2013 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · EB10 TTS

The vehicle achieved a current MOT pass certificate on 16 July 2026, although the same date carries a prior failure for nearside headlamp aim being set too high, a Prescribed Reason that was subsequently rectified to secure the pass. The overall maintenance trajectory across the recent test history is broadly stable, with no major structural or safety-related failures recorded since the start of the available DVSA sequence in 2020. However, the cumulative pattern of advisories from 2022 through 2025 indicates a gradually accumulating list of wear-related items rather than a clean record, with tyre edge wear, brake disc and pad wear, rear brake imbalance, oil seepage, and a corroded front coil spring all appearing within the last four test cycles. The latest pass is therefore encouraging, but it should be viewed alongside the advisory trail rather than in isolation, as several of those items would now reasonably be expected to have progressed further given continued use. The recorded mileage of 124,200 miles against an age of roughly thirteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 9,554 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests regular rather than sporadic use. The MOT history shows annual testing since at least 2020 with no unusually large gaps in recorded activity, which supports a pattern of consistent driving rather than extended periods of standing. This is mechanically favourable in several respects, as it tends to reduce the risk of seized brake calipers, severe underbody corrosion from inactivity, and deterioration of seals and bearings through lack of use. Conversely, the higher-than-low absolute mileage means that major drivetrain, suspension, and braking components will have already absorbed considerable wear, and any remaining service life in those areas should be scrutinised carefully. The advisory recorded in 2025 for an offside front coil spring showing corrosion is a particularly important point to investigate on physical inspection, as corroded coil springs are a known wear item on higher-mileage Q5s and can lead to vehicle sag, uneven ride height, or a knocking noise over bumps if the corrosion progresses to fracturing. With the advisory now approximately fourteen months old, the spring should be visually examined for advanced surface corrosion, cracking, or loss of material, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp. The accompanying advisory for an oil leak not deemed excessive also warrants a current under-bonnet and underbody inspection, as oil leaks from the sump, cam chain tensioner area, or turbo oil feed pipes are common on these engines and can progress from a seep to a significant drop if left unattended. The 2024 advisories relating to rear brake imbalance, rear disc wear, and rear brake pad wear should likewise be reviewed by checking the current pad material thickness and measuring disc runout and remaining thickness, as rear brake components on a 2013 Q5 of this mileage will commonly be approaching the point of requiring replacement if they have not already been renewed. Beyond the advisory items, a prospective buyer should carry out age and mileage-appropriate physical checks that may not be fully reflected in the MOT data. Tyres should be examined for both tread depth and, crucially, sidewall perishing or cracking, as thirteen-year-old tyres can suffer from rubber degradation even with adequate tread remaining. The brake discs, particularly at the front, should be inspected for lipping and corrosion, and the caliper slide pins and guide surfaces verified for free movement, given the tendency for sticking calipers on vehicles that see a mix of urban and motorway use. The 12V battery health should be tested, as batteries in vehicles of this age frequently operate at reduced capacity and can cause starting or electrical system issues. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic gearbox oil should be confirmed as recently serviced to schedule, as time-based fluid degradation is a common omission on older vehicles. Finally, a thorough road test should be conducted paying close attention to any clonks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, pulling under braking which would suggest the previously noted imbalance has worsened, and any unusual noises from the drivetrain, with the advisories on file serving as a clear checklist for what to listen and look for during the evaluation.