2016 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · RF66 PCZ

The most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 11 November 2025 resulted in a pass, with two advisory items recorded: an offside rear child seat fitted that prevented full inspection of the adult belt, and an offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement. Evaluating the maintenance history overall, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2019 without any failures, which points to a broadly stable mechanical condition. The advisory notes have been intermittent and varied in nature, covering emissions sensor readings, brake pad wear, under-tray masking, and now a suspension component, with no single defect repeating across consecutive tests. This pattern is consistent with a car that has been progressively maintained rather than one suffering from a chronic or worsening underlying fault, although the emergence of a suspension advisory on the most recent test warrants close attention given the age of the vehicle. With a recorded mileage of 58,101 miles over approximately ten years, this Audi A4 has covered an average of around 5,810 miles annually, which is notably low for the class and age. Such restrained mileage suggests the car may have experienced extended periods of standing or only short, infrequent journeys, particularly if private usage has been light. Mechanically, low annual mileage does not necessarily equate to a well-preserved vehicle, as short journeys prevent the engine, exhaust system, and catalytic converter from reaching full operating temperature, potentially leading to moisture accumulation in the oil, premature exhaust corrosion internally, and incomplete DPF regeneration cycles on diesel variants. Conversely, components associated with high-mileage wear such as clutches, gearboxes, and major engine internal parts will have seen less use, though age-related degradation of rubber, seals, and fluids still progresses regardless of distance covered. Given the advisory recorded on the most recent test regarding an offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, this component should be physically inspected prior to purchase, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp. Worn suspension bushes and pins progressively deteriorate and can lead to vague steering response, uneven or feathered tyre wear particularly on the front offside, and clonking or knocking noises transmitted through the front suspension over bumps, kerbs, or during low-speed manoeuvres. On a test drive, listen carefully for any structural knocks from the front end, pay attention to steering precision and whether the vehicle tracks straight without drift, and inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres for irregular wear patterns. The 2022 advisory regarding front brake pads wearing thin suggests the pads were approaching replacement threshold at that time, and given the intervening mileage, a thorough inspection of the current pad material thickness, disc condition including lipping, and caliper slide pin operation is advisable to confirm whether subsequent brake servicing has been completed. In view of the low recorded mileage and the vehicle being ten years old, several age-related inspections are particularly relevant irrespective of the favourable MOT history. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking, perishing, and any signs of UV degradation, as tyres older than five years can harden and lose grip even if the tread depth remains legal. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries typically require replacement every four to six years and standing periods accelerate internal sulphation. Given that fluid degradation is calendar-based rather than mileage-based, the engine oil and filter, brake fluid, coolant, and any automatic transmission fluid should be verified as recently serviced, with documentary evidence such as service book stamps or invoices reviewed. The brake discs, having potentially sat unused for prolonged periods, should be checked for surface corrosion and the calipers examined for any binding that could cause uneven pad transfer or pulling under braking. Finally, given the 2024 advisory noting exhaust emissions were too low to register, confirmation should be sought that no underlying sensor or catalyst fault has been left unresolved, and a general inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points, flex joint, and rear silencer is prudent given the age of the vehicle.