1996 Audi A4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Audi A4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Audi A4 diesel than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Brake discs2.6× usual
  Audi A4

  23% All 1996 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.5% of all 1996 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.

• Tread depth2.2× usual
  Audi A4

  20.6% All 1996 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Audi A4

  16.7% All 1996 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 1996 Audi A4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Audi A4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  47% 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
  39% 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
  29% 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
  21% 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
  14% 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 1996 Audi A4 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1996 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1996 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1996 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?