Audi Q5

[Anonymous]

How has your reliability been? When did you need new brakes? When did it start to go down hill?

I’m asking because I’m looking to buy a used 2018 model. I’ve had audis in the past and dread the maintenance, tell me I can handle it.

[Anonymous]

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Q5!!! Best car we have ever owned. We have a 2020 and we LOVE it!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Q5!!! Best car we have ever owned. We have a 2020 and we LOVE it!!

Tell me more. I brought it home to test drive it this weekend and I think I’m going to buy it. Tell me why it’s so great.

[Anonymous]

LOVE our Audis (not Q5 but considered it). They had a reputation for bad reliability years ago but in the last 5 years are very high in reliability ratings.

You're going to pay $$$ for maintenance. And parts are expensive if you need repairs. But that's the life of a German luxury car. It hasn't needed any more repairs than Japanese brands in my experience, just more expensive when it does. If it is in your budget, nothing drives like an Audi. I rented a Porsche Macan and still preferred the Audi. I've had a Lexus RX in the past.

I never cared about cars before. Was driving a Honda CRV. I rented an Audi Silvercar, not for the car but just to avoid the airport rental hassle when I was traveling for a funeral. I fell in love and couldn't stop thinking about it. Bought a 2017 A4. A year later bought a 2019 Allroad (and spouse took the A4).

[Anonymous]

We have a 2016 Q5 and have not had to replace the brakes yet. Knock on wood it has been pretty great. We LOVE the car. So comfortable and fun to drive.

[Anonymous]

Audi Q5 has been a favorite car here too.

[Anonymous]

I had a q5 for an extended loaner. It was an awkward weird SUV. The roof rack made it noisy. Controls are in bizarre places. Not quite enough power. I do not understand the appeal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Q5!!! Best car we have ever owned. We have a 2020 and we LOVE it!!

Well yeah, year one of owning an Audi is the best year!

I do love Audis, but:
--reliability is fair. Improved from the past. But Audi ownership can be like luck of the draw...it's why you'll have some people who will tell you "my Audi was an absolute money pit after 3 years endless issues glitchy software only lease an Audi never buy!" and others who will report having a great ownership experience.
--Parts and labor are pricey.
--they depreciate hard, and that's because of the high cost of upkeep after the first couple of years. You're avoiding much of that with a 2018.
--Need to be diligent with following the prescribed maintenance schedule. Of course, everyone should do so with any car, but Audis are less forgiving to those who are lax about following the service schedule.
--The Q5 is a great nimble city car but do be aware it doesn't fit tall people and it doesn't have that much cargo room. It is great for a single mid-height or smaller adult or a couple without kids.

Audi has had a lot of problems with their new electric e-trons (AudiWorld forum has some real horror stories), and they tend to struggle with new models/cutting-edge tech. But the Q5 has been around for a while and is a high-volume model so it shouldn't give you that much trouble.

My verdict:
--If you love the Q5 and are fine with the higher upkeep costs, get it. Life is short.
--Avoid high milage Audis...pay a bit more to get a 2018 with lower miles.
--I wouldn't plan to keep it forever. When this thing turns 10, it's going to be cranky and will start taking the amount I'm spending on repairs is starting to approach payment on a new car level bites out of your wallet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Audi Q5 has been a favorite car here too.

+1 on our second.

2012 3.2
2016 3.0T

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a q5 for an extended loaner. It was an awkward weird SUV. The roof rack made it noisy. Controls are in bizarre places. Not quite enough power. I do not understand the appeal.

You likely had a small engine one. I've had 2. No roof rack noise since 2012.

For instance, my 3.0T (I am a pp) drove way better than the 2.0T in the test drive.
I would not consider buying a 2.0 as a result (the 3.2 model was a similar powerful engine).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Q5!!! Best car we have ever owned. We have a 2020 and we LOVE it!!

Well yeah, year one of owning an Audi is the best year!

I do love Audis, but:
--reliability is fair. Improved from the past. But Audi ownership can be like luck of the draw...it's why you'll have some people who will tell you "my Audi was an absolute money pit after 3 years endless issues glitchy software only lease an Audi never buy!" and others who will report having a great ownership experience.
--Parts and labor are pricey.
--they depreciate hard, and that's because of the high cost of upkeep after the first couple of years. You're avoiding much of that with a 2018.
--Need to be diligent with following the prescribed maintenance schedule. Of course, everyone should do so with any car, but Audis are less forgiving to those who are lax about following the service schedule.
--The Q5 is a great nimble city car but do be aware it doesn't fit tall people and it doesn't have that much cargo room. It is great for a single mid-height or smaller adult or a couple without kids.

Audi has had a lot of problems with their new electric e-trons (AudiWorld forum has some real horror stories), and they tend to struggle with new models/cutting-edge tech. But the Q5 has been around for a while and is a high-volume model so it shouldn't give you that much trouble.

My verdict:
--If you love the Q5 and are fine with the higher upkeep costs, get it. Life is short.
--Avoid high milage Audis...pay a bit more to get a 2018 with lower miles.
--I wouldn't plan to keep it forever. When this thing turns 10, it's going to be cranky and will start taking the amount I'm spending on repairs is starting to approach payment on a new car level bites out of your wallet.

This is a really good summary. My 2001 A4 was a great ownership experience, but my 2011 Q5 had issues. I still loved it and miss it. It handled incredibly well, was the perfect size for my family, and had thoughtful attributes (unlike our current Acura). Post-warranty, though, the maintenance costs are high, and the amounts made us get a new car (the Acura, which is fine, but definitely no Audi!)

[Anonymous]

I don't own one but it's the only car I see around town that excites me. Gorgeous! Signed, weighing a Nissan v Suburu

[Anonymous]

I bought it and am very happy! It’s so perfect for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't own one but it's the only car I see around town that excites me. Gorgeous! Signed, weighing a Nissan v Suburu

So…I have had two Subaru Foresters. First one great car, second one needed a new engine at 42,000 miles. Yes, I’m that poster. Anyway, be careful. Or buy a good warranty.

[Anonymous]

Why not get the Q7?