2016 Audi Q3 2.0L Diesel · FV16 FFX

The vehicle’s roadworthiness status is currently valid, with a clear MOT issued on 06 October 2025 at 75,348 miles, but the maintenance trend is demonstrably worsening. The most recent test followed a failure just one week prior on 29 September 2025 at 75,164 miles, where the tester flagged multiple suspension defects and an inoperative headlamp levelling device. The subsequent pass indicates these specific items were rectified, yet the recurrence of certain advisories and the sudden emergence of faults after three consecutive clean passes from 2022 to 2024 suggest a shift from proactive upkeep to reactive repairs. The mileage pattern is consistent with typical use for a 2016 vehicle, averaging approximately 7,535 miles per year. A clear gap exists in the MOT record between October 2022 and October 2023, a full year without a recorded test, though the mileage increase of 9,444 miles during that period aligns with normal annual accumulation. The most concerning data point is the mere 184 miles added between the failure on 29 September 2025 and the pass on 06 October 2025, confirming the vehicle was likely driven directly to a retest after garage work rather than being used regularly in the interim. The 2025 failure highlights front-end wear that demands physical inspection. Both front suspension arm pins or bushes were excessively worn, a condition that degrades steering precision and can cause uneven tyre wear. While repaired for the MOT, the root cause often points to neglected preventative maintenance or aggressive driving. The nearside rear shock absorber has shown a persistent light oil misting across both 2025 tests, indicating a slow but ongoing fluid loss. A buyer should check for visible wetness around the shock body and assess damping performance over speed bumps, as a failing unit compromises ride control and tyre contact. The rear tyres also warrant close scrutiny. The tester repeatedly flagged cracking and perishing on both the nearside and offside rear tyres across the 2025 failure and subsequent pass. This pattern strongly suggests the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, causing the rubber to dry out and lose structural integrity. Even with legal tread depth, aged sidewalls pose a high risk of a sudden blowout. Inspect the date codes on the tyres and budget for immediate replacement if the rubber is hardened or displays visible weathering.