2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · TL04 BES

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 October 2025 shows that this 2016 Audi Q5 ultimately achieved a Pass certificate, although the same date also records a prior Fail with two Dangerous defects for nearside and offside front tyre tread depth falling below the legal 1.6mm minimum. These Dangerous failures indicate that the front tyres were excessively worn at the point of test and would have presented a serious road safety risk, particularly in wet conditions or under heavy braking, and the immediate fitment of new front tyres would have been required to clear the test. Beyond this, an advisory was recorded on both entries noting that an undertray is fitted, which itself is not a defect but is worth confirming is securely fastened and not obscuring any underlying component. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle passed cleanly in January 2023 and January 2024 with no advisories, but the 2024 test produced a fail for headlamp aim being too low on both front lamps, a defect that was subsequently remedied. The 2022 pass recorded advisories for close-to-legal-limit front tyres with edge wear and for rear tyres showing perishing or cracking, and the 2020 test noted thinning rear brake pads. Taken as a whole, the trend is reasonably stable, though there is a discernible pattern of consumable wear items approaching or breaching legal limits at the front axle, which warrants targeted inspection. The recorded mileage of 64,805 miles across approximately ten years of service equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,480 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with mixed private and light commuting use. There are no significant mileage gaps between successive MOT entries that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that would point to high motorway mileage or heavy commercial-type use. This relatively steady and moderate usage pattern is generally favourable for the longevity of mechanical components, as it implies regular operation of the drivetrain, brakes, and ancillaries rather than the calendar degradation typically associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles. However, even at this moderate annual rate, a ten-year-old premium SUV will have accumulated wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, engine and gearbox mounts, and dual-mass flywheel components where applicable, and these items should be examined with appropriate care during the physical evaluation. Given the recurring advisories and defects relating to front tyre wear, close attention should be paid to the current set of tyres fitted to the vehicle, confirming they are of reputable brand and have even tread wear across both front and rear axles. Edge wear on the fronts, as previously noted in 2022, can indicate incorrect tracking, worn front suspension bushes, or top mount failure, so during a test drive listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for steering vagueness or uneven pull. The 2024 headlamp aim failure should prompt verification that both front lamps are correctly aligned using a beam setter or by checking against a level surface, and that the headlamp adjusters are not seized or stripped. The 2020 advisory regarding thinning rear brake pads means the rear discs and pads will almost certainly have been renewed since, but it remains prudent to inspect the rear calipers for binding or sticking pistons, particularly given that the Quattro drivetrain places additional demand on the braking system, and to check for any scoring or lipping on the rear brake discs that would suggest pad metal-to-metal contact has occurred. In addition to the recorded defect history, a ten-year-old vehicle with moderate mileage demands a number of age-related checks that may not be visible on an MOT certificate. Brake fluid should be renewed every two to three years irrespective of mileage, and any evidence of neglect here can lead to corrosion within the ABS modulator and brake servo. The 12V battery on a Q5 of this vintage is likely approaching the end of its service life, and a voltage drop test or battery health check is advisable, particularly as a weak battery can cause numerous electronic faults in this model. Coolant, transmission fluid, and the haldex coupling oil on the Quattro system should be verified as within service intervals, with the latter typically requiring a fluid change around every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Underbody inspection is also essential, paying particular attention to the subframes, suspension arms, and exhaust mounting points for corrosion, as well as the rear differential and drive shafts for any signs of oil seep. Finally, confirm the service history stamps correspond to the recorded MOT mileage, and inspect the underside for any evidence of accident repair, fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or transfer box, and ensure that the timing chain and balance shaft components, known areas of attention on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI engines commonly fitted to this model, have been addressed at the appropriate intervals.