safety failures, yet the underlying wear on braking, suspension and tyre components remains un‑resolved, indicating a maintenance trend that is improving but still requires attention. At 125,939 miles recorded for an 18‑year‑old 2008 Audi A4 the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7 000 miles per year, which sits comfortably within normal UK usage levels. The relatively modest yearly accumulation points to periods of low utilisation or extended storage, which can exacerbate age‑related degradation such as tyre perishing, rubber cracking and corrosion of metal components. Nevertheless, the mileage is sufficient that consumables – brake discs, suspension bushes, tyres and engine seals – are expected to be approaching the end of their service lives and should be inspected with that expectation. Prospective buyers should focus on the brake system first. Both front and rear discs are flagged as worn, pitted and scored; while not yet structurally compromised, they are likely to produce a noticeable pulsation or shudder under hard braking and will generate increased dust. Replacement of the discs, and possibly the pads, should be scheduled within the next few thousand miles. The oil leak, noted consistently since 2022, warrants a visual inspection of the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and any surrounding hoses; monitor the oil level and look for oil spots on the engine bay after the car has been parked. The front upper suspension arm bush wear can manifest as a clunk when navigating bumps or during steering input; checking for excessive play in the front wheel hub and inspecting the bush for looseness will indicate whether a replacement is imminent. The off‑side front tyre is already at the legal limit and the sidewalls of both front and rear off‑side tyres show cracking – these tyres should be replaced promptly to avoid sudden failure, especially in wet conditions. In addition, the vehicle still carries several electronic and lighting faults that were recorded in earlier tests. The ABS and electronic stability control warning lamps, together with a steering column universal joint showing excessive play, may now be dormant but could re‑appear if the underlying components have not been repaired; a test drive should include a check for any warning lights, a smooth and quiet steering feel, and the absence of knocking when turning the wheel. All external lamps – stop lamp, rear position lamp and rear fog lamps – must be functional before the next MOT. Given the car’s age, a thorough inspection of the 12 V battery for sulphation, a check of coolant, brake and gearbox fluids for signs of degradation, and a visual survey for corrosion on the chassis and under‑body panels are prudent. Verifying that the service book contains recent oil changes and any suspension component replacements will also give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with its mileage and age.