2016 Audi Q7 3.0L Diesel · FY66 NKK

The most recent DVSA examination, conducted on 7 November 2025, resulted in a PASS with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing an unbroken sequence of passes that extends back through 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The overall maintenance trend appears stable and reassuring; the only items flagged in the entire six-test history are advisories on the 2020 and 2019 tests, with no advisories or failures in any of the four most recent examinations. A clean MOT outcome across successive tests on a vehicle of this age is a positive indicator that the car has been kept in serviceable mechanical condition and that no significant structural, lighting, braking, suspension or exhaust defects have been identified by the testing station. With a recorded mileage of 78,673 miles over an approximate ten-year period, this Q7 has covered an average of around 7,867 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a large family SUV of its age. There is no evidence in the MOT record of a substantial mileage gap, extended period of standing, or unusually rapid accumulation that might suggest a change in usage pattern. Average annual mileage of this nature generally implies that the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to keep mechanical components mobilised and the drivetrain working, but the figure is not high enough to indicate excessive wear on major items such as the engine, transmission or four-wheel-drive system at this stage of life. For a vehicle approaching its tenth year, the mechanical condition implied by consistent, modest use is usually favourable, provided the items identified in the older advisories have been subsequently addressed. Although the most recent MOT record is clean, the two older advisories warrant a degree of attention. The 2019 and 2020 advisories regarding front brake pad(s) wearing thin should be confirmed as remedied; on a test drive, listen for any squeal or grinding from the front brakes under light application and check for vibration or pulling to one side, which could suggest worn discs or a binding caliper. The 2020 advisories on both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on the edge are also worth verifying; a replacement pair of quality tyres matching the manufacturer specification should be expected, and any uneven rear tread wear on a current inspection could point to suspension or geometry concerns, particularly given the Q7's air-suspension option which is prone to compressor and air spring wear with age. When inspecting the vehicle, ask the seller for documentary evidence that the front brake pads were replaced, and verify the current rear tyre brand, size and tread depth. Given the vehicle's age and the recent cessation of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should also undertake a number of age- and mileage-appropriate physical checks beyond the MOT certificate. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking from age, particularly if the current set is more than five years old, as rubber degrades through time regardless of tread depth. Examine the underside, suspension arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar links for any corrosion or perished bushes, as these are common wear items on a Q7 of this vintage. Check the operation of the air suspension, if fitted, by listening for the compressor on start-up and watching for the car levelling promptly; any delay or sagging overnight could indicate leaking air springs or a tired compressor. The 12V battery, brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil are all time-served items on a ten-year-old vehicle and should be serviced regardless of mileage; confirm the service history shows recent fluid changes and verify that the cam belt or chain interval, as specified by Audi, has been observed. Finally, on a test drive, pay attention to smooth gear changes, absence of clonks or knocks from the suspension over speed humps, steady idle, and consistent braking without pulling, any of which would warrant further investigation by an independent specialist familiar with this model.