2004 Audi A4 2.0L Petrol · RC04 DAS

A consistent record of pass results with only one advisory entry across eight tests forms the mechanical narrative for this 2004 Audi A4, with the most recent examination on 9 March 2026 returning a clean pass and no advisories recorded. That single advisory appeared on the 24 March 2025 test, noting a worn offside rear inner anti-roll bar pin or bush with a cracked sleeve. While the item did not result in excessive movement at the time and the vehicle subsequently passed without recurrence, the entry signals that the anti-roll bar linkage on the rear axle has begun to deteriorate. Given the vehicle's age of over two decades, the absence of any further advisories on related suspension components, brakes, corrosion, or exhaust items across the recorded history points toward a stable rather than worsening trend in terms of formal test outcomes. The recorded mileage of 34,964 miles against an age of approximately 22 years equates to an average accumulation of around 1,589 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage. No significant gaps in the testing history are evident, with annual MOT entries recorded consistently from 2019 through 2026, indicating the car has remained in regular use and on the road throughout this period. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, and can also mean that friction-based consumables like brake pads and discs have experienced limited cycling. However, low-mileage vehicles that have remained in service rather than being laid up still present particular considerations around ageing rubber and polymer components, which degrade with calendar age regardless of distance covered. For a prospective buyer, the primary area to investigate is the rear anti-roll bar linkage flagged in 2025, specifically the offside inner pin or bush and its surrounding sleeve. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear axle when traversing speed humps, uneven surfaces, or undulating B-roads, as a worn anti-roll bar bush typically produces audible slack that is most apparent over sharp inputs. With the vehicle stationary, physically摇晃 the rear wheel from side to side at the top and bottom to detect any free play that would indicate deteriorated bushes, and observe whether the cracked sleeve noted previously has been replaced or has progressed. Given that the advisory did not specify excessive movement, a compliant replacement with a quality polyurethane or OEM component should restore integrity, but confirmation of any remedial work carried out since March 2025 would be advisable. Beyond the flagged suspension item, the test drive should include focused evaluation of components commonly affected by age on a 22-year-old Audi A4 regardless of the clean MOT record. Apply the brakes firmly from moderate speed to check for any pedal pulsation suggesting warped front discs, and listen for grinding or squealing that would indicate pad wear approaching the limit. Inspect the underside and wheel arches visually for any emerging corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and suspension arms, as MOT corrosion advisories can escalate to failures in subsequent years once initiated. Finally, verify that all electronic systems, including dashboard warning lights, central locking, and climate control, function correctly, as low-mileage vehicles sometimes harbour latent electrical faults that only manifest under specific conditions, and ensure the vehicle starts promptly from cold without excessive smoke or hesitation.