2014 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · WN14 HOJ

This twelve-year-old Audi A4 presents a progressively worsening mechanical picture across the DVSA record, with the most recent pass on 7 May 2026 carrying the heaviest advisory load seen in its testing history. The earlier tests in 2022 and 2023 were largely clean, but the trajectory since 2025 shows accumulating wear items appearing simultaneously across the braking, suspension, and exhaust systems. A fracture of the nearside rear coil spring in 2022 was a notable structural failure, and while the vehicle has passed its subsequent tests, the front suspension arm bushes, offside front coil spring corrosion, and shock absorber casing corrosion flagged in the 2026 test suggest the corrosion and wear cycle that caused the original spring failure is advancing on the front axle too. The front and rear brake disc pitting advisories recorded in both 2025 and 2026 point to discs that are steadily deteriorating rather than being renewed, so the buyer should treat the braking system as approaching its next major service interval. Against a twelve-year lifespan, the recorded 94,423 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,869 miles, which sits broadly in line with the UK average for a vehicle of this age. There is a notable gap between the July 2022 test and the March 2025 test, covering approximately two and a half years without recorded MOT activity; while this could simply reflect a period of SORN or off-road storage, it is worth confirming the mileage accumulated in that window against the service book stamps to ensure the odometer reading is continuous. The relatively modest annual mileage means high-stress components such as the clutch and manual gearbox internals have likely seen lighter use, though the undertrays noted in 2025 suggest the previous keeper was conscious of shielding the underbody from road debris, which can both conceal corrosion and protect it depending on conditions. Given the documented suspension wear, a test drive should pay particular attention to the front end over uneven surfaces. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front lower and upper arm bushes when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for vagueness or a loose sensation through the steering wheel on rough tarmac, which would indicate the worn pin or bush movement has progressed beyond advisory severity. Over undulating ground, any rear-end sag or audible thud from the boot area would warrant further inspection of the remaining rear coil springs, as one has already fractured. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for any judder or vibration under firm application, as the pitted front discs flagged twice in succession will produce a pronounced steering-wheel shimmy as they wear further; binding or sticking calipers can also accompany heavy disc wear on Audis of this era. The exhaust bracket corrosion flagged on the centre section is a common advisory on older vehicles and rarely urgent, but the buyer should physically inspect the system on a cold engine bay for any hissing, ticking, or visible soot staining around joints that would indicate an active leak ahead of the next test. The headlamp aim and front position lamp failures from 2022 were clearly rectified prior to the later passes, so no immediate concern exists there, though checking all bulbs and the headlamp levelling operation is worthwhile. Finally, a thorough underside inspection or a borescope check of the subframe and suspension pick-up points is strongly advised, given the recurring coil spring and shock absorber corrosion themes, as this is the area most likely to dictate the vehicle's medium-term roadworthiness and resale value.