2016 Audi Q5 3.0L Diesel · WF66 CWY

A recurring pattern of tyre-related advisories and emerging corrosion on the rear subframe define the mechanical profile of this 2016 Audi Q5, supported by an unbroken run of MOT passes spanning from 2019 through 2026. Across eight recorded tests, no failures have been logged, which is a reasonable starting point, but the advisory trail warrants close attention. The 2024 test produced four separate tyre advisories for inner-edge wear on both rear tyres and edge wear on both fronts, indicating a likely geometry or tracking irregularity rather than simple wear. The nearside front tyre was flagged again in 2026 for a shallow sidewall cut, the same component location that appeared in the 2024 advisory. Separately, the rear subframe was noted in June 2026 as corroded but not seriously weakened, and the nearside rear inner brake pads were flagged as wearing thin at the 2025 test. None of these items reached failure thresholds, but the accumulation suggests that consumables and structural components are entering a phase where replacement and remediation should be anticipated. The recorded mileage of 53,051 miles against a ten-year age equates to roughly 5,300 miles per year, which sits well below the average for a vehicle of this class and age. MOT tests have been conducted annually with no multi-year gaps, implying the car has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. Lower annual mileage of this nature typically reduces wear on major drivetrain components, but it can also allow certain items to deteriorate through underuse, including brake discs surfacing with corrosion, rubber components perishing, and brake pad material glazing if the vehicle is not exercised through sufficient braking cycles. The relatively modest accumulation rate is consistent with lighter commuter or short-journey use, and the test dates align closely with annual intervals, suggesting the vehicle has not been stored or off-road for prolonged stretches. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the four-wheel tyre wear pattern observed in 2024, as inner-edge wear on the rears and edge wear on the fronts can indicate issues with camber, toe settings, or worn suspension linkages such as control arm bushes, wishbone bushes, or anti-roll bar drop links. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps, and check for any pulling to one side under braking or vague steering response. The brake pad advisory from 2025 means the nearside rear inner pads should be inspected for remaining material thickness, and the discs should be checked for lipping, surface corrosion, or uneven wear, especially given the low annual mileage which can promote disc corrosion. The handbrake holding ability on an incline is also worth verifying, as rear calipers that see infrequent use are prone to binding or seizing. The rear subframe corrosion advisory is the most significant structural item on the record and warrants a physical inspection from underneath the vehicle, ideally on a ramp, to assess the extent of surface rust and whether it has progressed to any mounting points, mounting bolts, or adjacent suspension arms. On the test drive, listen for any clonks or shifts when accelerating, braking, or traversing uneven roads, which would suggest the subframe or its bushings are compromised. Given the repeated nearside front tyre issues, the wheels should be checked for kerb damage and the tyres examined for any uneven wear across the tread, not just the edges. Finally, given that the vehicle is now ten years old with relatively low mileage, ancillary items such as the timing chain, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid service history should be confirmed independently, as these are not assessed under MOT but are age-related service items for this era of Audi Q5.