2010 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · AD10 LBV

The 2010 Audi Q5 presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by recurring braking-related advisories interspersed with mostly clean test results. The most recent MOT on 2026-08-03 returned a pass but carried a new advisory noting front brake pad(s) wearing thin to approximately 1.1 mm thickness under the standard measurement criteria. Earlier in the record, a failure occurred on 2024-08-07 when the rear brake disc was assessed as worn yet not excessively so while simultaneously triggering dangerous conditions with rear brake pads below the 1.5 mm threshold, alongside dual lamp failures affecting the nearside rear outer position and stop indicators. The pattern suggests a persistent but manageable brake system issue that required attention before the subsequent successful tests in mid-2025 and late-2026, indicating the vehicle has been reliably serviced around the critical braking components despite the intermittent shortcomings. The recorded mileage of 142,382 miles across sixteen years translates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 8,900 miles, which aligns with expected consumption for a vehicle of this age and model. This pace represents typical usage rather than exceptional wear, though the timing between tests reveals interesting gaps. There was no MOT conducted between the 2024-08-07 failure and the 2025-07-21 pass—a period of nearly one year—during which the vehicle remained on the road without formal re-evaluation. The subsequent clear interval from the 2025-07-21 pass to the 2026-08-03 pass spans just over seven months, suggesting regular maintenance activity post-failure. When compared against the pre-2024 clean record from 2023-07-24 through 2024-08-08, the usage profile indicates consistent driving patterns rather than erratic fluctuations, with the only deviation being the brief hiatus following the 2024 failure before the vehicle resumed regular testing cycles. Focused examination should centre on the three primary failure domains identified in the MOT history. The front brake pads, currently flagged as thin at 1.1 mm, may produce an audible high-pitched squeal when applying the brakes firmly or a subtle vibration transmitted through the steering wheel during hard stops; a qualified test driver should verify that braking performance remains within normal limits and that the pads do not exhibit any metallic grinding. The rear brake assembly requires particular scrutiny because the 2024 failure documented both excessive pad wear and functional failures of the nearside rear outer position and stop lamps; during a test drive, the driver should monitor whether the rear brake pedal feels firm and consistently returns to the floor after application, listen for any grinding noises from the rear calipers, and confirm that the rear indicator lights illuminate properly along the entire perimeter including the nearside rear outer area. Should either the stop lamps remain dark or the position light fail to activate, this would indicate electrical circuit problems potentially stemming from corroded connectors or faulty bulbs that require immediate replacement to ensure proper warning functionality. Beyond the brake system, the absence of comprehensive documentation regarding suspension bush replacements, subframe integrity, or interior electrical health warrants caution even though those areas did not trigger specific MOT advisories. The lack of detailed wear tracking for the rear suspension mounts means that accumulated mileage of 142,382 miles could have subjected the subframe to significant flexing, particularly given the proximity of the rear axle to common rust-prone zones; a visual inspection of the chassis rails and mounting bolts should reveal any signs of corrosion or uneven wear that might manifest as uneven handling or pulling to one side. Given the confirmed lapse in rear lighting functionality and the ongoing front brake pad thickness, budgeting for brake pad replacement and lamp repair before acquisition is prudent, and considering the modest mileage accumulation, the vehicle's core drivetrain and powertrain appear to have retained their original condition absent any recorded loss of efficiency or transmission irregularities. A thorough hands-on inspection of the brake lines, caliper pistons, and rear light assemblies will provide the definitive assurance needed to move forward with confidence.