2009 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · SV09 GXT

The most recent MOT, conducted on 26 January 2026 at 172,727 miles, passed, but only after a failure seven days earlier on 19 January 2026 at the identical recorded mileage. This pattern indicates a reactive maintenance approach rather than proactive servicing. The January 2026 failure flagged an ABS warning lamp, excessively worn lower front ball joints, split constant velocity boots, and corroded structural areas. Passing a week later suggests these specific items were addressed, yet the pass still carried advisories for corroded coil springs, a rear sub-frame with corrosion, and worn suspension bushes across both front corners. The maintenance trend is mixed: critical safety items were repaired to pass, but underlying suspension wear and corrosion remain unresolved. The mileage sits at 172,727 miles for a 2009 vehicle, averaging roughly 10,160 miles per year, which is typical for its age. However, the record shows a notable gap between November 2024 at 168,066 miles and January 2026 at 172,727 miles, representing approximately 4,661 miles covered in just over fourteen months. The mileage has effectively plateaued since the January 2026 tests, with no further accumulation recorded. This could indicate the vehicle has been standing for extended periods since the recent MOT cycle, which can exacerbate issues like brake disc surface corrosion, tyre flat-spotting, and moisture ingress into exposed suspension components. The recurring advisories across multiple test dates point to a vehicle that has received patchy attention. Front suspension bushes and upper rear arm inner bushes have been flagged as worn in both the December 2025 and January 2026 tests, suggesting these are deteriorating gradually and have not been replaced. Both rear coil springs are consistently noted as corroded, and the rear sub-frame carries a corrosion advisory that has persisted across inspections. A prospective buyer should physically inspect the sub-frame mounting points, inner wing structures near the air box area, and all suspension arm bushes for play or perishing. The offside inner wing corrosion noted in December 2025 warrants close examination for any progression that could affect structural integrity over time. The January 2025 failure also identified split constant velocity boots on the nearside and offside front driveshafts, along with a central front CV boot issue. Although the subsequent January 2026 pass suggests these boots were replaced, the buyer should verify this by checking for fresh grease splatter, boot clips, and any clicking during full-lock turns that would indicate joint wear from prior contamination. The ABS fault that caused the January 2026 failure should be scanned with a diagnostic tool to confirm no residual fault codes remain, particularly given the fluctuating service brake advisory on the nearside front, which could point to a sticking caliper or uneven disc wear. Brake discs and pads should be measured for remaining thickness, especially at the rear, where the November 2024 test identified seriously weakened discs and pads below 1.5mm.