2015 Audi Q5 SE TDI Quattro Auto 2.0L Diesel · SA54 POW

A clean, unbroken four-test DVSA pass history stretching back to October 2022 positions this Q5 as a demonstrably roadworthy example, with the most recent examination on 18 February 2026 concluding without a single advisory or failure entry. Across three consecutive annual tests spanning early 2024 through early 2026, the vehicle has returned to the testing station with no recorded defects in any of the inspected categories, covering brakes, tyres, suspension, exhaust, lights, and structural integrity. The absence of advisories is particularly telling for a diesel Q5 of this vintage, as it indicates that the consumable and chassis components typically subject to wear monitoring have not yet crossed the threshold warranting examiner comment. From a mechanical standpoint, the trend line is one of stable, consistent condition rather than any emerging deterioration, and the record carries no markers of recurring concerns such as repeated brake component advisories, persistent underbody corrosion, or ongoing exhaust emissions issues. The mileage profile of 144,899 miles accumulated over roughly eleven years equates to an annual average of approximately 13,173 miles, which sits at the higher end of typical usage for a vehicle of this age and is well above the UK average. This is consistent with regular long-distance motorway driving, which in practice tends to benefit mechanical longevity by keeping the diesel engine fully warmed through, the particulate filter regularly exercised, and the Quattro drivetrain working consistently rather than suffering the condensation and short-trip wear that plagues low-mileage diesel vehicles. There is, however, a notable gap in the testing record between the October 2022 pass and the January 2024 pass, with no MOT recorded for 2023. This fifteen-month interval could simply reflect a valid certificate carried over without a fresh test, but it does mean the recorded mileage progression during that specific window is not independently verified by examiner observation. Given the high overall mileage, expect proportionate wear on items that are mileage-sensitive rather than age-sensitive. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories across four consecutive tests means there is no specific component history to chase down, yet the high-mileage nature of the vehicle warrants a targeted physical inspection of the items most likely to be approaching replacement thresholds. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and the strut top mountings, as Q5s of this generation are known for bush wear that only becomes apparent under load. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which can indicate front disc warping common to vehicles that have seen significant motorway mileage, and check for pulling to one side which may suggest binding calipers. With the Quattro system, listen for any clonking or binding on tight low-speed turns, which would point to rear differential or propshaft coupling wear, and ensure the Haldex-style coupling is engaging smoothly without hesitation or slip on acceleration. Further inspection points should focus on the areas an MOT examiner would have flagged had they crossed the advisory threshold. Check the condition of the brake pipes and fuel lines along the underbody for any surface corrosion, particularly where they run along the subframes and along the sill seams, as these are common corrosion hotspots on this platform. Inspect the rear silencer and exhaust mounting rubbers for signs of blow or movement, as diesel particulate filter and rear section replacement is a known cost area on higher-mileage TDI models. On cold mornings, watch for any excessive blue or white smoke from the exhaust on start-up which could indicate turbo seal or piston ring wear, and verify that the oil filler cap and surrounding area are clean, as oil misting around the cam chain cover is a known trait of the earlier 2.0 TDI units. Finally, confirm that the timing belt replacement interval has been observed, as this engine typically requires a belt change in the 80,000 to 120,000 mile range depending on specification, and evidence of this major service should be present in the service documentation.