2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · VF16 GFJ

The 2016 Audi Q5 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a fully clean pass on 19 December 2025 at 74,164 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a strong indicator that the most recent keeper addressed the accumulating wear items flagged in earlier tests. The trajectory from 2024 and 2025 advisories to a spotless result suggests proactive mechanical care rather than neglect. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,400 miles per year is entirely typical for a ten-year-old vehicle and implies consistent, steady use rather than prolonged standing or extreme annual distances. The interval between the June 2025 test at 69,106 miles and the December 2025 test at 74,164 miles shows an unusually high spike of 5,058 miles in just under six months, which is notable against the otherwise gentle annual average. This could indicate a change in use pattern, such as a long-term motorway commute or extended trip, placing additional stress on consumable components like brake pads and tyres over that short window. The June 2025 test flagged front and rear brake pads wearing thin on both sides, meaning the vehicle entered its most recent test with braking components already approaching minimum serviceable thickness. Although the December 2025 pass confirms these were replaced, a buyer should still inspect the condition of the brake discs and calipers for uneven wear or binding, particularly the rear calipers, which are a known sticking point on this generation Q5. The 2024 test also flagged worn front lower suspension arm pins and bushes on both sides, a common failure on heavy SUVs that affects steering precision and tyre wear. These were evidently rectified given the subsequent clean pass, but a physical inspection of the suspension bushes and ball joints is still advisable to confirm the quality of the repair. Tyre condition has been a recurring theme across multiple tests. The 2024 test noted a nearside front tyre worn on the outer edge and showing cracking or perishing, while the June 2023 failure and retest revealed multiple cuts across both front tyres and a deep cut exposing the ply on the nearside rear. This pattern of sidewall damage and uneven wear suggests the previous tyres were run in a degraded state, potentially indicating alignment issues or underinflation over time. A buyer should check the current tyre sidewalls carefully for fresh cuts or bulging and verify that the wheel tracking is set correctly to prevent premature edge wear. The deteriorated rear registration plate noted in 2024 is a minor cosmetic item but confirms the car was used in conditions that degrade plastics and reflective surfaces, so inspect the bodywork and undertrims for similar weathering.