2009 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · LL09 XVP

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 May 2025 resulted in a Pass, with two advisories noted for under trays obscuring underside components and a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. While a current pass is naturally reassuring, evaluating the broader trend is essential here. The 2025 cycle shows a marked deterioration compared to the relatively clean 2022, 2023, and early 2024 tests, with two failures in quick succession during April and May 2025 addressing a fractured rear coil spring equivalent in the earlier test, leaking rear shock absorber, split front drive shaft CV boots on both sides, and excessive play in the lower steering column universal joint. The presence of two Dangerous defects in January 2024 relating to front tyre tread depth below 1.6mm further indicates a pattern of deferred consumable replacement. Taken collectively, the maintenance trend suggests the vehicle has experienced a period of neglect or reactive rather than preventative upkeep in 2025, although the most recent pass demonstrates that the immediate safety-critical items have been addressed. With recorded mileage of 128,176 miles over approximately 17 years, this Q5 has been driven at an annual rate of around 7,540 miles, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates regular use rather than extended standing. There is no evidence in the MOT history of rapid mileage accumulation or extended gaps that would suggest the odometer has been inactive for long periods, nor are there any mileage inconsistencies recorded. Consistent annual usage of this level generally promotes healthier mechanical condition by keeping seals lubricated, preventing brake disc corrosion, and maintaining battery state of charge, although it does mean that higher-mileage wear items such as suspension components, drivetrain mountings, and turbocharger internals will have accrued significant operating hours. The recurring appearance of drive shaft CV boot failures across the 2024 and 2025 tests warrants close physical inspection, even though the most recent test passed. A split boot that has allowed dirt ingress will typically have compromised the CV joint grease and accelerated wear of the joint internals, so buyers should listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front axle during tight low-speed manoeuvres, particularly when turning on full lock. Vibrations through the steering wheel or prop shaft at speed may also indicate joint deterioration. Given that the boots were noted as split or insecure on both nearside and offside front drive shafts, a thorough inspection beneath the vehicle with the wheels turned is advisable, and replacement of both complete drive shaft assemblies or rebuilt joints should be budgeted for if any roughness is detected. Additionally, the fractured rear coil spring recorded in January 2022 and the subsequent serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber in April 2025 suggest the rear suspension has been under stress; check for vehicle sag at the rear corner, uneven tyre wear across the rear axle, and listen for clonking over uneven surfaces which may indicate worn top mounts or trailing arm bushes. The failed steering column universal joint with excessive play is a particularly significant finding as it affects directional control and steering precision. On a test drive, the buyer should pay attention to any slack or knocking from the steering column, particularly when transitioning between lock positions or traversing uneven road surfaces, and verify that the steering wheel returns smoothly to centre without delay. The repeated nearside front tyre edge wear pattern, noted in both the 2024 dangerous failure and the 2025 advisory, suggests an ongoing suspension geometry or alignment issue that has not been definitively resolved, and a four-wheel alignment check should be commissioned along with inspection of front suspension bushes, ball joints, and wishbone rear bushes. Finally, given the vehicle's age, prospective buyers should perform age-related due diligence regardless of the MOT outcome, including checking for tyre sidewall cracking and perishing from rubber degradation, testing 12V battery health under load as the original unit is well beyond typical service life, inspecting all coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid for time-based degradation with the transmission fluid likely due for replacement if it has not been serviced, and examining the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion typical of a vehicle that has seen seventeen winters of British road use.