2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · FH66 DPZ

A clean and uninterrupted run of four consecutive passes on a 2016 Audi Q5 stands out as the defining feature of this vehicle's roadworthiness record, with the most recent test on 18 November 2025 recording no advisories and going back through the 2024 and 2023 tests the result is the same. The single failure recorded on 29 September 2022 carries no defect information, which in practice means the vehicle either failed on a category that was subsequently resolved and retested the same day, or the data was not fully captured, since a pass was logged against the same date. The absence of any advisories across the recorded tests suggests that the consumables, corrosion-prone underbody components, and lighting and emission systems have all been kept within tolerance at each annual visit. For a ten-year-old premium SUV, this is an unusually tidy pattern and points to consistent mechanical upkeep rather than deferred maintenance. At 106,370 miles against a 2016 build date, the Q5 has covered roughly 10,600 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a vehicle of its age and class. There is no evidence of a long stationary period that would raise concerns about seized brake calipers, deteriorated rubber seals, or a chronically discharged battery, nor is there any sign of an unusually high annual accumulation that would accelerate wear on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, or drivetrain components. The mileage progression across the recorded tests appears consistent with regular mixed driving rather than a single long motorway commute or exclusively urban stop-start work, which is generally favourable for keeping the TFSI or TDI engine internals, turbocharger, and DPF (if fitted) in healthy working order. Given the absence of recorded advisories, there is no specific component from the MOT history to focus a pre-purchase inspection around, but a buyer should still subject the areas most prone to wear on a high-mileage Q5 to a careful physical and dynamic check. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn upper or lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links, and pay particular attention to steering precision, as vagueness or a shudder through the rim can point to worn tie rods or front strut top mounts. Brake feel should be firm and progressive without any judder under heavy application, suggesting the discs are within tolerance rather than warped from repeated high-temperature cycles. At the rear, check for any uneven tyre wear across the axle, which on a Quattro-equipped vehicle can indicate wear in the rear multi-link components or propshaft flex joint. A thorough underbody inspection is strongly advisable even though the MOT history shows no corrosion advisories, because the Q5 is known for surface oxidation on the rear subframe, suspension arms, and brake pipe runs, particularly in regions where winter road salt is used. Inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil misting around the cam chain cover, valve cover gasket, or turbo oil feed lines, all common seepage points on these engines at this mileage, and check the coolant reservoir for any brown residue that could indicate failing plastic housings or a degraded water pump. Finally, verify that all electronic systems function correctly, including the MMI infotainment, parking sensors, and adaptive headlamp modules, as electrical gremlins tend to emerge on these vehicles as wiring looms age, and any warning lights on the dashboard should be diagnosed with a VCDS or compatible scan tool before purchase.