Buying a Q5, need some advice

[jayA402]

I am looking to get one of the following models:

2012 3.2 V6, 6 speed transmission (which is the last year of the 3.2 V6 engine)

2013+ 2.0T, 8 speed transmission

2013+ 3.0T supercharged


Questions I have:

How are the engines, turbos and superchargers on the 2013+ models? Do they have any history of problems, issues, etc.?

Any negative reviews generally speaking for all 2012+ Q5 models? Any specific model or year I should avoid?

Thanks

[ThewhippetsS5]

@q5 dave @mops@supremepower

I don't know much about these platforms but you guys might

[thunder22]

I am looking to get one of the following models:

2012 3.2 V6, 6 speed transmission (which is the last year of the 3.2 V6 engine)

2013+ 2.0T, 8 speed transmission

2013+ 3.0T supercharged


Questions I have:

How are the engines, turbos and superchargers on the 2013+ models? Do they have any history of problems, issues, etc.?

Any negative reviews generally speaking for all 2012+ Q5 models? Any specific model or year I should avoid?

Thanks

My 2012 2.0T drank oil. I put about 20k on it and traded it in. You might want to google audi oil consumption for more info.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/20...-lawsuit.shtml

[jayA402]

My 2012 2.0T drank oil. I put about 20k on it and traded it in. You might want to google audi oil consumption for more info.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/20...-lawsuit.shtml

Thanks for the feedback, from my research it seems most of the 2.0T 2011 and down had issues with eating oil. I am wondering if the 2013 and up have the same issues or not. How much oil did your 2012 drink?

Researched through the threads, most problems I found were related with the SQ5's steering.

Right now am leaning more towards the 3.0T on the 2013+ or the 2012's 3.2 V6

[VroomVroom]

I came from a 2012 with the 3.2. The 3.0T is a really sweet engine, but the difference the eight-speed trans makes is a game changer.

I had no real complaints with my '12 - I was just looking to check out the '13 and drove off with a deal I couldn't refuse. I'm now 30k miles and 27 months in, and I've been very happy. No oil consumption, and even with the harsher H&R springs, no creaks and groans. It has been a terrific vehicle and I'd recommend it without hesitation.

I will say, the 2.0T loaners I've driven have been pleasurable, and there is a nice bump in fuel economy. But getting back into mine for the drive home always brings a smile.

Good luck with the hunt - I hope you're as happy with your new Q as I've been with mine.

[SQive]

Although I don't have one myself, everyone raves about the 3.0 TDI. More power AND better fuel economy that the 2.0.
If you really don't care for a diesel, the 3.0 is the way to go. All I've heard about the 3.2 in the carbon buildup problem.

[LINDW4LL]

Throw out the 2012. New 8-speed ZF is a huge improvement, and the 3.2 wasn't a particularly good engine. On top of that, the 2013 received the exterior facelift.

I wouldn't be very concerned about burning oil with the newer 2.0T cars. Those issues largely disappeared after 2011.

3.0T is definitely the way to go if money isn't an issue (of the gasoline options)

[Rkost]

Welcome to the boards jayS402, either way you go these guys on here are a huge help... And it gets addicting reading about all the upgrades and mods that can be done. I personally picked up a 2011 3.2L and I love it, it has all the options I wanted and good power. But if I had the option I would go with the new 3.0T, tons of power and the 8 speed tranny is amazing from what I hear! Either way, the Q5 is such a great ride. Happy shopping

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[tgaget]

Although I don't have one myself, everyone raves about the 3.0 TDI. More power AND better fuel economy that the 2.0.
If you really don't care for a diesel, the 3.0 is the way to go. All I've heard about the 3.2 in the carbon buildup problem.

TDI FTW!!! A perfect daily driver, can't wait till mine arrives. So much torque...and 600 miles per tank

If you want to track yours go with the SQ5. Almost as grin-inducing as the TDI for the first 3,000 RPMs, but once you get past 3,000 the fun reeeeally begins.

[jayA402]

Thanks for all the replies guys, its appreciated.

Where can I read more about those 3.2 2012 engines (or more details why they should be avoided)? Not having a turbo or a supercharger is something I prefer in the long run.

Seems most votes are going for the 3.0T. Only thing its been only 2 years since it is put in service on the Q5.

[q5 dave]

40k miles on my 3.0T and the only issue i can think of was a replaced oil pressure switch @ 30k ( under warranty)

[SQive]

Actually, it's been four model years and they're bulletproof.

[jayA402]

The more I research the more I find threads about carbon buildups on the 3.2, but mostly up to 2011. This can be explained though:

1. The 2012 does not have the issue (doubt it, but this can be only confirmed whether the 2012 3.2 engine is different than the previous 2011 and prior years)

2. The 2012s did not yet reach the mileage where carbon buildups become an issue yet.

3. Not many 3.2 2012s were sold

4. There are not complaints because they are being fixed under warranty...for now.

At this point this leaves me with only 2 choices that I will consider: the TDI or 3.0T.

[LINDW4LL]

Jay, all 3.2s have carbon buildup.

The 3.0T has been out since 2009 (not in the Q, but in S4 and A6) and has been totally bulletproof so far. There are hundreds of thousands of Audis running around with it as almost every car in the lineup uses it (Q5, Q7, S4, S5, A6, A7, A8). Can't go wrong.

TDI is great if fuel economy is a leading concern.

[BlackSVT]

One way I look at it is this - the Q5 3.0T is the same engine as the SQ5, A6, A7, S4, etc but detuned for marketing reasons. Mechanically, it's received all the updates and running engineering changes necessary to make it reliable in cars like the S4 that are thrashed pretty regularly. So if you're looking for an engine that's current, relevant, reliable and IMO in the sweet spot, the 3.0T is it. There's a reason why it made Ward's 10 best engines list 5 yrs in a row.

The 3.2 is a dead end and no longer offered, along with the other issues mentioned above. The 2.0T is a good economical engine with OK power, but I'm just not a fan of the driving characteristics...but that's me. I think you'd have to drive both 2.0T and 3.0T and see if it makes a difference to you subjectively.

[landOquattro]

Checked Autotrader in your area...lots of 2.0's...little 3.2's...and one 3.0 up for sale for 2012/2013. MSRP diff is about $8-$10k between the 2.0 to 3.0 at quick glance. As a 3.2 owner with about 9 months factory warranty plus an extended...may simply ride this one out. Currently car is running very smooth and is a joy to ride but like I mentioned...can't help but feel that it's a ticking time bomb. The forum consensus would be the 3.0 and would steer you that way for reliability and relevance related matters. Seems like a fun ride.

[McTaste]

I went with the TDI as I will not be taking it to the track and it will be useful to have all that torque in the low RPM range when driving around town.

[jayA402]

Checked Autotrader in your area...lots of 2.0's...little 3.2's...and one 3.0 up for sale for 2012/2013. MSRP diff is about $8-$10k between the 2.0 to 3.0 at quick glance. As a 3.2 owner with about 9 months factory warranty plus an extended...may simply ride this one out. Currently car is running very smooth and is a joy to ride but like I mentioned...can't help but feel that it's a ticking time bomb. The forum consensus would be the 3.0 and would steer you that way for reliability and relevance related matters. Seems like a fun ride.

Thats is pretty much the case, there are about 90% 2.0T vs 10% 3.0T apparently out there. So waiting is one option, or just go with the 2.0, which I have to test drive first.

[userbbc]

for the 2.0t - worth getting a 2014+ where it received the slight HP bump (unless you're planning on a tune.) Owned a 2013 2.0t but noticed the 2014 2.0t loaners I've driven are more responsive. Now have a 2014 3.0t and there's a worthwhile increase in acceleration at the expense of weight. On twisty roads, the 2.0t feels lighter and better handling.