1995 Audi A4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Audi A4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Audi A4 petrol than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Brake discs3.1× usual
  Audi A4

  25.5% All 1995 cars

  8.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.5% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Audi A4

  19.9% All 1995 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 2.6% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 1995 Audi A4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Audi A4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Audi A4 petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1995 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1995 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?