2009 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · PL09 RFX

The most recent MOT on 1 September 2025 recorded a failure, the principal defect being an off‑side front headlamp that did not operate on dipped beam, together with a series of corrosion advisories on both front wings, the rear chassis and the rear beam. Earlier in the same session a pass was logged but only with non‑critical advisories, indicating that the headlamp fault was the decisive item. Over the last three years the record has moved from clean passes (2022‑2021) to a major rear tyre tread deficiency, a fractured off‑side front coil spring and an incorrect rear indicator colour in 2023, then to a brake‑disc wear advisory in 2024 and now to the headlamp failure and multiple corrosion notes. The pattern is clearly one of deteriorating condition rather than improvement, and the vehicle will require remedial work before it can be considered road‑worthy. At 180 016 miles the car averages roughly 10 600 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope for a 2009 model. There are no obvious large mileage gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear observed is likely to be the result of steady, moderate use. That mileage level places the vehicle well into the wear cycle for major consumables – brake discs, suspension bushings, tyres and engine oil seals – and any components that have not been replaced in line with service intervals may now be approaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the corrosion noted on the front wings, rear chassis and rear beam. Inspect these areas for surface rust, panel thinning or any signs of structural compromise around mounting points for the suspension, steering rack and rear sub‑frame. Any bubbling paint, flaking metal or perforation should be treated as a red flag, and a professional rust‑repair estimate may be required. The off‑side front headlamp must be tested for both high and low beam operation; a simple bulb swap may resolve the issue, but if the wiring loom or connector is corroded it could re‑appear later. The previous fracture of the off‑side front coil spring suggests that the spring or its mounting may have been replaced; verify the presence of a new spring, check for any audible clunking over bumps, and examine the associated damper and lower control arm bushings for excessive play or leakage. The rear tyre that failed the tread‑depth check must be replaced immediately, and both rear tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, uneven wear or delamination, as the remaining tyre may be similarly aged. The brake‑disc advisory from 2024 indicates that the discs are approaching the minimum thickness; measure the disc depth and consider resurfacing or replacement, especially if you notice pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough age‑related inspection. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage; a battery older than ten years often fails under load. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and signs of contamination, and replace them if they have not been serviced within the recommended calendar intervals. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot, especially on the front tyres which may have been stored for long periods; any cracking or hardening warrants replacement regardless of tread depth. Finally, listen for any abnormal noises from the steering column, CV joints and gearbox during a test drive, and feel for any pull or vibration that could indicate worn suspension bushes, misaligned wheels or deteriorating engine mounts. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it up to a reliable standard.