2016 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · YO16 UEA

This Audi A4’s roadworthiness record shows a concerning instability in its structural integrity, particularly in the rear suspension. The most recent tests reveal a fractured near-side rear coil spring in February 2026, despite the vehicle passing the same day—an anomaly that suggests either a rushed inspection or an attempt to bypass critical checks. The absence of further suspension-related failures in prior tests makes this a singular, high-risk issue rather than a gradual deterioration, though it demands immediate verification. The vehicle’s most recent MOT, just five months old, does not absolve the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, as the spring failure indicates latent mechanical stress that could escalate. The mileage progression of 107,435 miles over ten years reflects typical usage without extreme wear patterns, though the gaps between tests reveal inconsistent maintenance. The largest interval—13,000 miles—occurred between January 2025 and February 2026, a period that includes the critical suspension failure. Earlier tests in January 2025 and January 2024 show no defects, suggesting the vehicle was mechanically sound until the rear tyres and brakes began showing wear in 2025. The 2023 test highlighted rear tyre treads nearing the legal limit, yet no corrective action appears to have been taken before the 2025 failure, indicating either delayed repairs or neglect. A buyer must prioritise a professional inspection of the rear suspension, focusing on the near-side coil spring and adjacent components such as the subframe, bushings, and shock absorbers. The 2025 advisories on rear tyre wear and the nail in the offside front tyre underscore the need to check for uneven tread degradation, potential sub-surface damage, or hidden corrosion in the wheel arches. Brake condition should also be reassessed, particularly the rear pads and calipers, as the 2025 advisory suggested thinning wear. Structural integrity of the rear axle and floorpan should be scrutinised for signs of rust or distortion, given the spring failure’s severity. The absence of further suspension issues in prior tests makes this a red flag rather than a trend, but it cannot be dismissed as a one-off anomaly without confirmation.