2000 Audi A4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Audi A4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Audi A4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usual
  Audi A4

  18.8% All 2000 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.5% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Audi A4

  24.2% All 2000 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 2000 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.

• Wheel bearings3.4× usual
  Audi A4

  17.4% All 2000 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.1% of all 2000 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.

• Ball joint3.1× usual
  Audi A4

  17.4% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 2.2% of all 2000 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Audi A4

  16.1% All 2000 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.3% of all 2000 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.

Common 2000 Audi A4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Audi A4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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
  33% 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
  22% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  19% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2000 Audi A4 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Air conditioning faults

  All engines

  There are many reports of air conditioning faults on this A4.

  At the viewing: Turn the air con to its coldest setting and make sure it blows properly cold within a few minutes.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Gearbox synchromesh wear

  Manual gearbox

  Some manual gearboxes have synchromesh problems.

  At the viewing: Change up and down through every gear, quickly and slowly. Be wary of crunching or gears that are hard to select.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Front suspension wear

  All engines

  A few higher-mileage cars have front suspension problems.

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks or clonks over bumps, and check the steering feels tight.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Oil use (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels often use a lot of oil when new. It should settle down, but an owner who didn't keep it topped up may have caused damage.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2000 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2000 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2000 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?