2015 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · LR65 RYB

This 2015 Audi Q5 presents a notably clean MOT history, with five consecutive pass certificates recorded between 2021 and 2025 and no advisories or failures logged across any of those tests. A vehicle that returns clean examinations year after year with no recorded advisories is uncommon in this age bracket, particularly one covering the full range of safety-critical systems inspected under the MOT regime. The most recent test on 26 September 2025 confirmed roadworthiness with no defects recorded, continuing the unbroken pattern established by the 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 examinations. While a clean MOT record does not constitute a mechanical guarantee and cannot detect issues that have not yet deteriorated to failure point, the consistency here suggests that the major wear items (braking components, suspension, steering, exhaust integrity, tyres, and lighting) have either been replaced prior to test or remain in serviceable condition. The recorded odometer reading of 123,369 miles across approximately eleven years of age equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,215 miles, which sits squarely within typical parameters for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no extended gaps in testing history visible in the MOT record, and the consistent year-on-year test entries suggest the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up in a manner that might encourage dormant corrosion, dried seals, or degraded brake fluid. Mechanically, this kind of steady mileage profile tends to produce even degradation of consumables rather than the uneven wear patterns associated with either very low use (where seizing and corrosion dominate) or extremely high use (where premature component fatigue becomes more likely). Drivetrain wear, however, is proportional to distance covered rather than age, so at this mileage the quattro drivetrain, haldex coupling, and automatic gearbox internals will have accrued significant workload. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisories means there are no specific components flagged in the MOT history to target during inspection, but a test drive should nevertheless focus on the areas most likely to be approaching replacement at this mileage on a Q5 of this generation. Listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly relating to the upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and the front subframe mounting bushes, which are known wear items on these vehicles. Check for steering vagueness, wandering at speed, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, as these can indicate worn suspension bushes or tie rod ends. On the braking system, feel for any judder through the pedal under firm application, which would suggest disc warpage, and listen for any grinding or scraping from the calipers that could indicate seized slider mechanisms. Given the mileage, an inspection of the rear brake setup including the electronic parking brake mechanism is worthwhile, as these can suffer from caliper binding. The drivetrain and engine ancillaries also warrant direct scrutiny given the accumulated distance. During a road test, pay close attention to the behaviour of the automatic gearbox, ensuring shifts are smooth and timely without any hesitation, flare, or harsh engagement, as the eight-speed ZF unit fitted to these Q5s can develop issues with the mechatronic unit at higher mileages. Listen for any clonking from the drivetrain on low-speed manoeuvres or during tight turns, which can indicate wear in the haldex coupling or rear differential. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of oil weepage from the engine sump, timing chain covers, or transfer box, and check for exhaust blows or corrosion around the mounting points and flex joints. Finally, verify the condition of the timing chain and balance shaft components, as early 2.0 TFSI engines of this era have known vulnerabilities in these areas, and any history of replacement or chain stretch noise on cold start should be investigated thoroughly before purchase.