2020 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · D26 SAX

The 2020 AUDI Q5 presents a mixed roadworthiness picture characterized by a brief period of clean records followed by significant deterioration culminating in a failed MOT on 2025-11-11. The vehicle successfully cleared its earlier assessments through December 2023 and into early 2024, but the November 2025 test revealed multiple serious issues including dangerous tyre conditions with tread depth below the mandatory 1.6mm threshold and a nail embedded in the nearside rear tyre, alongside corroded coil spring mounting that compromises suspension integrity. The most recent test outcome therefore signals substantial mechanical concern rather than stable reliability, and the gap between passing results and the subsequent failure suggests underlying problems were not adequately resolved prior to the last assessment. The mileage of 78,737 miles accumulated over approximately six years translates to roughly 13,123 miles per annum, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and raises questions about the driving pattern behind such consumption. While the exact cause remains unclear, the elevated annual accumulation rate implies either heavy daily use or prolonged periods of idling and wear. When combined with the failure findings, this usage profile becomes a critical factor—high mileage accelerates the degradation of suspension components, brake systems, and drivetrain parts, meaning the flags noted in the latest MOT may be exacerbated by the total distance covered. The rapid increase in mileage over recent years suggests the vehicle has been subjected to demanding conditions that have pushed components toward their limits faster than expected. The nearside rear lower coil spring mounting showing corrosion is a particular red flag given the high mileage and the fact that corroded fasteners can detach under stress, potentially causing sudden suspension loss or control issues during cornering or braking. The offside rear tyres being worn close to legal limits and containing nails indicate a genuine risk of tyre blow-through, especially when combined with the high mileage which typically leads to accelerated tyre compound degradation and rubber hardening. The front headlamp alignment problem, though less severe, also affects night-time visibility and should be corrected immediately upon first use. On a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to whether the rear suspension feels loose or vague during bumps, listen for any grinding or clunking from the nearside rear area, and verify that the tyres maintain proper contact patch width throughout the journey. Buyers should treat the failing MOT as a mandate for thorough pre-purchase investigation rather than accepting the vehicle as roadworthy. The corroded coil spring mounts require professional inspection to confirm they haven't already compromised the suspension geometry enough to cause handling irregularities or complete loss of control. The nearside rear tyre situation demands immediate replacement of the affected tyre and possibly resurfacing or retreading depending on remaining tread depth, as continuing to drive with a tyre below legal tread limits poses an unacceptable risk of sudden failure. The offside rear tyres also need prompt attention due to their proximity to legal limits and the presence of a nail, both of which significantly reduce safe operating margins. Given the high mileage and the nature of the current failures, this vehicle should not be purchased until all three identified issues are professionally diagnosed and rectified, with particular emphasis on verifying the structural integrity of the rear suspension mounting points and replacing the damaged tyres before any road use begins.