2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · AF17 WTO

The 2017 Audi Q5 currently holds a valid MOT certificate following its most recent test on 25 March 2026, which it passed with no defects or advisories recorded. The MOT history over the past three testing cycles shows an alternating pattern of pass and fail outcomes on the same or near-identical dates in 2024 and again in 2026, which warrants attention. While no specific defect categories have been captured in the official record, the repeated failure events immediately followed by retest passes suggest that remediable issues were identified and corrected without significant structural or mechanical concerns. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, but the pattern indicates the vehicle should be inspected to confirm that the corrective actions addressed the root causes and were not simply quick fixes to secure a pass certificate. With 56,732 miles recorded over approximately nine years of service, the Q5 has covered an average of around 6,300 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and segment. This mileage band places the vehicle in a moderate-use category, meaning most consumable wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and drivetrain components will have experienced progressive but not excessive degradation. The consistent year-on-year testing pattern with no large gaps between MOTs suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical and electrical health. However, the relatively modest annual mileage does not fully insulate the car from age-related deterioration, particularly for rubber, fluid, and battery components that degrade with calendar time regardless of distance covered. Given the clean official defect history with no advisories recorded across any of the test entries, a prospective buyer must rely on physical inspection to identify age and mileage-related concerns that the MOT would not necessarily capture. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, or Ozone degradation, which is common on vehicles over five years old even where tread depth remains adequate. The 12V battery, located typically in the engine bay or boot depending on specification, should be tested for cranking performance and state of charge, as battery life rarely exceeds six to seven years. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, corrosion, and smooth operation, particularly as Audi vehicles can exhibit binding calipers where standing periods allow corrosion to form on sliding surfaces, producing uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Further pre-purchase checks should include a thorough examination of all undertrays and engine bay areas for evidence of fluid leaks, particularly from the camchain tensioner area, turbo oil feed pipes, and rear main seal, which are known areas of concern on this generation of Audi four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. Service history verification is essential, particularly confirming that the long-life oil and filter intervals have been respected and that the Haldex coupling and rear differential oil, where applicable, has been changed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as neglect of these can lead to expensive drivetrain repairs. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks over uneven surfaces indicative of worn control arm bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, and check for vibration through the steering wheel that may suggest brake disc warping or wheel imbalance. Finally, request a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes, as modern Audi systems often log intermittent sensor or emissions-related issues well before they trigger an MOT failure.