2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · ST66 VMY

A consistent thread running through this Audi Q5's MOT record is the progressive deterioration of the constant velocity (CV) boots on the front drive shafts, which has now escalated from advisories into formal Minor defects. Both inner and outer offside front CV boots were flagged as severely deteriorated in 2024, and the offside front outer boot was again recorded as severely deteriorated in 2025, indicating that prior remedial work either was not carried out or has not resolved the issue. Because the Q5 is a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a propshaft and rear differential, the integrity of the front driveshaft gaiters is particularly important; torn boots allow grease to escape and water and grit to enter the joint, accelerating wear of the CV internals. The rear registration plate deterioration has been noted across multiple tests, and the exhaust system has shown a developing issue, with a corroded clamp recorded in 2021 and a broken clamp advisory in 2022, suggesting the centre sleeve joint may continue to deteriorate. Otherwise, the vehicle has notched up a series of pass results with no failures recorded, and the windscreen chips, while minor, have appeared on three separate occasions, which is consistent with regular motorway or high-speed road use. With 97,110 miles covered over a ten-year period, the vehicle is averaging roughly 9,700 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the testing history to suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady, indicating that the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than laid up. For an SUV of this size and weight, this level of usage will place proportionate wear on the suspension components, braking system, drivetrain and cooling system, and the recorded advisory brake disc wear on both rear corners in 2020 is consistent with that expected wear pattern. A buyer should interpret the mileage as representative rather than low, meaning consumable replacement and suspension refreshment should be anticipated within the next service interval. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front drivetrain during a physical inspection and test drive. With the offside front CV boot recorded as severely deteriorated in 2025, the joint itself may now be compromised; listen for a rhythmic clicking when turning at full lock, either stationary or at low speed, and feel for any vibration or shudder through the steering wheel under acceleration, which would indicate internal CV joint wear. Inspect both front inner and outer boots for splits, grease loss or fresh grease flung onto the surrounding suspension or underside components. Given the four-wheel-drive system, it is also worth asking whether the Haldex coupling filter and oil have been changed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as neglect of this system is common and can lead to expensive rear differential failure. On the road, check for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the recorded mileage and age place the original anti-roll bar bushes, control arm bushes and drop links within their typical service window. Examine the exhaust centre sleeve joint for current signs of blowing or further clamp deterioration, as the advisories from 2021 and 2022 suggest a recurring weak point. Verify that the rear registration plate deterioration flagged in 2025 has not worsened to the point of likely misread, which could result in a future failure. Finally, carry out a thorough visual inspection of the underside for any corrosion on subframe, brake pipes and fuel lines, as these items are not yet recorded but become more relevant on a ten-year-old vehicle operating in UK winter conditions.