2018 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · LS68 OAE

The most recent DVSA MOT test was conducted on 17 February 2026 and the vehicle passed with no defects or advisories recorded. This represents the fifth consecutive pass on file, with a clean sheet stretching back to the 2021 test, and crucially no advisory items have been raised at any point during this period. The complete absence of advisories across multiple test cycles is a positive indicator, suggesting that wear-related components such as the suspension, braking system, exhaust, tyres, and structural elements have not yet reached thresholds requiring observation. The maintenance trend is therefore stable, with no evidence of deterioration or emerging concerns flagged by the testing station. A buyer should still verify that any advisories that may have been issued previously were subsequently addressed, but the electronic record here shows nothing outstanding. The recorded mileage of 48,836 miles across an eight-year vehicle life equates to an annual average of roughly 6,100 miles, which is broadly typical for a premium SUV of this age and consistent with mixed private and light business use. The mileage progression between tests is steady, with no extended gaps suggesting long periods of standing and no sudden surges that would indicate harsh driving conditions or high-mileage motorway commuting. This moderate usage profile is mechanically favourable, as it implies the engine, transmission, quattro drivetrain, and braking components have been worked gently rather than subjected to extreme service conditions. It does, however, mean the vehicle is not entirely free from age-related deterioration, as calendar ageing affects components regardless of mileage accumulation. Given the clean MOT history and modest annual mileage, attention during a physical inspection should focus on time-related degradation rather than wear-induced defects. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden with age even when tread depth remains adequate, and a vehicle of this vintage on its original or second set may show circumferential cracking that would not be flagged at MOT until advanced. The 12V battery is another priority, as units beyond five years of age frequently suffer reduced cranking performance and voltage drop, particularly on vehicles with complex electronic control units and start-stop functionality. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion at the friction surface edge, a common condition on lightly used vehicles where pads do not fully sweep the disc face, potentially leading to binding calipers or brake shudder under heavy application. Fluid condition is equally relevant: brake fluid should be tested for water content, coolant checked for corrosion inhibitor strength, and the dual-clutch or automatic transmission fluid assessed against the manufacturer service interval, as these are calendar-based replacements that do not appear on the MOT. A test drive should be conducted with the vehicle fully warmed, listening for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces which would indicate perished bushes or top mount wear, and checking for vibration through the steering wheel that could signify uneven tyre wear or a slightly warped front disc. Cold and warm braking performance should be compared to identify any judder or pulling that suggests caliper seizure or pad glazing, both consistent with low-mileage service patterns. The exhaust system should be examined for external corrosion at joints and mounting rubbers, as eight years of underbody exposure combined with winter road salt will compromise mild steel components even on a well-maintained example. Finally, verify the service book stamps or digital history to confirm that the timing belt or chain interval, spark plug renewal, and quattro drivetrain oil changes have been carried out at the correct intervals, and consider a diagnostic read for any stored fault codes relating to emissions, AdBlue system function, or the MMI infotainment network, none of which are visible during a standard MOT inspection.