2016 Audi Q5 2.0L Diesel · VN66 TUU

The 2016 Audi Q5 presented a clean MOT sheet at its most recent examination on 9 October 2025, passing with no defects or advisories recorded by the DVSA inspector. Reviewing the available test history back to 2021, every annual test has returned a straightforward pass with no recorded defects, advisories, or failure items, which is a notably consistent pattern. While a clean MOT record on its own does not constitute a full mechanical guarantee, the absence of recurring or escalating advisories across five consecutive tests suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a roadworthy standard and is not displaying the gradual deterioration one might expect from neglected consumables such as brakes, tyres, or suspension components. For a ten-year-old premium SUV, this level of consistency is reassuring and indicates a stable maintenance trend rather than any worsening or improving trajectory, as there are simply no recorded issues to evaluate. Recorded mileage stands at 116,557 miles over approximately ten years, equating to an annual average of around 11,656 miles per year. This sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of this age and class, neither indicating excessive motorway mileage nor prolonged periods of standing. The annual MOT records are spaced at roughly twelve-month intervals with no significant gaps in testing, which suggests the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life rather than laid up for extended periods. For an Audi Q5 of this vintage and mileage, the drivetrain, transmission, and major mechanical assemblies have been worked reasonably hard but within expected tolerances, meaning core components such as the engine, gearbox, and quattro system should have been adequately warmed through and exercised rather than suffering from the corrosive damage associated with short journeys or infrequent use. Given the complete absence of recorded advisories or defects, a prospective buyer should shift focus towards age- and mileage-related wear items that fall outside the standard MOT checklist or that the test may not fully capture. Tyres warrant particular attention, as a ten-year-old vehicle may exhibit sidewall perishing or cracking from UV exposure and age degradation even if the tread depth remains legal; visually inspect the sidewalls for hairline cracks and check the manufacturing date on the sidewall markings. The 12V battery is another concern, as units of this age are typically nearing the end of their service life and a weak battery can cause electrical gremlins in modern Audi electronics. Open the bonnet and look for any signs of coolant weeping from the water pump, expansion tank, or radiator, as these plastic components are known to become brittle with age. Brake discs, particularly the rear ones, may exhibit corrosion or the calipers may have begun to seize from infrequent use or moisture ingress, so on a test drive listen for any scraping, grinding, or pulling to one side under braking, and feel for any pulsation through the pedal. On a road test, pay close attention to suspension behaviour, listening for any clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as worn control arm bushes, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushings are common on a Q5 approaching this mileage. Listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start, which is a known concern on certain Audi petrol engines of this era, and check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting the dipstick and examining the exhaust for blue smoke. Verify that the service book or digital service history is fully stamped and cross-reference the intervals to ensure timing belt or chain replacement, brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid changes have been carried out at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as these calendar-based services are critical regardless of the clean MOT record. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after start-up and that the four-wheel-drive system operates correctly, as a fault here can be costly to remedy. A pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist or independent engineer would be strongly advisable to corroborate the clean MOT history with a thorough physical assessment.