2018 Audi Q3 1.4L Petrol · HA53 AJS

The 2018 Audi Q3 has demonstrated a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT test on 23 August 2025 at 58,972 miles passing without defects—a positive sign. However, the record reveals a pattern of avoidable failures, particularly in tyres and wiper blades, which suggests inconsistent upkeep. The failure in August 2024 at 52,298 miles was severe, with structural tyre damage (bulges and cuts) and multiple nails embedded in the rear tyre, indicating either neglect or a lack of regular inspections. While the vehicle passed subsequent tests, the recurrence of wiper blade failures in both 2024 tests (24 August and 27 August) implies basic maintenance was overlooked. The absence of structural or mechanical advisories in recent tests is reassuring, but the history of avoidable faults raises questions about the owner’s diligence. Mileage progression shows a steady but not excessive rate, averaging around 7,372 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 MOTs (11 months) is standard, but the rapid accumulation of 6,214 miles between the 2023 and 2024 tests (just 11 months) suggests the vehicle was driven consistently during that period. The most notable outlier is the 2024 failure, where the car was driven 67 miles between the 24th and 27th of August—an unusually short interval for such critical tyre defects to go unnoticed. This could indicate either a sudden failure or a failure to address prior warnings. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the tyres, particularly the rear offside, to confirm there are no remaining internal damages or uneven wear patterns. The 2023 MOT highlighted thin front brake pads and worn rear discs, so verifying current pad thickness and disc condition is essential—pitted or scored discs can lead to binding calipers or uneven braking. Suspension components, including bushes and coil springs, should also be examined for wear, as Audi Q3s of this age are prone to bush deterioration, which can affect handling and alignment. Finally, the wiper blades have failed twice in quick succession, so inspecting the windscreen for streaking or incomplete clearance, and checking the blade mechanisms for corrosion or improper fit, would be prudent. While the vehicle has passed recent MOTs, the history of avoidable faults warrants closer scrutiny of these areas.