2015 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · CH11 LLG

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 February 2026 resulted in a Pass, which is reassuring from a regulatory standpoint, but the test recorded advisories against both front suspension arm pin or bush components, flagged under Section 5.3.4 (a) (i) for being worn without yet resulting in excessive movement. Tracking back through the history, the 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2021 (the earlier pass of that year) tests were entirely clean, while the 2022 test produced tyre-related advisories including a close-to-limit offside front tyre, a bald outer edge on the nearside front, and a nail in the offside rear. The only recorded failure was on 4 March 2021, when the rear brake pads were measured at less than 1.5 mm and classified as Dangerous. Considering that the vehicle has moved from a brake pad failure in 2021 through several clean years to now showing early suspension wear, the trend is not deteriorating sharply but is beginning to reflect the natural wear progression of an eleven-year-old SUV. The current advisories suggest that the front suspension is now entering a phase where component refreshment should be planned within the next service interval. With 117,100 miles accumulated over eleven years, this Q5 has averaged roughly 10,645 miles annually, which is broadly typical and indicates consistent use rather than long periods of standing. The mileage gaps between MOTs are unremarkable, and there is no evidence of rapid accumulation that would point to motorway fleet use or, conversely, extended inactivity that would predispose the vehicle to severe corrosion or seized components. At this odometer reading, the major mechanical consumables typically associated with high-mileage vehicles become relevant: dual-mass flywears, automatic gearbox mechatronics, Haldex-style coupling servicing, turbocharger wear on the diesel variants, and timing chain stretch on the petrol TFSI units. The recorded mileage alone does not raise immediate concern, but a buyer should confirm the service history corroborates this rate of use, as any under- or over-stamping relative to the odometer should be reconciled. The front suspension arm bush advisories warrant particular attention on inspection. Worn front bushes on the Q5 typically manifest as a vague or wandering feeling through the steering on the motorway, a knocking or clunking noise when traversing speed humps or potholes, and uneven tyre wear across the front axle, often presenting as feathered inner or outer shoulders depending on which arm is affected. A thorough test drive should be carried out over varied road surfaces, with the windows down to listen for knocks from the front end, and the steering should be checked for any notchiness or free play that exceeds what might be expected from a vehicle of this age. The cost of replacing the front suspension arms, particularly if the subframe bushes or anti-roll bar drop links are also showing perishing, can escalate quickly, so a quotation from a specialist or an aftermarket supplier should be obtained before purchase. The previous brake-related failure from 2021 has not recurred in subsequent tests, which suggests the pads and discs were addressed comprehensively at the time, but the buyer should still inspect the rear calipers for binding, the discs for lipping or corrosion, and confirm the handbrake mechanism is operating cleanly. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage profile of this Q5 merits several age-appropriate physical checks that may not be visible from MOT data alone. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, which can occur independently of tread depth and are particularly common on vehicles kept outdoors, and the production date codes on the sidewalls should be reviewed regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery, often located in the boot or under the bonnet depending on variant, should be tested for state of health, as Audi AGM units beyond five or six years are prone to sudden failure. Brake discs should be checked for corrosion around the outer edge, which is symptomatic of light or standing use, and the caliper slide pins should be free. Coolant, brake fluid, and if applicable the Haldex coupling and automatic gearbox oil should be verified as recently serviced, as these fluids degrade by calendar age rather than mileage. The exhaust system, including the DPFs on diesel variants, should be inspected for corrosion and blue or excessive smoke on start-up, and a service history stamped in the book or supported by invoices should be requested to evidence timely oil and filter changes, timing belt replacement intervals where applicable, and any remedial work carried out under the advisories and the 2021 brake failure.