2015 Audi Q3 2.0L Diesel · OV15 EEH

A clear pattern has emerged in this Audi Q3's MOT record over the past twelve months, with the front suspension now flagged at both sides. The most recent test on 11 August 2026 passed, but advisory notices were issued for the rear bushes on both the nearside and offside front suspension arms, noting wear that has not yet resulted in excessive movement under test conditions. This is the first appearance of suspension-related advisories in the recorded history; the previous six tests from 2019 through 2025 were either entirely clean or limited to minor emissions and tyre observations. The dual nature of the advisory, affecting both front arms at the same inspection, suggests that the wear is likely progressing in parallel rather than representing an isolated incident, and the next annual test may see these items escalate to failure categories if movement increases. Prior to this, the vehicle had demonstrated a stable roadworthiness record with only transient emissions readings noted in 2020 and 2021 and a nearside front tyre edge wear advisory in 2020. Mileage accumulation on this 2015 Q3 has been broadly consistent with expectations for its age, reaching 125,066 miles at the 2026 test, which equates to roughly 11,370 miles annually over its eleven-year life. There are no extended gaps between tests and no periods where the vehicle appears to have been off the road, with annual examinations consistently recorded every August from 2019 onwards. The steady, moderate usage pattern avoids the particular risks associated with either very low annual mileage, where corrosion, seal drying, and battery degradation can become concerns, or exceptionally high accumulation that accelerates wear on clutches, turbochargers, and drivetrain components. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the recorded annual rate places it within normal parameters, meaning consumable replacement such as brake pads, discs, and tyres should have occurred at regular intervals. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension arm rear bushes warrant close physical inspection, as the MOT advisory only confirms wear without quantifying it. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, particularly over the nearside front where the driver is best positioned to detect steering-related vibrations. When stationary, with the engine off, attempt to rock each front wheel vertically by hand to feel for play in the arm bushes, and check visually under the wheel arch for any cracking, splitting, or deterioration of the rubber bush material. Also pay attention to vague or imprecise steering response, uneven front tyre wear that could indicate geometry disturbance from worn linkages, and any tendency for the vehicle to wander or require steering correction on a motorway run. Replacement of the rear bushes, or the complete front suspension arms if the assemblies are integrated, should be costed into any purchase decision, as the wear noted is likely to progress before the next MOT is due. The remaining advisory history is relatively minor but worth noting during a pre-purchase evaluation. The nearside front tyre edge wear recorded in 2020 may indicate resolved tracking or camber issues, but it is worth inspecting all four tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can persist if alignment was not properly corrected. The recurring emissions readings too clean to measure on the 2020 and 2021 tests typically reflect a well-functioning catalytic system rather than a fault, though it is reasonable to ask for any evidence of recent exhaust or engine management work. A final consideration is the general condition of brake components, given the mileage and age; ask when the brake fluid was last replaced and inspect the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for minimum thickness, as these are service items that will inevitably require attention on a vehicle of this age and accumulated distance.