2003 Audi A2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Audi A2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Audi A2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Audi A2

  17.5% All 2003 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.4% of all 2003 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 absorbers1.8× usual
  Audi A2

  12% All 2003 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.6% of all 2003 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.

• Braking performance1.7× usual
  Audi A2

  12.9% All 2003 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 3.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  Audi A2

  6.5% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.1× usual
  Audi A2

  4.7% All 2003 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2003 Audi A2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Audi A2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  38% 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
  31% 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
  19% 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
  11% 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 2003 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?