2018 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · AD18 GVX

Recurring advisories regarding the rear braking system define the mechanical history of this Audi Q5, which successfully passed its most recent MOT on 30 September 2025. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record across its testing history, the repeated flagging of rear brake components suggests a predictable pattern of wear that has persisted since 2021. The absence of structural or suspension-related failures throughout its life indicates that the vehicle has not been subjected to significant impact damage or severe chassis corrosion, though the recurring attention required by the braking system remains the primary area for prospective buyers to scrutinise. With a recorded mileage of 64,613 miles over an eight-year period, the vehicle averages approximately 8,077 miles per annum, placing it squarely within the expected usage bracket for a premium SUV of this age. This steady accumulation suggests the vehicle has likely been used for a mix of short-distance commuting and occasional longer-distance motorway travel, rather than sitting idle for extended periods or suffering from extreme high-mileage fatigue. Mechanically, this usage profile is generally favourable for the drivetrain and cooling systems, as it avoids the specific risks associated with long-term storage, such as seized calipers or degraded seals, while also avoiding the accelerated wear on transmission and suspension components often seen in high-mileage examples. Given the specific advisories noted in the 2025 assessment, the rear brake discs and pads require immediate physical inspection. During your test drive, listen closely for any grinding or metallic scraping noises emanating from the rear wheels when applying the brakes at low speeds, which would indicate that the pads have reached the end of their service life. Furthermore, perform a series of controlled stops to check for any pulsing sensations through the brake pedal, as this can be a symptom of warped or unevenly worn discs. It is essential to verify if these components were replaced following the September 2025 advisory, as running the vehicle on thin pads can lead to scoring on the discs, increasing the cost of future maintenance. Beyond the braking system, the overall lack of historical advisories for suspension bushes, ball joints, or steering linkages is a positive indicator of the vehicle's current structural state. However, at this mileage, you should still conduct a thorough road test to listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as these are common indicators of wear in the multi-link suspension setup typical of this model. Ensure the steering remains precise without any wandering or pulling to one side, and check for any signs of uneven tyre wear, which could signal underlying alignment issues or neglected suspension components that have not yet been flagged during an MOT inspection.