2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · AD17 DHO

A continuous five-year run of clean MOT passes, most recently on 10 January 2026 with no advisories or failures recorded, points to a vehicle with a strong and consistent roadworthiness profile for its age and mileage band. The absence of any advisories across consecutive annual tests is particularly telling on a nine-year-old Audi, as items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs and pads, exhaust mounting rubbers, and underbody components typically begin to surface as wear-related or corrosion advisories by this point. Combined with the stable mileage trajectory and no recorded retests or post-failure repairs, the DVLA data suggests a mechanically tidy example rather than one with chronic or unresolved issues. That said, a perfectly clean advisory sheet on a Q5 of this vintage is uncommon and buyers should still verify the inspection depth rather than assume blanket perfection. With 87,558 miles accumulated over nine years, the Q5 averages roughly 9,700 miles annually, which sits comfortably within expected parameters for a premium SUV used as a mix of commuting and longer journeys. There are no conspicuous mileage gaps between the recorded tests or sudden surges that would indicate periods off the road followed by catch-up driving. This steady, moderate usage profile tends to be kinder to mechanical components than either extreme, allowing the drivetrain, Haldex-based quattro driveline, and braking system to wear in a linear fashion rather than suffering from prolonged standing or aggressive high-mileage accumulation. The consistent annual pattern also reduces the likelihood of dried seals, perished rubber components, or stale fluids, which are typical concerns when vehicles are used only intermittently. Given the Q5 platform's known areas of attention, a prospective buyer should still carry out focused physical checks regardless of the clean paper trail. On the suspension, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the front control arm and wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mount bearings, all of which are known wear points on this chassis. Inspect the alloy wheels for kerb damage and check the tyres for even shoulder wear, which can indicate suspension misalignment or worn bushes not yet flagged at test. The steering should feel precise with no vibration through the rim at speed, and any vagueness or knocking when turning could point to deteriorated track rod ends or steering rack wear. Underneath, a thorough examination for oil leaks from the engine sump, cam chain cover, and rear main area is worthwhile, alongside a check of the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points, heat shields, and rear silencer joint. On test drive, verify that the quattro system is functioning correctly by gently accelerating through a wet or slippery surface to confirm all four wheels are pulling without hesitation or binding. The automatic gearbox should change smoothly without flare between ratios, and the dual-clutch behaviour under low-speed manoeuvring should be free of jerkiness. Finally, inspect the underside for any surface corrosion to subframe and brake pipes, as Q5s of this generation can begin to show early structural oxidation in the wheel arches and suspension mounting areas even when the MOT record remains unblemished.