2014 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · ER61 BBB

The Audi Q5 presents a largely stable roadworthiness record in its most recent MOT, with the November 2025 test at 62,849 miles passing without any defects—a positive indicator of current mechanical soundness. The only notable issue in the past 12 months was the November 2024 advisory for front and rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, suggesting these were replaced shortly after, as no repeat fault appeared in the subsequent test. The sole failure in the history, a rough offside front wheel bearing in November 2023 at 44,992 miles, was clearly addressed before the next test, as it did not reappear. This implies that while the vehicle has had isolated but critical faults, they were promptly rectified, pointing to a trend of improving reliability rather than deterioration. The mileage accumulation of roughly 5,237 miles per year over 12 years is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, averaging just over 4,360 miles annually—well below the UK fleet average. The gaps between tests are consistent, with annual MOTs, but the lack of significant mileage buildup raises questions about usage patterns. For instance, the jump from 35,654 miles in November 2022 to 44,992 miles in November 2023 suggests a period of either reduced driving or prolonged storage, which could mask wear on components like suspension bushes, brake fluid condition, or battery health. The absence of high-mileage faults—such as worn brake discs, degraded suspension, or exhaust leaks—further supports the idea that the car has seen limited use, though this also means some wear states may be harder to predict. For a prospective buyer, the most critical area to inspect in person would be the wheel bearings, particularly the front offside unit, given the 2023 failure. While the bearing issue was resolved, repeated stress on the same component could indicate alignment or tracking problems, so a thorough check for uneven tyre wear or steering wander is essential. The repeated tyre advisories in 2024, though resolved, hint at potential neglect in rotation or balancing—buyers should verify current tread depth and condition across all four tyres, as well as checking for uneven wear patterns that could signal suspension or steering misalignment. Additionally, given the low mileage, the brake system should be scrutinised for fluid condition and binding calipers, as infrequent use can lead to moisture ingress and corrosion in hydraulic components. The absence of rust or structural corrosion advisories in the MOT history is a positive sign, but a close examination of wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels for early-stage corrosion remains prudent.