2011 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · OO07 TON

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, although four advisory items were recorded. This latest outcome follows a Fail recorded just three days earlier on 29 October 2025, where the vehicle was presented with a Major defect concerning a split nearside front drive shaft constant velocity boot that was no longer preventing the ingress of dirt, together with the same set of advisories that subsequently appeared on the Pass. The vehicle had previously failed in November 2024 due to an ineffective front wiper, and also failed in October 2022 due to dangerously exposed tyre cords. Comparing the early tests in 2021 and 2022, which were entirely clean passes, with the more recent record, there is a clear and gradual worsening of the advisory pattern, with the latest Pass being achieved only after the CV boot defect was remedied. The overall maintenance trend can therefore be characterised as stable in terms of achieving Passes at retest, but with an accumulating list of advisories indicating an older vehicle now developing age-related wear items. The recorded mileage of 97,423 miles over fifteen years equates to an annual average of approximately 6,500 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates regular but not particularly heavy use. There are no significant gaps in the annual MOT history that would suggest extended periods off the road, although the mileage accumulation appears relatively modest which reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox internals. However, this lower mileage profile also carries the well-known implications of predominantly short journey use, particularly for a diesel powered SUV of this type, including more rapid carbon build up in the diesel particulate filter and EGR system, potential turbocharger oil feed issues from infrequent high temperature running, and faster degradation of the 12 volt battery due to constant shallow cycling. The recurring advisory items point clearly to areas requiring close inspection. The nearside front fog lamp bulb has been noted as missing across the last three tests, which is a minor rectification but worth noting in negotiation. More significantly, the rear sub frame corrosion advisory has now appeared at both 2024 and 2025 tests, suggesting progressive corrosion that should be physically inspected on a ramp or over a pit, paying particular attention to mounting points, suspension arm attachment areas and the surrounding floor pan for any structural weakening. The front brake disc wear advisory repeated in 2025 indicates surface pitting and scoring which will worsen with further use, so a test drive should include firm pedal application from around 40 mph to detect any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel, and a visual check of the disc friction surface for lip formation and ridging is essential. The 2024 advisories regarding an oil leak and corroded rear shock absorbers also warrant under bonnet inspection for residue around the sump, cam cover, and turbo oil lines, while the rear dampers should be inspected for pitted shafts, perished bushes and any fluid seepage that would indicate imminent replacement. Beyond the recorded defects, an Audi Q5 of this age and mileage warrants thorough buyer checks regardless of test history. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing typical of fifteen year old rubber, even if the tread depth remains legal, and a search for any uneven shoulder wear may point to suspension geometry or worn bushes. The timing chain on the early 2.0 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI engines fitted to this model is known to stretch with age, so on a cold start listen for any rattle from the chain area for the first few seconds and confirm whether the timing chain and balance shaft guides have been replaced. Brake calipers, particularly the rear units on quattro variants, are prone to seizing after prolonged standing, so each wheel should be rocked by hand with the vehicle jacked to check for smooth rotation and binding. The dual mass flywheel and clutch should be assessed for any chatter or judder on pull away in first gear, and the Haldex coupling on the quattro drivetrain should have its oil and filter serviced at the recommended intervals. Finally, confirm the timing of the cambelt replacement along with the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic gearbox fluid changes, all of which are calendar based rather than mileage based and frequently overlooked on older SUVs.