2015 Audi Q3 2.0L Diesel · AF65 VDA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 December 2025, was passed, the only comment being a deteriorated rear registration plate that is still legible. This follows a clean pass in December 2024 and an earlier pass in December 2023, after a failure in the same year for a diesel fluid leak. The record shows the vehicle recovered from that failure and has remained free of major defects for the last two years, indicating an overall improving maintenance trend. At 104 387 miles the Audi Q3 has logged roughly 9 500 miles per annum over its eleven‑year life, which sits squarely within the normal usage band for a compact SUV. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of inactivity, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that would accelerate wear on high‑mileage components such as the clutch, timing chain or suspension bushings. The 2022 advisory about the off‑side rear outer tyre being slightly damaged or beginning to perish, together with the 2025 note on the rear plate, warrants a close visual inspection of that wheel for cracking, sidewall bulges or tread loss, and a check that the plate is securely mounted and legible. The 2023 fluid‑leak failure should be investigated by looking for any oil, diesel or coolant drips around the engine bay, under the vehicle and at the exhaust pipe; a persistent leak can lead to reduced lubrication, overheating or environmental penalties. On a test drive, listen for any low‑frequency hissing or splashing sounds that could indicate a hidden leak, watch for smoke from the exhaust, and feel for any abnormal engine vibration or loss of power that might signal a compromised seal. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable regardless of the MOT record. Examine the tyre sidewalls on all four wheels for dry rot or cracking, especially if the car has spent time standing still, and verify that the tyre tread depth meets legal limits. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and ensure it holds charge, as batteries over ten years often require replacement. Inspect the suspension components—coil springs, shock absorbers and rubber bushings—for signs of corrosion, leaking fluid or excessive play, and test the brakes for any shudder, pulsation or uneven pull that could indicate disc rust or binding calipers. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, timing‑chain service, and that all fluids (coolant, brake, power‑steering) have been replaced according to the manufacturer’s calendar intervals.