2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · LB07 SON

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 May 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, although the same date also carries a failure for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Because the MIL is itself a warning that a vehicle diagnostic system has flagged a fault, this entry should not be dismissed purely on the strength of the pass certificate issued alongside it. The diagnostic trouble codes stored by the engine control unit need to be retrieved and interpreted prior to purchase; an illuminated MIL that does not clear may point to an unresolved emissions, ignition, fuel metering, or sensor related issue. Looking across the history, the same MIL failure recurred at the 2025 test, indicating that the condition is persistent rather than a one-off electrical anomaly, and the overall trend suggests a vehicle whose underlying maintenance is largely adequate on a visual basis but which has a recurring electronic or emissions management concern that warrants specialist diagnostic attention. With 84,231 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the Q5 has averaged around 9,359 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this age and is neither indicative of excessive motorway use nor of long periods of standing unused. The mileage progression between annual tests appears consistent and there are no significant gaps that would suggest prolonged inactivity, meaning the usual corrosion and fluid degradation risks associated with low-use vehicles are reduced. That said, average annual use does not eliminate the need to consider age-related deterioration, particularly of rubber components, the 12 volt battery, brake fluid, coolant, and the timing chain or cam timing components which on the relevant TFSI and TDI engines are known to be sensitive to service intervals. The advisories issued during 2024 and 2025 offer useful pointers for a prospective buyer. The nearside front tyre that was reported worn close to the legal limit on edge in 2025 should be inspected for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which may indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or a failing damper, and the condition should be confirmed on a test drive through rhythmic road imperfections where any clonking or vagueness through the front end would suggest the suspension arm or anti-roll bar links need renewal. The offside front lower suspension arm inner wishbone bush advisory from 2024 is of particular relevance; such bushes harden and degrade progressively with age and mileage, and a buyer should listen for knocks or graunching over speed humps and observe whether the vehicle tracks squarely under braking. The nearside rear brake pad advisory indicates that pads should now be measured for remaining friction material, and the rear discs should be checked for lip corrosion, hot spots, or binding calipers, especially as the vehicle is now nine years old and standing periods even of a few weeks can corrode the disc friction surfaces and cause brake shudder on first application. Beyond the recorded advisories, a careful physical inspection is strongly recommended given the vehicle's age. The tyres, regardless of current tread depth, should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as nine year old rubber compounds harden regardless of mileage, and any DOT date code older than around five years from the production date should prompt replacement. The 12 volt battery is very likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load tested, as a failing battery can produce voltage irregularities that themselves illuminate the MIL referred to earlier. Brake fluid should be confirmed to have been renewed within the last two years in line with manufacturer recommendations, and the coolant should be checked for the correct specification and condition, particularly on TDI variants where contamination can lead to serious running issues. A full OBD diagnostic scan, independent of the MOT lamp status, is essential to ensure that no latent faults are present, and a thorough underbody examination for corrosion, fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, and rear differential, and the condition of the exhaust system should be carried out prior to purchase to confirm full mechanical order.