2010 Audi A4 2.0L Petrol · RF10 CVC

The most recent MOT test on the 2010 Audi A4 was conducted on 2025-08-15, resulting in a passing grade despite the presence of several advisories. While the vehicle has not failed an MOT since 2021, the pattern of recurring advisories—particularly around the rear brakes and suspension arm bushes—indicates a trend of gradual wear progression rather than a sudden deterioration. The failure in 2025-08-06 highlighted major issues with the front suspension arms, suggesting that while the vehicle has managed to pass subsequent tests, the underlying wear in these critical components is advancing. This consistency in advisories, coupled with the absence of more severe failures, implies that the owner has likely addressed minor issues promptly, but the long-term reliability of the suspension and braking systems remains a concern that demands closer attention. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 138,501 miles at the time of assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,656 miles, which is typical for a 16-year-old car with a high-mileage profile. The steady accumulation of miles over the years suggests consistent use, which accelerates wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and tyres. However, the absence of significant mileage gaps—such as long periods of inactivity—could also indicate potential neglect, as standing vehicles are prone to issues like brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and fluid degradation. The wear observed in the suspension and brakes aligns with the expected progression from such usage, but the lack of service records or detailed maintenance history means that the true extent of internal wear, particularly in the drivetrain and engine, remains uncertain. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent inspection should focus on the suspension and braking systems, given the recurring advisories. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the front suspension, which may indicate further wear in the arms or bushes, and check for uneven tyre wear or vibration that could signal misalignment or suspension failure. The rear brakes, particularly the discs and pads, show significant wear, with the pads nearing the legal limit. Inspect the rear brake discs for pitting or scoring, which could lead to reduced braking performance or premature failure if not addressed soon. Additionally, verify that the rear brake calipers are not binding, which can cause uneven wear or require manual adjustment during braking. Beyond the immediate concerns, conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage for signs of corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, exhaust system, and suspension mounts, as these areas are prone to rust in a high-mileage vehicle. Check the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can compromise structural integrity, and ensure the tread depth meets or exceeds the legal minimum of 1.6mm, especially on the near-side front tyre that failed in 2021. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of weakness, such as corrosion on terminals or difficulty cranking the engine, as batteries in vehicles of this age often degrade over time. Finally, verify that the service book is up to date, particularly for fluid changes—oil, brake fluid, and coolant—which should have been replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, ideally every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5 years, whichever comes first. If service records are lacking, consider arranging a comprehensive inspection by a qualified mechanic to assess internal components like the engine, transmission, and exhaust system for signs of wear or damage.