2018 Audi Q5 3.0L Petrol · G8 CVR

The 2018 Audi Q5 has maintained a clean MOT record since its most recent test on 20 August 2025, with no defects or advisories recorded at 31,528 miles. This suggests the vehicle has passed all mandatory tests for brakes, steering, suspension, emissions, and structural integrity without fail. The consistency of passing marks—across five consecutive tests—implies no recurring mechanical failures, though the single failure in August 2023 (at 18,717 miles) was unusually brief, occurring just three days before the subsequent pass. The absence of advisories in any test further indicates the tester did not identify any latent issues requiring attention. However, the 2025 test is now over a year out, meaning the vehicle has not undergone an official inspection since 25 July 2025, which is standard practice for annual testing. Buyers should verify whether the current owner has maintained regular servicing beyond MOT requirements, particularly for components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers, which are common wear items not always covered by the MOT. The recorded mileage of 31,528 miles over eight years—approximately 3,941 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between tests is consistent at one year, but the mileage increments reveal a pattern of minimal driving: the vehicle covered just 5,895 miles between August 2022 and August 2023, and another 6,805 miles in the following year. Such low mileage can mitigate some wear concerns, but it also raises questions about fluid changes—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—which may have degraded over time without regular use. The lack of advisories in the 2023 failure test (which occurred just three days before the pass) is notable, as it suggests no critical issues were missed, though it also implies the vehicle was driven briefly between tests to achieve compliance. Given the clean MOT history, the most prudent areas for an in-person inspection focus on components that degrade predictably over time, regardless of mileage. The suspension system—particularly the rear coil springs and bushes—should be examined for uneven wear, sagging, or corrosion, as these are often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles. Brake discs and calipers, while not failed in MOTs, may exhibit uneven wear or binding if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, leading to moisture-related corrosion. The exhaust system should be checked for rust penetration, especially around the rear subframe and tailpipe connections, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate corrosion. Finally, the battery and electrical connections warrant scrutiny, as low mileage can lead to sulphation or terminal corrosion if the vehicle was left unused for extended periods. A thorough check of tyre tread depth and lateral wear is also essential, as tyres degrade over time even when not driven, and the 2023 failure suggests basic upkeep may not have been consistent.