Audi Q5 pre-purchase inspection
8R, 2008–2017
The Q5 is one of the most sought-after used SUVs. It shares engines and gearboxes with the A4 B8, so the weak spots are similar.
- Report on the day of the inspection
- Up to 30 km from our workshop
Pre-purchase inspection report
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro · 2016
154,000 km · VIN WAUZZZ8R3GA•••••• · 10.09.2026
Fine to buy after two small jobs
A DPF regeneration and new front pads — about €250–400 in total.
6 sections · 28 photos · 2 to monitor
DiagnosticsParticulate filter close to fullphotos: 2Monitor
- What we found
- Soot in the DPF is 41 g against a 45 g limit. The last successful regeneration was 780 km ago; two were interrupted.
- What it means
- The car has mostly done short city trips and the filter can't clean itself. The warning light will soon come on and the engine will limit power.
- What to do
- Forced regeneration at the workshop and a check of the differential pressure sensor. After buying — a longer out-of-town drive at least once a month.Approx.: €80–150.
Suspension & brakesFront pads at 25%photos: 6Monitor
- What we found
- Front pads are at about 25%, the discs are within limits. The rears are at about 60%.
- What it means
- The brakes are safe, but the front pads will need replacing within the next 3–5,000 km.
- What to do
- Replace the front pads (the discs can stay).Approx.: €150–250.
EngineNo leaks, runs smoothlyphotos: 5OK
What we checked
- Oil and coolant leaks
- Cold start and idle
- Boost pressure under load
- Belt and pulleys
- Oil service history
Gearbox & quattroSmooth shifts, all-wheel drive works normallyphotos: 3OK
What we checked
- Shifts cold and warm
- Clutch adaptations: 34% / 38%
- Rear differential
- Noise on full-lock turns
Body & paintFactory paint on every panelphotos: 9OK
What we checked
- Paint thickness on 14 panels: 95–135 µm
- Panel gaps
- Sills and underbody
- Glass and markings
VIN & documentsVIN and documents match, mileage confirmedphotos: 3OK
What we checked
- VIN on the chassis and plate
- Match with the registration document
- Audi service records
Page 1 of 5 PDF · 28 photos
Typical weak spots of the Audi Q5
- 1
2.0 TFSI oil consumption (2008–2012)
Why it matters: Worn piston rings — consumption grows and oil damages the catalyst.
How we check: Oil level, spark plugs, questions for the seller.
- 2
7-speed S tronic (DL501)
Why it matters: The mechatronic unit and the dual clutch are costly to repair — jolts when pulling away and limp mode.
How we check: Pull-away, shifts cold and warm, adaptation values, fluid history.
- 3
Panoramic roof drains
Why it matters: Blocked drain channels — water in the cabin and damage to wiring under the carpet.
How we check: Damp marks on the headlining and carpets, drain check.
We check everything else too — body, diagnostics, suspension, documents and a road test. The full list of checks
Book an inspection of a Audi Q5
The listing link and your phone are enough.
Up to 30 km from our workshop: All of Sofia, Bankya, Bozhurishte, Kostinbrod, Novi Iskar, Elin Pelin, Gorna Malina.