2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · NJ10 BOY

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by an increasing number of mechanical failures during recent testing. While the Audi Q5 passed its most recent MOT on 28 May 2026 at 85,814 miles, the tester flagged several significant advisories including worn front tyres, thinning rear brake pads, pitted rear brake discs, and worn offside front upper arm bushes. The failure on 27 May 2026 at 85,812 miles highlights a more serious deterioration in the suspension system, specifically involving an excessively worn nearside front upper arm ball joint and upper rear arm bush. This suggests that components are reaching the end of their service life simultaneously. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a typical ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,500 miles per year. The record shows steady progression from 38,794 miles in September 2019 to the current 85,814 miles in May 2026. There are no significant gaps in usage that would suggest long periods of inactivity, which is positive for preventing seal degradation. However, the recent jump from 73,670 miles in May 2024 to 79,113 miles in May 2025, and then to 85,814 miles in May 2026, indicates regular annual use that is now surfacing wear in the suspension and braking systems. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension assembly. The MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of bushing and ball joint issues, with faults noted in the lower arms in May 2025 and progressing to more severe upper arm failures in May 2026. The tester also flagged low coolant levels in the most recent tests, which necessitates a check for potential leaks in the cooling system or head gasket integrity. The braking system requires immediate attention. The record shows a history of thinning rear pads and pitted discs dating back to October 2022, and these issues persisted through the May 2026 pass. Given the recent failure regarding the headlamp levelling device in 2025 and the headlamp aim issues in 2023, the electrical and sensor-related components of the lighting system should also be verified to ensure they are fully operational and not prone to further intermittent faults.