2020 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · GF20 LLA

A pattern of brake-related advisories has emerged across the MOT history of this 2020 Audi Q5, with the most recent test on 5 December 2024 recording worn and pitted front and rear brake discs with lip formation on the edges alongside rear inner brake pads noted as wearing thin. These three advisories appearing simultaneously indicate that the braking system is approaching a service interval, particularly at the rear axle where pad material is reducing. The earlier tests in February 2024 and June 2023 were both clean with no advisories recorded, showing that the deterioration is relatively recent rather than a long-standing chronic issue. The 2025 test in December 2025 passed with only a single advisory concerning light cracking in the offside rear tyre tread, which is a minor cosmetic observation and not an immediate safety concern, though the braking components flagged approximately twelve months earlier will warrant direct inspection by now. With 49,615 miles recorded over six years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 8,269 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK usage for a premium mid-size SUV. There are no extended gaps between MOT tests in the supplied history, and the relatively consistent testing cadence suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. Mechanically, this mileage profile implies moderate wear across consumable components such as brake friction material, tyres, and suspension bushes, but nothing that suggests an excessively worked vehicle. However, given the brake disc and pad advisories raised at the end of 2024, the actual brake wear rate may be higher than average, particularly if the vehicle has been used for towing or in demanding urban conditions. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for physical inspection centre on the braking system, given the specific advisories logged. The front and rear brake discs should be examined for lip formation beyond the recorded advisory level, scored surfaces, and remaining material thickness, as discs scored at the 2024 test will have worn further in the intervening eleven months. The rear inner brake pads flagged as wearing thin will almost certainly now require replacement, and it is worth confirming whether the caliper slide pins and guide mechanisms are functioning freely, as binding rear calipers are a known concern on this platform. During a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping noises on light brake application, feel for any judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal that would indicate disc runout or uneven pad transfer, and check for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking which could suggest a seized caliper slide. The offside rear tyre showing light tread cracking is a relatively minor advisory but should prompt a close inspection of the sidewalls and tread grooves for any deeper perishing, bulges, or cuts, particularly given the vehicle's age. The advisory noting an under cover fitted at the 2024 test is worth bearing in mind, as it can sometimes mask early signs of fluid leaks or corrosion on lower engine and suspension components. A thorough under-vehicle inspection or a lift check at a specialist would be prudent to assess the condition of components not visible from above, including the front and rear suspension arms, anti-roll bar links, and any signs of oil leakage from the engine or transmission casings. The tyres should also be checked for even wear patterns across both axles, as uneven wear can point to tracking issues, worn suspension bushes, or damper deterioration which would not be flagged in the MOT record until they become significant.