Audi Q5 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 10,357 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2967cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2967cc14 years old10,357 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2967cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

86% of MOT tests on Audi Q5s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 10,357 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,911 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models208th of 650(top half)

Rank among Audi models840th of 1,066(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+8%(78% avg)

vs Audi average-4%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,911

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Audi Q5 had 106,911 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2012 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Audi Q5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	96%	522	28,479 mi
2020	95%	16,809	37,518 mi
2019	93%	24,241	45,577 mi
2018	92%	26,447	53,765 mi
2017	88%	21,376	62,680 mi
2016	90%	23,838	74,109 mi
2015	89%	22,833	82,808 mi
2014	89%	19,323	90,242 mi
2013	88%	14,036	101,461 mi
2012	86%	10,357	106,911 mi
2011	83%	12,019	115,985 mi
2010	82%	8,422	123,790 mi
2009	81%	8,979	131,180 mi
2008	85%	375	130,615 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,808/year

87%

+1%

Vauxhall Insignia

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-9%

BMW 1 Series

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,808/year

84%

-2%

Audi TT

2011 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

85%

-1%

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About the 2012 Audi Q5

The 2012 Audi Q5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2967cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 10,357 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 106,911 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi Q5 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Audi Q5 Fuel Costs

The 2967cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Audi Q5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Audi Q5 Reliability Trend

Newer Audi Q5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Audi Q5

At 14 years old, the Audi Q5 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 10,357 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2012 Audi Q5 Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 1,115 MOT tests on the 2012 Audi Q5 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Body, chassis and structure33%
Same age: 13% (fails on this more often)
Suspension31%
Same age: 39% (fails on this less often)
Lights and electrics29%
Same age: 43% (fails on this less often)
Tyres18%
Same age: 19%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Audi Q5 reliability, common problems and years to avoid

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 107k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Audi Q5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Audi Q5(2012)	86%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2014)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same
Vauxhall Insignia(2011)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
BMW 1 Series(2013)	84%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same
Audi TT(2011)	85%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Audi Q5

Is the 2012 Audi Q5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2012 Audi Q5s ended in a pass, from 10,357 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Audi Q5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Audi Q5?

86% of 10,357 MOT tests on the 2012 Audi Q5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 208th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

Which year Audi Q5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Audi Q5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2009 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Audi Q5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Audi Q5 is 106,911 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.