2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · GV17 VTG

Structural fatigue within the suspension system represents the most significant mechanical event in this vehicle's history, evidenced by the dual failure of the rear coil springs in December 2020. While the car achieved a clean pass on 20 December 2025, the trajectory of the MOT record shows a transition from structural failure to recurring consumable wear. The presence of brake pad advisories in 2024, following a period of clean testing, suggests that the vehicle is now entering a phase where high-mileage wear items require more frequent intervention to maintain roadworthiness. Accumulating 120,200 miles over nine years results in an average annual usage of approximately 13,356 miles, which is consistently higher than the national average for a vehicle of this type. This high-mileage profile indicates that the drivetrain, transmission, and suspension components have been subjected to significant operational stress rather than the cycles of stagnation often seen in low-mileage examples. Prospective buyers should anticipate that the mechanical components have reached a stage where fatigue in bushings, wheel bearings, and drivetrain mounts is statistically more probable than in lower-mileage counterparts. Given the history of fractured rear coil springs, a thorough inspection of the rear suspension geometry is essential during a test drive. Listen intently for metallic clunks or knocking noises originating from the rear axle when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as these are primary indicators of failing dampers or worn suspension arm bushes. Furthermore, because the 2024 MOT flagged both front and rear brake pads as wearing thin, verify the current condition of the discs and pads. A test drive should include firm braking to check for pedal pulsation or steering wheel vibration, which would indicate warped discs or uneven pad deposition, both of which are common on heavier vehicles with this level of mileage. The recurring presence of a child seat in the rear seating area during multiple inspections has previously hindered a full assessment of the adult seatbelt mechanisms. Ensure that all rear seatbelts retract fully, lock under tension, and show no signs of fraying or webbing damage, as these are critical safety components that have not been fully inspected in recent years. Finally, check for any evidence of oil misting or fluid dampness around the engine bay and underbody, as high-mileage Audi Q5 models can develop leaks from turbocharger seals or timing cover gaskets, which may not always be captured as a formal failure point during a standard MOT inspection.