2014 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · OV14 VGG

A pattern of recurring nearside front windscreen damage and rear tyre wear defines the roadworthiness history of this 2014 Audi Q5, alongside a single recent tyre failure. The windscreen defect first appeared as an advisory note in 2024 and has recurred at every test since, indicating a persistent stone-chip or crack in the same area that, while not currently obscuring the driver's view, will continue to be monitored. The offside rear tyre has been flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on edge at three consecutive tests, suggesting either an unresolved tracking or suspension geometry issue, or consistent premature wear on that corner. The single failure recorded on 21 August 2026 was attributed to a deep cut on the offside front outer tyre exposing the ply or cords, a defect that was rectified the following day when the vehicle returned a pass. Despite this, the same windscreen damage and rear tyre advisory carried over into the retest, confirming these as ongoing concerns rather than isolated incidents. With 40,713 miles recorded across twelve years, the vehicle accumulates an average of around 3,393 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and class. This gentle usage rate reduces wear on major mechanical components such as the clutch, turbocharger, and engine internals, but it also raises the possibility of extended periods of standing or short-journey use, which can accelerate corrosion on underbody components and cause premature ageing of rubber and plastic items. The relatively even spacing of annual tests from 2020 through 2026 suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout, with no obvious multi-year gaps that would indicate a long lay-up. The mileage progression across the visible tests should be examined to confirm steady, modest annual increases consistent with this light-use profile. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the offside rear tyre wear pattern, as a recurring edge-wear advisory across three tests frequently points to an underlying mechanical cause. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, weakened coil springs, or a fatigued shock absorber allowing the wheel alignment to drift. Uneven tyre wear can also be exacerbated by a bent rear axle beam or worn trailing arm bushes, both of which are known weak points on the Q5 platform and worth inspecting on a ramp for perished or cracked rubber. Steering pull to one side, particularly under braking, and any vibration through the seat or steering wheel at speed would warrant further investigation into the suspension and brake geometry on the affected corner. The persistent windscreen damage should be examined closely during a physical inspection, as MOT categorisation can change if the crack lengthens or migrates into the driver's primary line of sight. While the current defect is recorded as minor, any expansion could elevate it to a major failure at the next test. The recent tyre failure on the offside front, though rectified, suggests the remaining tyres warrant close scrutiny for age-related sidewall cracking, tread depth, and any slow punctures or kerbing damage. A thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, particularly around the subframe mounting points and brake pipe unions, is advisable given the vehicle's age, and a check for oil misting around the engine and any signs of coolant or power steering leaks would round out a sensible pre-purchase evaluation.