2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · MR56 HOD

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT pass as of September 2025 at 81,807 miles, but the maintenance trend is deteriorating. The most recent test required a retest due to a failed tyre and repeated advisories on front brake pads and rear sub-frame corrosion — issues that have persisted across multiple inspections without full resolution. While none of these items caused outright failure in the final pass, their recurrence signals deferred maintenance and increasing mechanical neglect. Mileage accumulation shows consistent use: from 59,873 miles in September 2023 to 72,147 by September 2024 (12,274 miles/year), then climbing to 81,807 by September 2025 (9,660 miles/year). This aligns with average annual usage for its age, suggesting regular road use rather than long-term storage. However, the jump between 2023 and 2024 exceeds typical wear patterns, which may accelerate strain on suspension bushings and braking components — both areas already showing advisory-level degradation. A prospective buyer must physically inspect the rear sub-frame for active rust progression beyond surface corrosion; though previously deemed “not seriously weakened,” structural integrity can degrade rapidly if left untreated. Front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in both 2024 and 2025 tests — verify pad thickness and caliper function, as binding or uneven wear could indicate deeper hydraulic issues. Suspension arm bushes on both front corners showed wear in 2023; check for clunks, looseness, or uneven tyre wear that might suggest the problem has worsened. Tyre condition remains a red flag — two failures in consecutive years point to either poor alignment or neglected rotation, demanding scrutiny of current tread depth and sidewall integrity. Given the pattern of recurring advisories becoming repeat failures, budget for immediate replacement of brake pads, thorough suspension diagnostics, and potential sub-frame treatment or reinforcement. The car’s fundamentals remain intact, but its reliability hinges on addressing deferred wear before minor advisories escalate into safety-critical faults.