2006 AUDI Q73.0L DIESEL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in May 2024 at 195,820 miles passed, it revealed a non-hazardous oil leak and pitted rear inner brake discs. These defects follow a period of clean records in 2023, suggesting that the vehicle is now entering a phase where components are beginning failing due to age and high mileage. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a twenty-year-old luxury SUV, averaging approximately 9,800 miles per year. There is a notable gap of 10,439 miles covered between August 2020 and August 2021, followed by a steady increase of roughly 7,000 to 7,000 miles annually thereafter. This consistent usage suggests the vehicle was driven regularly, though the nearly 200,000 mile mark places significant strain on the complex drivetrain and suspension architecture typical of the Q7. A buyer must scrutinise the front-end geometry and suspension, as the December 2022 test flagged a worn front sub-frame pin or bush and play in the offside front track rod end. Although these appear to have been addressed, the recurrence of such faults indicates rubber and metal components are degrading. The mention of general corrosion in 2022 also necessitates a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and mounting points to ensure the structural integrity has not been compromised by deep rust. The braking system requires close attention given the history of thin rear pads in 2022 followed by scored discs in 2024. The oil leak noted in the latest test should be inspected specifically around the brake lines and engine housing to ensure it is not contaminating the braking surfaces, which would pose a safety risk. Given the high mileage, any sign of weeping seals or leaking shock absorbers should be treated as a high-cost maintenance item.