2012 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · RA12 VAV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 January 2026, was passed but flagged an advisory that the front tyre is worn close to the legal limit on the outer edge. Over the last five years the vehicle’s MOT record shows a pattern of recurring failures and advisories – major defects such as split constant‑velocity (CV) boots on both front drive shafts, an excessively worn front lower ball joint and insufficient washer fluid in 2025, and a severe rear‑tyre cut in 2024, together with repeated suspension arm bush wear advisories. While the car has managed to pass each subsequent test, the frequency and nature of the failures indicate a maintenance trend that is worsening rather than stabilising, with several critical wear items still unresolved. At 108,965 mi the Q5 averages roughly 7,800 mi per year, which is typical for a fourteen‑year‑old vehicle and suggests a balanced level of use rather than extreme high‑mileage abuse. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would imply long periods of inactivity, but the relatively modest annual run‑off means that wear on consumables such as tyres, suspension bushings and CV boots can progress quietly and may not have been addressed promptly. The mileage does, however, place the car well into the regime where age‑related degradation of rubber components, battery capacity and corrosion‑prone sub‑frames becomes a realistic concern. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front CV boots and joints; inspect the boots for cracks or splits and feel for any play or clicking when the vehicle is driven at low speed through a tight corner, which would indicate joint deterioration. The front suspension arms and lower ball joint should be examined for excessive play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions and listening for clunking noises, especially over bumps. The tyres are clearly at the end of their service life – the front tyres are already at the legal wear limit and the rear right tyre suffered a cut that reached the ply – so all four tyres will need replacement and the wheel alignment should be checked after fitting. The rear sub‑frame advisory for corrosion warrants a visual inspection of the rear under‑tray and sub‑frame rails for rust, especially around the rear wheel arches; any significant rust could compromise structural integrity and should be addressed before further use. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age means a thorough check of time‑sensitive items is prudent. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a fourteen‑year‑old unit is likely to be near the end of its service life and may struggle in cold weather. Inspect brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven pad wear, and test for any pulsation or shudder under braking. Confirm that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid) are topped up and that the fluids have been changed at appropriate intervals, as fluids degrade with time even if mileage is modest. Finally, ensure the windscreen wiper blades are functional, the direction indicator lamp displays the correct colour, and any under‑tray fittings are securely attached and free of corrosion, as these were previously noted in the MOT history. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable standard.