2009 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · SM09 FZX

The vehicle presented a Pass at its most recent DVSA MOT examination on 17 November 2025, with a single advisory recorded for light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. Reviewing the broader test history, the overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than actively deteriorating, though the recurring presence of advisories relating to brake discs, suspension components and tyres points to a vehicle that is being kept on the road through normal wear management rather than proactive refurbishment. A Major Failure was recorded on 18 November 2020 for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, which suggests an emissions or engine control issue was rectified at that time. The absence of any structural corrosion advisories and the clean Pass with no advisories on 17 November 2022 indicates the vehicle is fundamentally sound, although the accumulation of component-level advisories over recent tests warrants close physical inspection prior to purchase. The recorded mileage of 146,444 miles on a 2009 example represents an annual average of roughly 8,614 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests consistent but moderate use. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT history indicating long periods of standing, nor are there signs of unusually rapid mileage accumulation that would suggest fleet or high-intensity use. Given the 17 year age, prospective buyers should remain mindful that calendar-based deterioration of components like rubber bushes, coolant hoses, brake fluid and the 12 volt battery can occur regardless of mileage covered, and that the relatively modest annual use does not fully offset age-related degradation. Recurring advisories for front and rear brake disc wear and pitting have appeared at multiple tests across 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024, indicating that the discs have been progressively wearing and may now be approaching a point at which replacement would be prudent, particularly if the existing discs are near their minimum thickness. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, which would indicate disc runout, and check for any pulling to one side suggesting uneven pad deposition. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting noted in 2025 is an early indicator of seal failure and should be monitored; symptoms include a slight knocking over speed humps or uneven road surfaces, and excessive rear body movement under braking. The advisories on the front upper suspension arm pins and bushes from 2024, together with the lower arm inner bushes and deteriorated bonding material noted in 2020, suggest progressive wear in the front suspension geometry. On test, listen for clonking or knocking over bumps, check for uneven front tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer shoulders, and inspect the tyres carefully as the 2023 advisory noted front tyres worn close to the legal limit. Given the vehicle age, physical inspection should additionally cover perishing or cracking of tyre sidewalls from age related rubber degradation even where tread depth remains adequate, the condition of the timing belt and cambelt service interval if applicable to the engine variant, the age and state of the coolant and brake fluid, and the condition of the 12 volt battery which on a 17 year old vehicle will almost certainly require replacement. Examine the underside for any fluid leaks from the engine, power steering or transmission, pay particular attention to the condition of the rear shock absorber body for any worsening oil seepage, and verify that the engine management lamp illuminates correctly on ignition and extinguishes once running to confirm the earlier 2020 MIL defect has been properly resolved. Confirm the presence of a stamped service history and ensure that recent attention has been directed towards the advisory components flagged in the MOT record, particularly the brake discs and suspension bushes.