2016 Audi Q3 2.0L Diesel · LS66 XAV

The 2016 Audi Q3 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 11 November 2025 at 24,210 miles with zero defects recorded. That result marks a clear step up from the advisory noted in November 2023, when the tester flagged a nail in the Nearside Rear tyre at 14,577 miles. The subsequent two tests, covering a significant mileage jump, returned no new advisories, suggesting the puncture was repaired and no further tyre damage has occurred since. Overall, the record indicates a vehicle that has been kept in good mechanical order with no recurring faults. The mileage profile is notably low for a ten-year-old vehicle. Between the November 2023 test at 14,577 miles and the November 2025 test at 24,210 miles, the car covered 9,633 miles in two years, a sharp increase compared to the prior annual average of roughly 600 to 800 miles. This sudden uptick in usage after a period of very light driving is worth noting. A car that stood idle for extended periods can develop issues unrelated to mileage, such as perished rubber brake hoses, deteriorated suspension bushes, or moisture ingress into connectors, even if the MOT record itself remains clean. Despite the low overall mileage, the 2023 tyre advisory is a useful indicator. A penetrating object in the rear tyre suggests the vehicle was driven over a puncture hazard, and a buyer should inspect all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and date codes, particularly if the spare has been used to cover increased mileage. The braking and suspension systems also warrant close inspection. Low-mileage cars can suffer from sticking calipers and corroded brake discs due to prolonged standing, while suspension components like drop links and bushes may have aged rather than worn. A road test over varied surfaces will reveal any binding, knocking, or uneven braking that a static check might miss. Structurally, the absence of corrosion or emissions advisories across all five tests is encouraging, but a physical underbody inspection remains essential. Ten-year-old Audis of this generation can develop corrosion on subframes, around suspension mounting points, and along inner wing lips, particularly if the car has spent periods stationary on damp ground. Check the exhaust system for heat-shield security and signs of leaks, and verify that all dashboard warning lamps illuminate and extinguish correctly on ignition. The MOT record confirms sound mechanical care, yet the shift from minimal use to regular driving means a hands-on inspection is the only reliable way to confirm the car has coped well with the change.