2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · FG16 SMU

The 2016 Audi Q5 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a notably clean bill of health at its most recent MOT. The test conducted on 23 September 2025 at 147,076 miles recorded zero defects, a significant turnaround from the advisory-laden entries of previous years. This suggests a conscientious recent owner has addressed the vehicle's mechanical wear, moving from a pattern of deferred minor issues to a fully compliant state. The car is currently roadworthy, with no immediate red flags on its latest certificate. The vehicle's mileage accumulation tells a story of consistent, high-intensity use. Covering 147,076 miles over a decade equates to roughly 14,708 miles annually, a figure well above the UK average. The record shows a notable gap between the November 2021 test at 99,090 miles and the November 2022 test at 103,032 miles, indicating a period of relatively light use of just under 4,000 miles in twelve months. However, the subsequent year saw a dramatic spike, with the car covering over 16,000 miles between November 2022 and November 2023, a pace that has largely continued. This high-mileage pattern places accelerated stress on all major mechanical and structural components. Despite the clean recent test, the historical advisories warrant a focused physical inspection. The recurring theme of suspension wear, specifically the offside front lower suspension arm inner bushes flagged as worn in November 2024, points to a component that may have been replaced but should be checked for fresh bushings and any associated ball joint play. The rear brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in November 2023, a condition often accompanied by lipping on the disc edges or uneven pad deposition. A buyer should have the rear braking system inspected for disc thickness variation and caliper slide pin operation, as binding can cause premature wear. The advisory regarding a cut in the offside front tyre sidewall from the same 2024 test is a critical item; any sidewall damage compromises the tyre's structural integrity, and this must be verified as having been replaced with a new unit, not merely monitored. The high annual mileage demands a thorough assessment of the drivetrain and chassis for fatigue. A test drive should specifically evaluate the dual-mass flywheel for rattling on deceleration and the gearbox for any jerkiness during low-speed manoeuvres, common failure points on heavily used Quattro systems. Underneath the vehicle, a close visual check for corrosion on the subframes, suspension mounting points, and around the rear trailing arms is essential, as high-mileage vehicles often suffer from surface corrosion that can become structural if left untreated. The clean recent MOT is a positive indicator, but the car's history of hard use means its long-term reliability now hinges entirely on the quality of the repairs and ongoing servicing since that last test.