2004 Audi A6 4.2L Petrol · OY54 MVN

A recurring theme across the MOT record is progressive wear in the braking system and front‑tyre edge wear, yet the car has avoided outright failures, with the most recent test on 6 June 2024 recorded as a pass accompanied by advisories on thin front brake pads, a product on the front‑headlamp lens and several lighting faults. Earlier tests also flagged corroded front brake pipes (2022) and pitted front brake discs (2020 and 2019), indicating a pattern of gradual deterioration rather than sudden loss of safety‑critical function. At 143 441 miles the vehicle averages roughly 6 500 miles per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within typical usage for a 22‑year‑old car. The MOT history shows regular annual testing with no gaps longer than a year, suggesting the mileage has been accumulated steadily rather than in large, undocumented bursts. Steady mileage of this magnitude generally translates to wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and CV boots, which aligns with the advisories recorded. Prospective buyers should give the braking system close attention. Inspect the front brake pads for remaining thickness; the 2024 advisory notes they are already thin on both sides, so a measurable reduction in pedal travel, pulsation or squealing under braking would be expected if the pads are near the end of life. Examine the front brake pipes for surface corrosion or grease build‑up noted in 2022, and check for any fluid seepage around the pipe fittings. The front discs were flagged as pitted in 2019 and 2020 – feel for any vibration or judder when applying the brakes, and verify that the disc surfaces are free of deep scoring that could impair braking efficiency. Replacing pads and possibly resurfacing or replacing the discs may be required soon. Tyre condition and related components also merit scrutiny. The 2018 and 2019 advisories highlighted inner‑edge wear on both front tyres, a symptom often linked to mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes; a test‑drive should reveal any steering pull or uneven tyre noise. The off‑side front outer drive‑shaft CV boot was recorded as severely deteriorated in 2020, so verify that the boot is intact and free of grease splatter, and listen for a clicking or whirring noise that could indicate joint wear. Finally, confirm that all exterior lamps – front headlamp, rear registration plate lamp and rear stop lamp – illuminate correctly, as multiple lighting advisories persist, and replace any faulty bulbs or lenses before the next MOT.