2018 Audi Q5 3.0L Petrol · S 222

This 2018 Audi Q5 presents a notably clean DVSA roadworthiness record across five consecutive annual tests from 2021 through 2025, with each examination resulting in a pass and zero advisories or defects recorded. The most recent assessment on 18 December 2025 concluded without any items noted, continuing an unbroken pattern of unblemished results since the vehicle first appeared on the MOT register at the end of its first three-year exemption period. The absence of advisory notes across all five tests means that no components have been formally flagged for monitoring, including the usual wear items such as brake pads and discs, tyres, suspension components, exhaust mounting, or underbody corrosion. While this represents the full extent of the recorded history available for inspection purposes, it should be noted that MOT testing is a point-in-time roadworthiness check and does not constitute a measure of mechanical condition between tests or an assessment of items not specifically examined under the test scheme. The recorded mileage of 53,813 miles over eight years equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 6,727 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age and class. The annual testing cadence from 2021 onwards shows mileage progression consistent with regular driving rather than extended periods of standing, suggesting the drivetrain, braking system, and suspension components have experienced steady but moderate working loads. There are no significant gaps between test dates, no sudden mileage jumps indicative of long unrecorded journeys, and no evidence of the vehicle having been laid up for multiple consecutive years. This consistent usage profile reduces the likelihood of issues commonly associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles, such as seized brakes, deteriorated rubber components, or fluid degradation from infrequent operation. For a prospective buyer evaluating this Q5, the absence of recorded advisories means there are no specific component wear trends flagged by examiners to investigate further. However, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should still include close examination of the items most likely to require attention on a Q5 of this age and mileage, including the front suspension wishbones, control arm bushes, and anti-roll bar linkages, which are known wear points on the B9 platform. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning, as these can indicate worn drop links or control arm bushes that may not have reached advisory threshold at the last test. Pay particular attention to brake pedal feel, checking for any judder or vibration under firm application that could suggest disc warping, as well as listening for any scraping or grinding that might indicate worn pads approaching replacement. Given the clean MOT record, any developing issues would more likely be picked up through mechanical feel and warning behaviour rather than a predictable component failure pattern. On the test drive, monitor for any warning lights on the instrument cluster, including those related to emissions, AdBlue system operation, or the quattro drivetrain, as these are areas that fall partly outside standard MOT coverage but are relevant to long-term reliability. Check that all four tyres show even wear across their tread surfaces, as uneven wear can point to suspension geometry issues or alignment concerns. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of oil seepage from the engine or transmission, examine the exhaust system for corrosion at mounting points and joints, and verify that all electronic systems including the infotainment, parking sensors, and climate control operate correctly, as resolving electrical faults on premium vehicles of this type can prove disproportionately costly.