1997 Audi A4 1.9L Diesel · R73 YJW
1997 Audi A4 (1.9L, diesel). First registered 07 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 196,785 miles. MOT expired on 25 Oct 2024.
- Make & Model
- AUDI A4
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 196,785 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R73 YJW Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/10/2023
- 196,785 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R73 YJW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Audi A4 (R73 YJW) between October 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 October 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (12 issues), Brakes (10 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 28 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn front arm of the front suspension (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
R73 YJW Mileage History
- 18/10/2022194,764 mi
- 21/10/2022194,835 mi+71 mi
- 16/10/2023196,785 mi+1,950 mi
Average of roughly 2,033 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Audi Audi A4 Mk1 (B5)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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AUDI A4 Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Multi-Link Front Upper Control Arm Pinch Bolt Seizure & Bush TearingModerate
The four-link front suspension features long steel pinch bolts through the aluminum hub carriers that seize solid from galvanic corrosion and road salt, while the upper and lower control arm rubber bushes split and knock.
- Plenum Chamber Battery Drain Rubber Grommet Blockage & Brake Servo FloodingSerious
The battery tray sits in a bulkhead plenum chamber with two one-way rubber drain grommets that clog with road debris and pine needles. Trapped water submerges the brake servo, drawing water into the vacuum line and rusting the servo shell.
- 1.8T Longitudinal Oil Sump Sludge & Hydraulic Lifter StarvationSerious
The longitudinally mounted 1.8T has a relatively small 3.5-litre oil capacity. Following factory long-life variable service schedules causes severe oil coking that chokes the oil pump pickup pipe gauze, starving the camshafts and turbo.
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