2010 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · FD59 VPM

A clean and notably sparse MOT history places this 2010 Audi Q5 in a strong roadworthiness position, with no advisories or component defects recorded across any of the last five tests. The most recent assessment on 1 October 2025 returned a pass with no defects, continuing an unbroken run of clean results back through 2022. The single failure on 1 October 2024 stands out as an anomaly rather than evidence of systemic deterioration, particularly because the immediately following test on 11 October 2024 passed cleanly with no advisories, suggesting either a borderline monitoring issue or a minor rectification carried out between tests. Across nearly four years of documented testing, no recurring wear items have been flagged on brake components, suspension, exhaust integrity, or corrosion-affected areas, which is a reassuring indicator of structural and mechanical stability for a vehicle now in its sixteenth year. At 86,041 miles over a sixteen-year span, this Q5 has averaged around 5,378 miles per year, which is well below typical mileage expectations for a mid-size premium SUV of this age. The MOT ledger does not show any significant multi-year testing gaps, with annual or near-annual tests consistently carried out from 2022 through 2025, indicating the vehicle has remained in active use rather than laid up for prolonged periods. Low annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on high-mileage consumables such as clutch assemblies, drivetrain components and brake friction materials, but it can also bring specific risks associated with irregular use. Standing periods can lead to drying of suspension bushes, corrosion on brake discs from surface rust accumulation, and degradation of rubber components that benefit from regular flexing. The consistency of recent annual testing does, however, suggest the vehicle has been exercised sufficiently to keep most systems in working order. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means attention during inspection should concentrate on latent issues that may not have reached the threshold for MOT recording but are common to Q5s of this generation and mileage bracket. The 2.0 TFSI petrol and earlier diesel variants are known for oil seepage from the cam chain tensioner area and valve cover gaskets, so a thorough check for oil residue on the engine block, timing cover and undertray is worthwhile. On the test drive, listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, feel for smooth gear selection through the automatic or manual transmission, and observe for any hesitation or misfire under load. Given the recorded mileage, the quattro drivetrain and haldex coupling should be checked for any clonks or binding during tight low-speed manoeuvres, as these units can exhibit wear even at modest mileages. Suspension and steering refinement is particularly important on this model, as the Q5 uses multi-link front and rear arrangements that can develop play in control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links and rear wheel bearings. During a road test, pay close attention to any knocking or clonking from the front end over uneven surfaces, any vagueness or tram lining through the steering, and any humming or droning that changes with cornering, which could indicate rear wheel bearing wear. Brake feel should be progressive and firm without any juddering under heavy application, and a visual check of the discs for lipping or corrosion pitting is advisable given the low usage pattern. A roadworthy inspection underneath the vehicle for any surface corrosion on subframes, brake lines and exhaust mounting points would also be prudent, as these areas tend to deteriorate on vehicles frequently exposed to winter road conditions, even where MOT testers have not yet recorded advisories.