2012 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · SW62 EHG

A consistent record of clean passes is the defining feature of this 2012 Audi Q5, with only a single advisory noted across the available DVSA history and both retests resulting in straightforward passes. The most recent assessment on 6 March 2026 recorded no defects, continuing a stable pattern that includes prior passes on 13 November 2025 and 22 February 2024. The two failures on 25 June 2025 and 21 February 2024 appear to have been rectified without complication on the day, as no advisory entries were carried forward into the subsequent passes. This absence of recurring advisories on suspension, braking, or corrosion suggests the vehicle has maintained its structural integrity and mechanical condition competently through its MOT cycle. For a prospective buyer, this represents a reassuring baseline of roadworthiness rather than a vehicle exhibiting the wear pattern often seen on a 14 year old premium SUV. Mileage accumulation on this Q5 sits at 106,694 miles over 14 years, equating to roughly 7,600 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. The usage profile points to steady driving rather than prolonged storage or excessive motorway mileage, both of which can present distinct mechanical considerations. At this annual rate, consumables such as brake pads, discs, and tyres have likely been replaced multiple times, and the major mechanical assemblies including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components have experienced normal working cycles. There is no evidence of a significant mileage spike or an extended off-road period, which means the vehicle should not suffer from the issues associated with dried seals, seized components, or stale fluids that plague low-use cars. The consistent testing cadence, with annual MOTs recorded without multi-year gaps, supports the view that this Q5 has remained in active service throughout its life. When inspecting this vehicle, attention should be directed toward the areas most commonly affected on a Q5 of this generation and mileage. The front suspension multi-link arrangement is prone to wear in the wishbone bushes, track control arms, and anti-roll bar linkages, so a test drive should include firm cornering over uneven surfaces while listening for clonking noises or feeling for vagueness through the steering. Any wandering or uneven tyre wear on the nearside or offside front would suggest bush deterioration or alignment issues that warrant closer examination. The braking system on a vehicle of this mileage should be inspected for disc lipping, which can produce a noticeable vibration through the brake pedal under firm application, and for any binding from the rear calipers that can cause uneven pad wear. Given the mileage and the age of the vehicle, a thorough service history review is advisable to confirm that the timing chain, water pump, and coolant have been addressed at recommended intervals, as these are known service items on the Audi 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI units commonly fitted to the Q5. A test drive should include a cold start to listen for any timing chain rattle from the engine bay, and a steady motorway run to monitor coolant temperature for any signs of creeping upward under load. The quattro drivetrain, if equipped, should be checked for any clunking on initial engagement or hesitation under hard acceleration, which can indicate propshaft or rear differential issues. Finally, a close inspection of the underbody, particularly around the subframe mounting points, wheel arches, and brake lines, is recommended given the vehicle's age and exposure to winter road conditions, even though the MOT record has not flagged corrosion concerns to date.