2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · DX17 NDN

A pattern of acute component wear punctuated by a severe August 2023 failure defines the overall test history of this Audi Q5, which most recently secured an unblemished pass on 2025-04-25. While the subsequent 2024 and 2025 tests recorded zero defects, the mid-2023 testing cycle caught a dangerous combination of a fractured offside rear coil spring, critically thin nearside rear brake pads below 1.5 millimetres, and an inoperative windscreen washer system. This spike in structural and friction-material defects followed an early 2023 test that had already flagged widespread pitting and scoring across all four brake discs alongside thin rear pads, indicating that the braking system has previously experienced significant thermal and mechanical stress. Accumulating a total of 66,089 miles over roughly nine years yields an average of about 7,343 miles per annum, representing a very typical usage profile for a modern diesel or petrol SUV of this class. This consistent annual mileage accumulation avoids the mechanical risks associated with prolonged stationary lay-ups or extreme high-mileage fleet use, ensuring that powertrain components, ancillaries, and exhaust systems have operated under regular thermal cycling. The testing frequency has remained entirely regular without suspicious calendar gaps, showing that the vehicle has been submitted annually for roadworthiness evaluation right on schedule. Given the specific history of spring fracture and brake component degradation, prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous physical and dynamic inspection of the suspension and stopping systems. During a static check, examine the rear coil springs for any lingering signs of mismatched replacements or corrosion, and verify that the windscreen washer jets and pump operate correctly through all cycles. On the test drive, listen carefully for any metallic clunks, knocks, or groaning from the rear axle over speed humps or rough road surfaces, which would indicate failing suspension bushes or mounting points. Pay close attention to the feel of the brake pedal and the responsiveness of the braking system, ensuring there is no pulsation, judder, or excessive travel that could point to lingering disc runout or caliper binding. Since the vehicle has previously run through multiple sets of heavily worn discs and pads within a tight timeframe, confirm whether recent brake replacement invoices show that both friction material and rotors were swapped out completely. Checking the alloy wheels after a test drive will also reveal if any brake calipers are dragging and causing localized overheating at the corners.