2018 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · AO68 AAE

The 2018 Audi Q5 currently holds a valid MOT, having passed its most recent test on 25 September 2025, with a single advisory notice recorded for rear brake pads wearing thin. Looking back through the documented DVSA history, the vehicle has maintained an unbroken sequence of passes since 2021, with no failures or dangerous defects recorded at any point. The pattern of advisories is broadly stable and consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage rather than indicative of any worsening mechanical trend. Advisories relating to brake pad wear and tyre edge wear appear in 2022 and 2023, suggesting that routine consumable replacement has been undertaken as expected, and there is no clustering of structural, corrosion, or drivetrain-related concerns in the record. With 68,547 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the Q5 has covered an average of around 8,568 miles per year, which sits comfortably within typical parameters for a premium SUV of its age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor any indication of unusually rapid mileage accumulation between tests. The relatively even annual usage profile is mechanically favourable, as it points to regular operation which helps prevent issues commonly associated with low-use or stored vehicles, such as brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and degraded fluid systems. Equally, the mileage is not so high as to raise immediate concerns over clutch wear or excessive mechanical fatigue, particularly given the Q5's automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive configuration. That said, the advisory history does merit a focused inspection prior to purchase. The most recent advisory for rear brake pads indicates that replacement is now likely due, and a prospective buyer should physically inspect pad material thickness through the wheels and check the rear brake discs for scoring, lipping, or uneven wear, as worn pads can accelerate disc wear. The earlier advisories for nearside front and rear tyres worn on edge suggest a possible tracking or alignment issue, so it would be prudent to inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear and to verify that a four-wheel alignment has been carried out recently. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front control arms and anti-roll bar bushes, which are known wear items on the Q5, and check for vibration through the steering wheel which may indicate warped front brake discs. Beyond the recorded advisories, given the vehicle's age, a thorough physical inspection should also cover age-related deterioration regardless of the clean MOT record. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking from age, as rubber degrades with time even if tread depth remains adequate, and the production date codes on the sidewalls should be checked to ensure tyres are not excessively old. The 12V battery should be tested for health and cranking performance, as Audi vehicles are sensitive to voltage drop and battery registration is often required after replacement. Given the calendar age, it is reasonable to expect that brake fluid and coolant may be due for renewal irrespective of mileage, and the condition of the timing chain, oil consumption, and any signs of oil leak from the engine or transfer case should be verified. Finally, inspecting the underside for corrosion, checking that all warning lights extinguish promptly after start-up, and reviewing the service book for regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals will provide a comprehensive picture of how well this Q5 has been maintained beyond what the MOT history alone can reveal.