2018 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · DD 111

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 January 2026 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory concerning wear to an offside front suspension arm pin or bush not yet resulting in excessive movement, alongside a minor defect noting an inoperative rear registration plate lamp. The broader MOT history over the preceding five tests demonstrates a largely stable maintenance profile, with passes recorded annually from late 2021 onwards and no failures or dangerous defects ever recorded against this vehicle. The 2023 test was entirely clean, while 2024 and 2026 have each flagged the same offside front suspension component, suggesting a progressive wear pattern that has been present for at least two years but remains within advisory limits. This recurrence is worth monitoring rather than dismissing, as suspension bushes of this nature generally degrade progressively and may eventually require replacement when movement becomes excessive enough to compromise wheel alignment and handling precision. The recorded mileage of 86,009 miles on an eight-year-old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 10,750 miles, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a car of this age and category. There are no significant unexplained gaps between successive MOT readings, indicating the vehicle has been in consistent use rather than left standing for prolonged periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity. Equally, the mileage is not high enough to suggest accelerated wear on major drivetrain components, though consumable items such as brakes, tyres, and suspension joints will have experienced normal service life accumulation commensurate with this distance. Regular annual mileage of this nature is broadly representative of a privately used family SUV and should not give rise to particular concern regarding premature component failure. The recurring advisory relating to the offside front suspension arm pin or bush warrants close physical inspection prior to purchase. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed, as these are classic indicators of worn bushes progressing towards excessive play. Have the vehicle placed on a ramp or examined with the wheels lifted so that the front suspension can be manually checked for lateral and vertical movement at the offending joint. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres, can also betray advancing bush wear through its effect on camber and tracking. Given that this defect has now appeared on two consecutive tests, budgeting for replacement of the affected component within the next service interval would be prudent, as continued deterioration will ultimately lead to an MOT failure once movement exceeds permissible limits. Beyond the flagged suspension item, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several standard age-related inspections regardless of the clean MOT record. The rear registration plate lamp minor defect should be verified as rectified, as failed illumination is straightforward to address but can result in an MOT failure if persistent. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur on vehicles kept outdoors even at moderate mileages, and tread depth confirmed to be at least the legal 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Brake discs should be inspected for any lipping or corrosion, particularly given that Audis of this era are known for occasional caliper slider seizure if the vehicle has been used for short journeys. The 12-volt battery, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should all be checked for age-related degradation, as these items follow calendar-based service schedules rather than mileage. Finally, verify the documented service history stamps to ensure that timing belt or chain intervals, oil changes, and filter replacements have been observed in accordance with manufacturer schedules, as this is a critical area for any used premium SUV approaching the upper end of its service life.