2006 Audi A4 1.9L Diesel · OV06 AAU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 2024-05-08 with no defects recorded, which is a reassuring immediate result. However, the prior test on 2022-12-05, although a pass, carried five separate advisories covering tyres, rear coil springs, steering rack play, and rear brake disc condition, indicating that while the car was roadworthy at the time, several wear-related items were noted that would warrant attention going forward. The intervening failed test on 2022-12-02 was the result of an SRS warning lamp fault, which is safety-critical as it suggests the airbag or pretensioner system may not deploy correctly in an impact. Overall, the maintenance trend is broadly stable, but there is a cluster of chassis and steering advisories that a buyer should investigate before purchase. With approximately 110,503 miles recorded over 20 years, the annual mileage is roughly 5,525 miles, which is notably low and suggests either consistent light use or, more likely, extended periods of standing between uses. Such low annual mileage often correlates with calendar-based degradation rather than wear-based wear, particularly affecting tyres, brake components, batteries, and fluids, while the mechanical drivetrain may have less wear than the mileage figure implies. The MOT history also reflects this, with no recorded tests between late 2021 and mid 2024, indicating that the vehicle was likely off the road for a considerable period prior to its most recent test. Given the advisories from December 2022, particular attention should be paid to the rear coil springs, which were noted as corroded at both nearside and offside. This is a common issue on Audi B7 platform A4s and tends to progress over time, eventually resulting in spring snapping or affecting ride height. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear suspension over bumps, and visually inspect the springs for heavy surface corrosion or any signs of fracture. The advisory regarding play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint also warrants close inspection, as rack wear typically worsens progressively and can produce a vague, wandering steering feel, uneven front tyre wear, or knocking when turning at low speed. The rear brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored, and given the very low mileage and likely standing periods, the discs may also exhibit corrosion or binding, both of which can produce brake shudder, uneven pedal feel, or pulling to one side under braking. The offside front tyre was flagged for cracking or perishing in 2022, and given the two-year-old nature of the data, rubber ageing on all tyres should be a primary physical inspection point, looking for sidewall cracking, tread separation, or hardened rubber regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the MOT records, age-appropriate checks should include verifying the 12V battery health, as low-mileage vehicles with frequent standing periods commonly suffer battery degradation, and confirming the age and condition of brake fluid, coolant, and the cam belt and tensioner, which on a 2006 Audi A4 are typically due at fixed intervals rather than by mileage, and should be evidenced by service book stamps or invoices.