1997 Audi A4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Audi A4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Audi A4 than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Brake discs2.5× usual
  Audi A4

  22.9% All 1997 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 1997 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Audi A4

  15.4% All 1997 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 1997 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Audi A4

  14.9% All 1997 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, 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.

• Wheel bearings2.4× usual
  Audi A4

  16.6% All 1997 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, 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.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Audi A4

  12.7% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.5% of all 1997 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.

Common 1997 Audi A4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  44% 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
  36% 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
  25% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 A4

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 2.5× as often on the 1997 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1997 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1997 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?