2004 Audi A4 1.9L Diesel · PL54 BGF

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 November 2025 resulted in a PASS outcome, although several advisories and a minor defect were recorded at that time. The underlying trend across the last three or four tests shows a vehicle that is being maintained to a legal roadworthy standard, but one in which a cluster of age and mileage related wear items are accumulating rather than being resolved. The 26 November 2024 test was a failure, with the catalogue noting corrosion to the rear subframe, pitted front brake discs, and perishing rear tyres, items that were not rectified in a way that prevented their reappearance or similar findings on the 13 December 2024 retest. Taken together, the pattern suggests a slowly worsening condition rather than an actively deteriorating one, and a prospective buyer should approach this car expecting further remedial work to be required in the near term. Recorded mileage stands at 151,282 miles over an approximate 22 year span, equating to a broadly typical annual average of just under 6,900 miles. This is not a low use or garage queen profile, nor is it exceptionally high for a vehicle of this vintage, so the wear recorded on suspension, brakes and tyres is broadly consistent with what one would expect from a working A4 of this age. There is no obvious evidence in the mileage progression of extended standing periods or of abnormally rapid accumulation in any single year, which means the advisories are more likely the result of steady accumulated use rather than neglect or abuse. The rear coil spring corrosion flagged at both sides on the most recent test is a particularly important item for a buyer to evaluate. Coil springs carry the vehicle's weight and are safety critical components; once surface corrosion advances to pitting or section loss the spring can fracture, often without warning, leading to a sudden drop in ride height on one corner and a potential loss of control. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear suspension over bumps and undulating roads, and visually inspect the springs for flaking rust, deep pitting or any visible cracks, particularly at the lower coils where moisture and road salt collect. The nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear noted at the same test should also be inspected closely; worn bushes typically present as vague steering, a reluctance to settle after cornering, or a clunk when traversing speed bumps or potholes. Replacement bushes are relatively inexpensive but the labour to press them in can be significant on an A4, and if movement has progressed it may be more economical to fit a complete arm. The near-side front outer constant velocity boot deterioration recorded as a minor defect is a clear warning that the driveshaft joint is at risk of contamination. A split boot allows grease to escape and water and grit to ingress, rapidly destroying the CV joint and leading to vibration on acceleration, a clicking or knocking when turning at full lock, and ultimately joint failure. This should be addressed promptly, and ideally replaced with a split boot and re-greased joint before further use. The recurring front brake disc pitting and the subframe corrosion advisories point to an overall picture of a vehicle that is beginning to suffer the consequences of its age and mileage. On inspection, the buyer should verify the condition of the brake discs with a fingernail or torch check for a sharp lip and scoring, examine the rear subframe mounting points and welds for any advanced structural corrosion, and confirm that all four tyres are of recent manufacture date with no sidewall perishing. It would also be prudent to check the engine oil level and underside for any sign of the oil leak previously noted, to confirm the timing belt or chain replacement interval has been observed on this engine, and to establish when the brake fluid, coolant and automatic transmission fluid were last changed, as calendar degradation of these fluids is a common oversight on older vehicles and can lead to internal corrosion and component failure regardless of mileage.