1998 Audi A4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Audi A4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Audi A4 petrol than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Audi A4

  19.5% All 1998 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.6% of all 1998 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Audi A4

  13.2% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.2% of all 1998 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
  Audi A4

  13.1% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.9% of all 1998 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.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Audi A4

  11.2% All 1998 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.7% of all 1998 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.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Audi A4

  7.9% All 1998 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1998 Audi A4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Audi A4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% 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
  24% 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
  23% 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
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 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 2× as often on the 1998 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1998 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1998 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?