2012 Audi Q7 3.0L Diesel · CH51 TAR

A recurring oil leak, together with tyre‑condition advisories and a noted front‑rack steering play, form the principal mechanical narrative for this 2012 Audi Q7; despite those items, the vehicle has cleared every MOT since 2018, most recently on 10 October 2025 with no recorded defects. The pattern shows only advisory‑level concerns rather than outright failures, suggesting that the issues have remained within tolerable limits for the test regime but have not been fully resolved. At 143,074 mi the Q7 averages just over 10,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal usage for a fourteen‑year‑old executive SUV. The MOT record shows a consistent annual testing cadence with no gaps, indicating the mileage has been logged regularly rather than accumulated in long, untested periods. This steady accumulation means consumable wear—such as suspension bushings, brake pads and tyre tread—will be in line with typical age‑related depreciation, but the relatively high total mileage still warrants close scrutiny of components that experience cumulative stress. The oil‑leak advisory appears in both 2020 and 2024 entries, implying a persistent source that has not escalated to a failure. Prospective buyers should inspect the engine bay and under‑carriage for fresh oil stains, especially around valve‑cover gaskets, oil‑filter housings and the oil‑separator pipe. A persistent leak can lead to reduced oil levels, increased engine wear and, over time, potential fire‑risk if oil contacts hot exhaust components. Checking the oil level and condition during a pre‑purchase inspection, and confirming that the leak does not worsen under engine load, will be essential. Tyre advisories flag cracked or perishing sidewalls on the rear right side in 2024 and nail punctures on both rear corners in 2020; combined with the 2019 brake‑pad wear advisories, these point to a vehicle that has been subject to regular road load but may have suffered uneven wear. On a test drive, feel for vibrations or a pulling sensation that could indicate tyre damage or mis‑alignment, listen for squeal or grinding that would betray worn pads, and verify that the pedal feel remains firm and consistent. Additionally, the front‑rack inner joint play noted in 2024 should be checked for looseness or clunking when steering through tight corners; any excessive play could affect steering precision and may require rack bushings or joint replacement. Addressing these specific items before purchase will give a clearer picture of the Q7’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of remedial work.