2012 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · RO62 FRL

The 2012 AUDI A4 presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by recurring advisories and two outright failures over its fourteen-year lifespan, with the latest MOT on 2026-03-05 resulting in a pass despite retaining numerous outstanding concerns. Key issues identified include rear tyres beginning to perish, rear brake discs remaining worn, near-side front tyres worn close to legal limits with visible edge damage, and slight deterioration of all upper suspension arms. Earlier failures in early 2023 involved headlamp alignment errors, obstructed undertrays preventing full inspection, and persistent brake wear on both front and rear discs, indicating a pattern of neglected maintenance rather than isolated incidents. While the most recent test confirmed the car remains roadworthy, the persistence of these issues across multiple years suggests a gradual decline in component condition that will require prompt attention. The vehicle has accumulated approximately 131,500 miles since its production in 2008, yielding an average annual consumption of about 9,400 miles which falls within the expected range for a fourteen-year-old passenger car. There are no apparent anomalous mileage spikes or extended periods of inactivity in the record, although the brief interval between the 2024-03-12 and 2025-03-06 tests coincided with a failed MOT where undertrays and covers were reported as obstructing proper inspection, potentially concealing additional underlying problems. The steady pace of mileage accumulation indicates regular daily driving rather than extreme high-use or long-term storage scenarios, meaning the powertrain and drivetrain have experienced continuous operational loads. Nevertheless, the combination of advancing tyre wear, continued rear brake disc wear, and progressively deteriorating suspension bushings signals that while the odometer reading is modest, the mechanical systems are aging in parallel with the vehicle's life. Rear tyres showing signs of impending failure should be monitored closely, as the 2026-03-05 advisory notes they are starting to perish, which may present as uneven tread wear, reduced grip, or a cushioned ride that increases substantially on corners. The rear brake discs, consistently flagged as worn across 2023-02-22 and 2026-03-05, warrant checking for longer stopping distances, pedal vibrations, or audible grinding when applying the brakes firmly. The near-side front tyres are worn close to the legal limit with edges appearing damaged, a condition likely to produce a vibrating steering wheel at speed and potential blow-out risks on imperfect pavement. Additionally, the slight wear detected on all upper suspension arms since their documentation in 2026-03-05 should be verified by listening for clunking over bumps or observing a loss of responsiveness during cornering. During a test drive, focus on corner entry and exit to assess rear axle behaviour, paying particular attention to any knocking or scraping noise emanating from the rear axle area that could indicate developing rear brake disc issues. Approach speed bumps slowly and note whether the near-side front tyres exhibit excessive scrub, a shuffling sensation through the steering column, or a tendency for the wheel to wander outward, all of which point to the worn tyres mentioned in the latest MOT. Listen for any pulsation in the brake pedal when decelerating, which may signal rotor runout or pad glazing related to the rear brake disc wear. Finally, perform a quick visual check of all exterior lighting assemblies, including headlights and directional indicators, as prior failures in 2023-02-22 and 2024-03-12 highlighted headlamp projection errors and incorrect direction indicator colours that could compromise night-time safety if left uncorrected.