1997 Audi Cabriolet: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Audi Cabriolet?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Audi Cabriolet than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Corroded fuel pipes9.9× usual
  Audi Cabriolet

  9.9% All 1997 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Audi Cabriolet

  15.7% All 1997 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.2% of all 1997 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.4× usual
  Audi Cabriolet

  13% All 1997 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Audi Cabriolet

  11.6% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 1.9% of all 1997 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.

Common 1997 Audi Cabriolet MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Audi Cabriolet MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  36% 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.

• 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.

• Brakes
  32% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Audi Cabriolet

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

1. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 9.9× as often on the 1997 Audi Cabriolet as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1997 Audi Cabriolet as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1997 Audi Cabriolet as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?