2004 Audi A2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Audi A2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Audi A2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Braking performance1.7× usual
  Audi A2

  12.4% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Shock absorbers1.7× usual
  Audi A2

  11.3% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.7% of all 2004 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 ends1.7× usual
  Audi A2

  10.9% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm2× usual
  Audi A2

  7% All 2004 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

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

  3.8% All 2004 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.3% of all 2004 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 2004 Audi A2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Audi A2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  40% 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
  34% 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
  15% 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
  10% 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 2004 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 braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Audi A2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?