2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · SP67 LKA

The most recent DVSA MOT examination was conducted on 30 May 2023, with the vehicle passing and no advisories or defects recorded against any of the items inspected. The previous test on 29 July 2022 also resulted in a clean pass with no defects noted. With two consecutive passes and zero advisories logged across the recorded history, the maintenance trend is best characterised as stable from a roadworthiness testing perspective, though the absence of advisory notes over such a period does not necessarily equate to a fully serviced vehicle in the interim, as MOT testing is a snapshot of safety-critical items rather than a comprehensive mechanical survey. Buyers should not infer that the absence of advisories means everything is in peak condition, particularly given the elapsed time since the last recorded test relative to the vehicle's age. The recorded mileage of 73,248 miles over approximately 9 years equates to an annual usage of roughly 8,139 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical averages for a vehicle of this age and type, albeit slightly below the national mean. This moderate-to-low annual mileage suggests the vehicle has seen a reasonable mix of shorter and longer journeys, which is generally beneficial for component longevity compared with exclusively urban stop-start use or, conversely, prolonged periods of standing. However, it also implies that some calendar-related degradation will have occurred over nearly a decade, regardless of odometer reading, particularly affecting rubber, polymer, and fluid-based components. Verification of continuous mileage progression across the MOT records and service documentation is advisable to confirm there are no unexplained gaps that might suggest clock irregularities or extended standing periods. Given the clean MOT history but the age of the vehicle, several physical inspections are warranted prior to purchase. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years from their DOT date stamp should be regarded as due for replacement regardless of remaining tread. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for corrosion pitting or seized slide pins, which commonly develop on vehicles that see occasional standing, and the condition of the brake fluid should be verified, as this is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two to three years irrespective of mileage. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as battery failure is a common cause of non-start issues on vehicles of this age, and the cooling system, including the water pump, thermostat, and auxiliary drive belts, should be visually inspected for signs of seepage, as these items carry age-related service intervals that fall outside MOT scope. Further checks appropriate for a 2017 Q5 of this mileage include a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry and component condition, with particular attention to the front control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and coil springs, all of which are prone to wear and can produce clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces. The Haldex or quattro drivetrain components, transfer box, and rear differential should be examined for oil seepage, and a road test should be conducted to confirm smooth engagement of the all-wheel-drive system without shudder or vibration. The timing chain and balance shaft components, known wear items on certain Audi engines of this era, should be verified as having been addressed or inspected, and the oil filter housing and PCV system should be checked for leaks. On a test drive, listen for any rear suspension clonks, uneven brake feel suggesting warped discs, and ensure the auto gearbox, where fitted, provides smooth and timely changes without hesitation or flare, all of which would warrant further investigation prior to commitment to purchase.