2010 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · LP10 TPU

The most recent MOT test on 6 February 2026 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory noting wear to a pin or bush on the offside front lower suspension arm. Looking back across the recorded history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, though there has been a clear and progressive emergence of suspension and brake-related advisories over the last three tests. The 2023 and 2022 tests were passed without any defects recorded, but from 2024 onwards the vehicle has been accumulating advisories relating to suspension arm pins and bushes on both sides, brake disc pitting and scoring on all four corners, inner brake pad wear, and a headlamp lens defect. This pattern suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where typical high-mileage wear items are beginning to surface and will likely require attention within the next service cycle. With 141,559 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle averages around 8,847 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular mixed-use driving. There are no significant gaps in the mileage progression between annual tests, indicating the vehicle has remained in consistent use rather than being left standing for prolonged periods. This steady accumulation is generally favourable from a corrosion and seal dehydration standpoint, although it does mean that mechanical consumables such as suspension components, braking hardware, clutch and drivetrain items have been worked hard throughout the vehicle's life. The recurring advisories on front suspension arm pins and bushes on both sides are particularly relevant and warrant close physical inspection. These components should be checked by rocking the front wheels side to side at the bottom and listening for clonks or knocking noises over uneven surfaces during a test drive, as worn bushes can allow excessive movement and lead to vague steering, uneven inner edge tyre wear, and compromised handling. Given that the advisories appeared in both 2024 and 2026, there is a strong likelihood the bushes will fail an MOT at the next test, and replacement of the front lower and upper arm bushes or complete arms is a realistic near-term cost to budget for. Similarly, the advisories on brake disc pitting and scoring across all four corners indicate surface corrosion and wear that, if left, will progress to lipping, brake shudder under heavy pedal application, and reduced efficiency. Inner brake pad wear was noted on both front and rear axles in 2025, so the pads should be inspected for remaining thickness and the caliper slide pins checked for freedom of movement and binding, particularly on the rear where electronic calipers can seize after infrequent use. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer should also pay attention to age-related items not necessarily flagged on short MOT inspections. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking from age, even if tread depth appears adequate, and a check of the production date code on the sidewall is advisable given the vehicle's sixteen years. The timing belt or chain service history should be verified for the 2.0 TFSI or 3.0 TDI engine fitted, as replacement intervals typically fall between 60,000 and 100,000 miles and a missed service can result in catastrophic engine damage. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic gearbox fluid if applicable degrade with calendar age rather than mileage alone, so evidence of recent fluid renewals should be sought. The 12V battery is also likely due for replacement given the vehicle's age, and the underbody should be inspected for corrosion on suspension arms, subframes, and exhaust mounting points. Finally, any evidence of oil leaks from the turbo, cam chain area, or rear main seal on this age of Audi should be investigated, as these are known wear areas on higher-mileage examples of this model.