2009 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · OV09 EDL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding suspension and tyre wear. While it passed the latest test in November 2025 at 174,724 miles, the tester flagged both nearside tyres as being close to the legal limit. This follows a pattern of deferred maintenance seen in 2023 and 2024, suggesting that components are only addressed once they approach failure thresholds rather than on a preventative schedule. At 174,724 miles over 17 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 10,200 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for its age. There is a notable period of high activity between November 2022 and December 2023, where the car covered over 8,000 miles in just thirteen months. This rapid accumulation likely accelerated the degradation of rubber-based components in the suspension system, as evidenced by the multiple advisories for arm bushes and steering rack gaiters recorded during that period. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the record shows recurring issues with the upper and lower arm bushes and ball joints. The 2024 advisory specifically noted play in the offside front lower arm ball joint, which indicates a critical steering component is nearing the end of its service. Furthermore, the nearside steering rack gaiter, previously flagged as deteriorated in 2023, should be checked for further tearing or grease leakage, which could lead to an expensive steering rack failure. The corrosion on the nearside rear coil spring noted in 2023 requires close monitoring for structural fractures, especially given the vehicle's high mileage. Given the repeated reports of uneven tyre wear on the outer edges, a professional wheel alignment check is essential to ensure the suspension components are not causing premature scrubbing of new tyres. The history suggests a vehicle that is mechanically functional but requires proactive attention to its wear and tear items to prevent escalating repairs.