2014 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · RO64 OGE

The vehicle's most recent official DVSA examination on 19 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, although three advisory items were recorded by the testing inspector. The front offside seat belt webbing was noted as slightly damaged or frayed, the rear brake discs were observed as worn, pitted, scored and ridged with pads at sixty per cent wear, and the rear registration plate was described as deteriorated though still legible. While none of these observations constitute failure, they form part of an advisory pattern that has been progressively accumulating since 2023. Earlier tests from 2024 and 2025 produced passing results with advisories noting brake disc wear across all four corners, which has now progressed to a more pronounced condition at the rear. The maintenance trend therefore appears to be gradually worsening rather than improving, particularly in respect of the braking system, which warrants attentive inspection prior to purchase. The recorded mileage of 79,759 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an average annual usage of around 6,647 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with private rather than commercial use. MOT records are available from 2018 onwards, and the intervening tests show a fairly even accumulation of mileage, suggesting no prolonged periods of standing idle and no unusually heavy use. That said, the consistent advisory items relating to brake discs and tyres across multiple consecutive tests indicate a vehicle that is being driven sufficiently to wear consumables but possibly not with the regularity that would naturally keep brake surfaces clean and free of corrosion pitting. Light to moderate use such as this can actually accelerate disc corrosion in certain conditions, particularly if short journeys predominate and the brakes are not regularly exercised to high temperature. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear braking system, given the recent advisory describing ridging on the rear discs and sixty per cent pad wear. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal during moderate deceleration, which would indicate disc runout or uneven wear, and observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, suggesting a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Inspect the rear pads and discs directly through the wheels if possible, measuring remaining pad friction material against the backing plate and checking the disc surface for lipping, scoring or heat-induced blueing. The recurring front brake disc advisories from 2023 through 2025 suggest the front discs may also be approaching the point where replacement would be prudent, and a thorough inspection of front caliper slide pins for freedom of movement and of pad wear sensors is recommended. The seat belt webbing advisory noted on both the 2025 and 2026 tests should be examined visually for any cuts, fraying, or compromised stitching, as a damaged belt represents a safety concern that could potentially fail a future MOT if deterioration continues. Beyond the recorded advisory items, a buyer of a twelve year old Audi Q5 with average mileage should conduct several age-appropriate physical checks regardless of the MOT history. Examine all tyres closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which occurs independently of tread depth and is particularly relevant on a vehicle that may have stood for extended periods, and verify that the manufacture date code on each tyre sidewall indicates rubber no older than around six years. Lift the bonnet and check the condition of all rubber hoses, drive belts and coolant seals, as these components degrade with calendar age rather than mileage and are prone to failure on vehicles of this vintage. Test the air conditioning system for adequate cooling, which is often neglected on lower mileage vehicles, and inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage from the engine, transmission, transfer box or rear differential, all of which are areas of known wear on the Q5 quattro drivetrain. Finally, verify that the vehicle has been serviced in line with Audi's recommended intervals by reviewing the service book stamps and confirming that time-sensitive items such as brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid and the timing chain have been addressed within their manufacturer-specified replacement windows.