2013 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · DP13 NYD

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 19 December 2025 with no defects recorded, which is a positive indicator for a prospective buyer. However, it is worth noting that the same date also shows a failure entry for an offside front shock absorber with a serious fluid leak, suggesting the vehicle was either retested after repair or that the failure was logged on the same day as a subsequent pass. Looking at the overall trend, the record shows a handful of advisories and intermittent failures rather than a clean pass history, indicating that the vehicle has required attention to suspension components, tyres, and emissions management systems over the years. The recurrence of edge wear advisories on tyres and the shock absorber fluid leak suggest some chassis or suspension geometry concerns that a buyer should investigate thoroughly rather than dismissing as isolated events. With 114,424 recorded miles over approximately thirteen years, this Q5 averages around 8,800 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There do not appear to be significant gaps in MOT testing history that would suggest long periods of standing, nor does the recorded accumulation indicate excessively high usage that would typically point to accelerated mechanical degradation. That said, even average mileage on a premium SUV of this age means the timing chain, turbocharger components, oil consumption, and dual-clutch or automatic transmission internals will have accrued meaningful wear. Prospective buyers should also bear in mind that diesel Q5s from this era are known for injector and DPF concerns, and the 2022 failure related to the engine management indicator lamp being inoperative or showing a malfunction is consistent with an emissions or sensor-related issue that warrants further diagnostic investigation. Given the documented shock absorber fluid leak, any test drive should include a careful listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or when braking heavily. The vehicle may also exhibit poor damping control, resulting in excessive body roll, nose dive, or continued oscillation after hitting a bump. Uneven or accelerated tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges as suggested by the recurring advisories, can indicate worn suspension bushes, tired coil springs, or alignment issues stemming from the shock absorber failure, so all four tyres should be inspected for consistent tread pattern and any feathering or scalloping on the tread blocks. A thorough visual inspection underneath the vehicle for oily residue around the shock absorber body, spring seats, and top mounts is strongly advised, as is checking for any knocking from the front strut assembly when the wheel is rocked by hand with the vehicle raised. Beyond the documented defects, age-appropriate inspections should be carried out given the vehicle is now thirteen years old. Brake discs may show significant corrosion or lipping, particularly if the vehicle has seen periods of light use, and calipers may be binding, so a test drive should include firm pedal application from speed to confirm straight-line stopping without pulling or shuddering. The 12V battery should be load tested, as units of this age frequently fail without warning, and all fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be checked for condition and service history, bearing in mind that brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking or perishing from age, even on tyres with reasonable tread depth, and the exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at joints and mounting points. Finally, verify the service book stamps and ensure the cambelt or timing chain service interval has been observed, as neglecting this on a TFSI or TDI engine of this era can result in catastrophic failure.