Audi A4 SE 120 TDI (2009)
2009 Audi A4 SE 120 TDI
CarHunch analysed 126 real MOT records for the 2009 Audi A4 SE 120 TDI. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2009 A4 diesel is a genuine reliability concern: only 38% pass MOT first time versus the UK average of 80%, and the median CarHunch score of 25 is well below acceptable. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare—none recorded in this sample—but you're looking at a model that will struggle through its MOT with consistent mechanical issues.
At 150,000 miles these cars are well-used, and the 0.71 average failures per vehicle tells you that running costs and repairs will be real. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection from a diesel specialist and budget for immediate suspension, braking, or fluid system work.
What to check before buying a 2009 Audi A4 SE 120 TDI
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Audi A4 SE 120 TDI
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Audi A4 SE 120 TDI vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2009 Audi A4 SE 120 TDI vehicles fall between 128,109 and 181,584 miles.
2009 Audi A4 SE 120 TDI — Still on the Road
29 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 57% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Audi A4 SE 120 TDI?
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