2018 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · V22 AAR

The 2.0 TDI engine in this Q5 is one of the more economical premium SUVs on the market, typically returning 40–47 mpg in real-world mixed driving, which translates to roughly £1,500–£1,900 in annual diesel costs for average mileage. Road tax sits in a reasonable band for a diesel SUV of this era — vehicles registered from December 2018 often fall under the £165–£190 annual VED rate depending on list-price emissions, but Q5s priced above £40,000 new attract the supplementary £620 luxury car tax for the first five years, so check whether this still applies at point of purchase. Insurance for a 2.0 TDI Q5 typically falls into group 30–35, meaning annual premiums of around £700–£1,000 for an average driver.

Routine maintenance on this generation of Q5 is pricier than mainstream brands but reasonable for the premium segment: an interim oil service runs £200–£280, a major service £400–£550, and brake discs and pads on the front axle cost £400–£500 fitted. Budget additionally for tyres (£600–£800 per set for premium brands) and occasional AdBlue top-ups. Altogether, expect annual running costs of around £1,800–£2,200 covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance — broadly in line with comparable premium diesel SUVs of similar age and mileage.

Start with a careful walkaround focused on the tyres, because the December 2022 MOT flagged premature edge wear on both front tyres. While this is most often simply a wheel-alignment issue, on the Q5 it can also point to worn front suspension components — particularly the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, which are known weak points on this generation. Inspect all four corners for even tread across the width of each tyre, and check for kerb damage to the wheels themselves. Lift the car or look from underneath for any signs of oil seepage from the front differential or transfer case, which is common on quattro-equipped Q5s at this mileage.

On the 2.0 TDI engine, listen carefully on cold start for any rattle from the timing chain area, as early 2.0 TDI units can suffer from timing chain stretch. Check the exhaust for excessive smoke — white smoke on a warm engine could indicate AdBlue or head-gasket issues, while blue smoke under load suggests turbo or piston ring wear. Run a full health check via VCDS or an independent garage to scan for stored fault codes, particularly relating to the DPF, EGR valve, and turbocharger, as these are the most commonly reported failure items for the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI model in the aggregate MOT data. Inside the cabin, check all MMI infotainment functions, climate control operation, and ensure the quattro system engages smoothly on a test drive.