2009 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · A26 TBJ

The latest MOT inspection for this Audi Q5 on 27 February 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, following a failure earlier that same month. The overall maintenance trend indicates a period of escalating mechanical wear, particularly within the suspension and exhaust systems, which has only recently been addressed. While the most recent result is clean, the history shows a progression from minor advisories regarding corrosion and worn bushes to major failures involving fractured coil springs and a corroded exhaust clamp. This suggests that while the vehicle is currently compliant, it has recently required significant remedial work to rectify components that had been deteriorating over several years. With a recorded mileage of 167,450 miles over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,850 miles per year. This usage pattern is consistent with typical long-term ownership and suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme high-speed motorway transit nor has it suffered from the detrimental effects of prolonged periods of standing. However, at this mileage and age, the mechanical components are well into their end-of-life cycles. The cumulative wear on consumables such as suspension bushings, ball joints, and dampers is expected, and the high mileage necessitates a very thorough inspection of the drivetrain and engine health to ensure the vehicle remains reliable for continued use. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension and chassis during a test drive. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of worn upper suspension arm bushes and ball joint deterioration. Even though these were recently addressed or passed, you should listen for any dull thuds, clunks, or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that other bushings or the shock absorber mountings are failing. Furthermore, the recent failure of both rear coil springs due to fractures is a significant indicator of advanced corrosion or fatigue. Inspect the rear spring perimeters for heavy surface rust and ensure there is no uneven ride height, which could suggest a spring has partially collapsed or is under uneven tension. The exhaust system has also shown signs of significant degradation, specifically regarding the central clamp and mounting hardware. During your inspection, check for any excessive vibration or loud droning noises from underneath the car, especially under acceleration, as these can be symptoms of an insecure exhaust or failing mounting points. Additionally, given the history of tyre wear and perishing, examine the sidewalls of all tyres for any signs of cracking or age-related degradation, regardless of tread depth. It is also advisable to verify the service history to ensure that fluid changes, such as the timing belt (if applicable to this specific engine) and brake fluid, have been carried out according to manufacturer intervals rather than just relying on the MOT record.