2018 Audi Q7 4.0L Diesel · R88 CAJ

A consistent theme of front-end wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 2018 Audi Q7, with the most recent test on 2026-02-21 passing but carrying four advisories all concentrated on the front axle. Both front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and on the inner or outer edge, the rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin, and both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm pins or bushes were identified as worn though not yet resulting in excessive movement. The intervening tests in 2025 and 2024 returned clean passes with no advisories, and the earlier records from 2021 through 2023 were similarly unremarkable apart from an inner brake pad advisory in 2023 and a nearside front tyre sidewall cut in the same year. The clustering of four related advisories on a single test is a clear signal that the front suspension, steering, and braking components are entering a phase of measurable wear rather than being isolated incidents. Annual mileage stands at roughly 8,977 miles per year over an eight-year span, which sits broadly in line with typical accumulation for a vehicle of this age. Testing has been carried out annually without any gaps in the recorded history, suggesting continuous use on the road rather than extended periods off-road or in storage. The mileage progression across the six recorded MOT tests does not display any sudden spikes or stagnation that would indicate towing heavy loads, a long motorway commute, or periods of inactivity, so the usage profile appears steady and moderate. Given the advisory cluster on the front end, a test drive should focus on the specific components flagged. With both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes noted as worn, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly over speed humps, kerbs, and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or delay in the steering response. Slow-speed cornering can exaggerate worn bush symptoms, so pay attention to any knocking or shimmy through the steering wheel. The edge-worn fronts observed at the last test warrant checking the wheel alignment, as uneven tyre wear often points to geometry issues; verify there is no pulling to one side under steady acceleration or braking. Inspect the inner and outer shoulders of the front tyres for feathering or stepped wear patterns, and confirm the rear brake pad wear does not have a corresponding disc wear issue by feeling for a stepped lip on the rear disc edges during a visual inspection. The rear brake pad advisory is less urgent given pad wear progresses gradually, but the front suspension advisories are the more immediate concern, as bush wear tends to accelerate once movement begins and can lead to an MOT failure in the near term if left unaddressed. Both front tyres should be replaced regardless of remaining tread depth if the edge wear is pronounced, as the casing integrity may be compromised. A pre-purchase inspection with the vehicle raised on a ramp is advisable to confirm the extent of front lower arm bush wear, check the condition of related components such as anti-roll bar links, top mounts, and track rod ends, and verify there is no play in the front wheel bearings. Additionally, given the vehicle's age and the Q7's known susceptibility to corrosion on subframes and brake pipe unions, a thorough underbody examination for surface rust, brake pipe corrosion, and any oil seepage from the drivetrain would be prudent before committing to purchase.