2018 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · AU68 SWV

A history of intermittent tyre-related failures and advisories defines this vehicle's recent roadworthiness profile, though the record has stabilised following a significant failure in 2023. While the most recent test on 19 June 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects, the previous years show a recurring pattern of tyre issues, including a dangerous failure for exposed cords on the offside front tyre in 2023 and multiple advisories regarding tyre wear, edge wear, and sidewall cracking dating back to 2021. This trend suggests that while the vehicle is currently meeting minimum standards, its history is marked by component degradation that has occasionally reached critical safety thresholds. The recorded mileage of 83,176 miles over approximately eight years equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 10,397 miles. This usage pattern is consistent with typical UK driving profiles for a premium SUV of this age. Mechanically, this level of mileage suggests that while the vehicle has not been subjected to extreme high-speed motorway transit or heavy commercial use, it has undergone sufficient cycles of thermal expansion and contraction in the drivetrain and enough mechanical movement to warrant close inspection of wear-prone consumables. The steady mileage accumulation indicates the vehicle has been in regular use rather than sitting stationary for extended periods, which helps mitigate risks associated with long-term component seizure. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the braking system and tyre condition during a physical inspection and test drive. The 2023 MOT record specifically flagged front brake pads as wearing thin, and although no current brake advisories exist, the previous wear pattern warrants a check for uneven pad depletion or binding calipers. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic clicking or thumping from the wheel arches and feel for any steering pull or vibrations through the steering wheel, which could indicate uneven tyre wear or issues with wheel alignment, especially given the history of edge wear and sidewall damage. Furthermore, the presence of child seats during several inspections prevented full access to the rear seatbelt assemblies, meaning the physical condition of the rear buckle mechanisms and webbing should be manually checked for fraying or debris. Given the history of tyre failures involving cuts and exposed cords, a close visual inspection of the current sidewalls for any bulges, cuts, or cracks is essential. Any unevenness in the tread pattern should be cross-referenced with the vehicle's alignment to ensure that previous tyre issues have been fully rectified and are not a symptom of underlying suspension geometry faults.