2011 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · LD04 PDD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 12 June 2025, resulted in a Pass but recorded three advisories concerning wear on the nearside and off‑side front lower suspension arm pins or bushes and the nearside front upper suspension arm pin or bush. Earlier tests show a pattern of tyre‑wear advisories, a dangerous tyre‑ply exposure failure in 2022, a major CV‑joint boot split in 2021 and a front brake‑disc wear advisory the same year. Since the 2022 failure the vehicle has passed each subsequent test, with only non‑critical wear advisories appearing, indicating that the most recent maintenance has stabilised the condition, though the recurring suspension and tyre wear points suggest ongoing attention is required. At 207 771 mi the 2011 Audi Q5 has accumulated roughly 13 850 mi per annum, well above the typical UK average of around 8‑10 000 mi per year. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake discs, suspension bushings and CV‑joint boots, and places greater stress on the engine and transmission oil films. The mileage also implies that many components are likely approaching the end of their design life, so any signs of excessive play, vibration or fluid leakage should be treated seriously. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough road‑test inspection. Listen for clunking or knocking when steering over bumps, and feel for any looseness in the steering column that could indicate worn arm pins or bushings. Examine the CV‑joint boots on both front drive shafts for cracks, splits or oil seepage, as the 2021 split was recorded as a major fault. Check all four tyres for tread depth, side‑wall cracking, cuts or perished rubber, especially the nearside rear which has been flagged repeatedly; uneven wear may point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. Verify that the front brake discs still have adequate thickness and are free from scoring, and confirm that both front fog lamps operate, as they were noted as non‑functional in 2021. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, also inspect time‑related items that are not captured by the MOT. Test the 12 V battery under load and check its cranking voltage, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Look for corrosion on the chassis, under‑body, and especially around the fuel tank where a coating of fuel was noted in 2020, which could indicate a slow leak. Confirm that the service book shows regular oil, coolant and transmission‑fluid changes, and consider a fresh change of all fluids if the records are incomplete. Finally, examine the exhaust system for rust or holes, and ensure the emission control components (such as the DPF and catalytic converter) are functioning, as high mileage can lead to premature clogging. These checks will give a realistic picture of the vehicle’s mechanical health and any imminent maintenance that may be required.