2018 Audi Q5 2.0L Petrol · WN18 SWY

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 12 August 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the strongest possible outcome from the DVSA test and indicates that no examiner-identified items required attention at that examination. Looking back through the recorded history, the broader trend is one of consistent compliance combined with only minor advisories, which suggests the vehicle has been reasonably well maintained rather than allowed to deteriorate. The only failure on record occurred in August 2023 and related solely to non-functioning windscreen washers, which is a trivial electrical or fluid issue and was rectified immediately, as evidenced by the clean pass the very next day. None of the advisories in the 2024 or 2025 tests were severe enough to cause failure, and the absence of any structural, corrosion, or emissions-related advisories is a particularly positive indicator for a vehicle now eight years old. With 81,551 miles recorded over eight years, the annual usage of approximately 10,194 miles sits comfortably within typical parameters for a car of this age, neither suggesting excessive high-mileage wear nor prolonged periods of standing that could foster issues such as brake disc corrosion, dry seals, or battery degradation. The MOT intervals are reasonably consistent on a roughly annual basis, with no lengthy gaps that would imply extended storage, and the mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic. This pattern of regular, moderate use is mechanically beneficial as it tends to keep components such as the turbocharger, dual-clutch or automatic transmission, AdBlue system (if fitted), and drivetrain seals properly lubricated and functioning, while still leaving the vehicle well within the working life of most major assemblies for this generation of Audi Q5. That said, the advisories from the 2025 test warrant attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin and may now be approaching or past replacement, so a physical check of pad thickness and disc condition is strongly advised; during a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application and feel for the pedal pulsing, both of which would indicate disc wear or warping. The nearside rear oil leak around the differential or driveshaft seal should be examined visually for fresh seepage and any staining on the undertray or garage floor, as differential seals can harden with age and may progress if left unattended, potentially leading to more involved repairs. The nearside front tyre cut in the outer sidewall, while not deep enough to fail at the time, should be re-inspected for any propagation of the damage or sidewall bulging, which would necessitate immediate replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the documented items, age-related checks remain worthwhile on a 2018 vehicle regardless of its clean MOT result. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking, which can occur independently of tread wear and is calendar rather than mileage dependent. The 12V battery, likely original or several years into its service life, should be load-tested, particularly if the vehicle is used primarily for short journeys. Brake calipers and discs may exhibit corrosion from seasonal standing or light use, so confirm the car rolls freely when cold and that there is no binding or uneven pull. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid (which degrades hygroscopically regardless of mileage and should ideally be renewed every two years), and if applicable the automatic transmission fluid and Haldex differential oil, should be verified for correct level, condition, and evidence of recent servicing through service book stamps or digital records. Finally, the quattro drivetrain, suspension bushes, and coil springs deserve a road test over varied surfaces to detect any clonks, knocks, or wandering behaviour indicative of wear typical at this mileage.