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P686 HWB

1996 Audi A4

White Diesel 1896cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires10 Apr 2027
Tests39 (21 pass, 18 fail)
Pass rate53.8%

Mileage

269,387 mi
Last recorded269,387 miles
Recorded on9 Apr 2026
Typical for 1996 Audi A4131,704 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP686 HWB
MakeAudi
ModelA4
Year1996
ColourWhite
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine1,896cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

21 pass 18 fail
Pass 9 Apr 2026 269,387 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement front arm (shocker bush) (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 11 Apr 2025 268,137 miles

Front subframe heavily undersealed and suspected weld repairs

Nearside Front Headlamp reflector slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened Rear suspension axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 7 Apr 2025 268,132 miles

Nearside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Sill/ floor (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Front subframe heavily undersealed and suspected weld repairs

Nearside Front Headlamp reflector slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened Rear suspension axle (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 3 Apr 2024 267,181 miles
Fail 26 Mar 2024 267,177 miles

Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Coolant leak ()

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Pass 23 Mar 2023
Fail 16 Mar 2023

Fuel tank insecure Strap snapped (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge Edge worn (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge Edge worn (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 23 Dec 2021 262,905 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 13 Dec 2021 262,898 miles

Exhaust emissions test not completed because smoke levels are significantly in excess of the specified limit values (8.2.2.2 (f))

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 10 Dec 2020 258,256 miles
Fail 4 Dec 2020 258,252 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated Cords exposed (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Front of wheel (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Front of wheel (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Insecure (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Pass 12 Dec 2019 254,285 miles
Fail 9 Dec 2019 254,274 miles

Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 1 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded To rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Rear arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component pin or bush excessively worn Axle bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Suspension component pin or bush excessively worn Axle bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 14 Dec 2018 247,498 miles
Fail 7 Dec 2018 247,491 miles

Fuel tank insecure Strap snapped (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Sub frame (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn C link (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush so worn or insecure that directional stability is impaired (5.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush so worn or insecure that directional stability is impaired (5.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 4 Dec 2017 240,593 miles

Oil leak ()

Fail 27 Nov 2017 240,593 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle noisy on operation (3.7.B.5b)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak ()

Pass 16 Dec 2016 234,781 miles
Fail 14 Dec 2016 234,778 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement rear arm inner bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Offside rear brake excessively fluctuating (3.7.B.3)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 8 Dec 2015 228,080 miles
Fail 1 Dec 2015 228,075 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion wing (6.1.C.1)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside front brake excessively fluctuating (3.7.B.3)

Nearside Front brake disc repaired, but not inappropriately (3.5.1n)

Offside Front brake disc repaired, but not inappropriately (3.5.1n)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

both front brake disc to small

Pass 4 Dec 2014 221,287 miles
Fail 28 Nov 2014 221,281 miles

Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Pass 2 Dec 2013 213,824 miles

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Fail 29 Nov 2013 213,818 miles

Offside Front Brake hose excessively chafed (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Pass 26 Nov 2012 206,646 miles
Fail 23 Nov 2012 206,646 miles

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside rear brake juddering severely (3.7.A.5b)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 29 Nov 2011 198,531 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 30 Nov 2010 189,478 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Fail 29 Nov 2010 189,478 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside rear brake juddering severely (3.7.A.5b)

Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside rear brake juddering severely (3.7.A.5b)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

both rear brake disc pitted

Pass 27 Nov 2009 181,065 miles
Fail 26 Nov 2009 181,065 miles

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Pass 25 Nov 2008 169,679 miles
Fail 18 Nov 2008 169,488 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Pass 30 Nov 2007 156,550 miles
Fail 23 Nov 2007 156,274 miles

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 29 Nov 2006 141,404 miles
Fail 24 Nov 2006 141,373 miles

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 23 Nov 2005 125,658 miles

How Reliable is the Audi A4?

Based on 7,096,957 MOT tests across 571,801 vehicles.

76.1%
Pass Rate
7,591
Miles/Year
31
Year Lifespan
571,801
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 231,238
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 97,478
Brake hose excessively deteriorated 97,376
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 84,223
Registration plate lamp not working 78,638
Full Audi A4 reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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P686 HWB is a 1996 Audi A4 in White with a 1,896cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 39 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.8%.

Across all 1996 Audi A4 models, the average MOT pass rate is 62.5% with a typical mileage of 131,704 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Audi A4 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 231,238 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P686 HWB, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Audi A4 typically stays on UK roads for around 31 years. At 30 years old, this Audi A4 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P686 HWB?

You can check the full history of P686 HWB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P686 HWB registered?

P686 HWB is a 1996 Audi A4, first registered on 31 August 1996.

Is P686 HWB safe to buy?

The MOT history for P686 HWB shows 39 tests with a 53.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P686 HWB have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on P686 HWB. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.