2002 Audi A2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Audi A2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Audi A2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Ball joint dust cover3.4× usual
  Audi A2

  14.4% All 2002 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Audi A2

  17.5% All 2002 cars

  10.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Audi A2

  12.8% All 2002 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Audi A2

  11.4% All 2002 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Windscreen2.1× usual
  Audi A2

  8.7% All 2002 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2002 Audi A2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Audi A2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  39% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Audi A2 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2002 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2002 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?