2010 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · RO52 ABY

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 January 2026 resulted in a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a positive outcome for the vehicle. Looking at the broader trend, this 2010 Audi Q5 has demonstrated a largely stable maintenance record over recent years, securing clean Passes at its 2023, 2024, and 2026 tests. The only anomaly in the sequence is a Fail recorded on 14 January 2025, which was followed just six days later by a Pass on 20 January 2025 with no defects noted. This pattern strongly suggests that the earlier failure was almost certainly a minor, easily rectified issue such as a bulb replacement, an emissions adjustment, or a tyre-related advisory that was addressed prior to the retest. The absence of any recorded advisories across five consecutive tests is a notably clean sheet and indicates that the vehicle has been conscientiously maintained, with no significant wear items deferred to the next inspection cycle. With a recorded mileage of 109,098 miles over a 16-year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 6,819 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical annual mileage for a car of this age and represents moderate usage. The figure suggests the Q5 has been used as intended, primarily for mixed driving that includes both urban and longer distance journeys, rather than being subjected to the harsh stop-start cycles of exclusively city use or the extended high-speed cruising that can accelerate wear in different ways. Importantly, there is no indication of rapid mileage accumulation or extended periods of standing, both of which can bring their own mechanical concerns such as accelerated wear or, conversely, premature degradation of seals, dampers, and brake components through disuse. The mileage progression appears even and consistent, which is generally a favourable indicator for the overall condition of the drivetrain and ancillaries. Given the clean MOT history and the absence of any recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should focus their attention on age- and mileage-related deterioration that would not necessarily be captured during a standard DVSA test. The Q5 is now 16 years old, so the tyres warrant careful inspection for sidewall perishing and cracking caused by UV exposure and age, even if the tread depth remains legal. Look closely at the manufacturing date on the sidewall and consider replacement if the tyres are more than six or seven years old, as the rubber compound hardens and loses grip well before any visible wear appears. The braking system should be examined for corrosion on the discs, particularly if the vehicle has spent time standing, and the caliper slide pins should be checked for seizing, which can cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Inspect the condition of all suspension bushes, the coil springs for any signs of sagging or corrosion, and listen for clonks or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces during a test drive, as these symptoms often indicate worn anti-roll bar links, wishbone bushes, or drop links typical of this age of vehicle. The powertrain and ancillary systems also deserve close scrutiny given the mileage and age profile. With a 2.0-litre diesel engine, the timing chain, turbocharger, and dual-mass flywheel are all known wear items at this mileage, so it is prudent to listen for any rattling on cold start, hesitation under acceleration, or clonching from the transmission during gear changes. Verify the service history comprehensively, including confirmation that the cambelt, water pump, and associated tensioners have been replaced at the manufacturer-recommended interval, as this is a critical and costly maintenance item. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, as batteries of this age are prone to failure particularly in colder months. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if fitted are all time-served items that degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage, so it is worth confirming when these were last replaced. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection is highly recommended, as the Q5 is known to suffer from corrosion around the rear arches, suspension mounting points, and exhaust system, and any structural advisories at this age could significantly impact both safety and long-term ownership costs.