2018 Audi Q3 1.4L Petrol · LC67 FOU

The 2018 Audi Q3’s most recent MOT test on 2026-02-16 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from its previous history. While the vehicle’s MOT record shows a dangerous failure in 2023 for front tyre tread depth, followed by a series of advisories in 2025—particularly concerning worn suspension arm bushes and tyre perishing—this latest test indicates a stable or improving maintenance trend. The absence of further failures or critical defects since 2024 suggests that the vehicle has either undergone necessary corrective action or that the issues identified in 2025 have been managed effectively, though vigilance remains required to prevent recurrence of wear-related advisories. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 70,055 miles over roughly eight years represents an average annual usage of around 8,757 miles, which is typical for its age and class. This rate does not suggest excessive wear beyond what is expected from normal driving conditions, though it does imply some exposure to road stresses over time. The absence of significant mileage gaps or rapid accumulation suggests consistent use, but the suspension advisories from 2025—particularly the worn lower suspension arm bushes—may indicate that the vehicle has been subjected to moderate to heavy loads or rough driving, accelerating wear in these components. The front tyre tread failure in 2023, however, was a direct consequence of underinvestment in tyre replacement, which is a critical safety risk that must be addressed promptly. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the front tyres for signs of further perishing or cracking beyond the existing advisories, as well as verifying tread depth and uniformity across the remaining tread. On a test drive, listen for unusual suspension noises, such as clunks or rattles from the front lower arms, which may indicate further bush wear or binding. The worn bushes noted in 2025 could lead to uneven suspension travel, reduced handling stability, or even alignment issues, so any excessive play or uneven ride height should be investigated. Additionally, inspect the front tyres for uneven wear patterns, which could signal misalignment or suspension misalignment, and confirm that the tread depth meets legal requirements (minimum 1.6mm) across all four tyres. For fluid servicing and long-term reliability, the buyer should confirm that the vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, particularly focusing on the brake fluid, coolant, and differential fluid, which degrade over time regardless of mileage. Given the vehicle’s age, the brake system—especially the front discs and calipers—may exhibit signs of corrosion or binding if the car has been left stationary for prolonged periods, leading to reduced braking performance. Check for any corrosion on the brake discs, particularly near the callipers, and ensure there is no binding or excessive heat buildup when braking. Lastly, assess the condition of the 12V battery, as older vehicles of this age are more susceptible to failure, and consider testing its charge capacity and connections to prevent unexpected breakdowns. If the service history is incomplete, a professional inspection to verify fluid levels, filter condition, and structural integrity of the suspension and exhaust system would be prudent before finalising the purchase.