Buying Audi Q5. Need advice

[emiden]

So I am planning to buy a Q5 , 2013 and up and mileage not more than 50k. I've read a couple threads but didn't find much info. The main question is which engine would be best in terms of reliability and maintenance cost. I am leaning towards the 3.0 tdi but never really owned a diesel car before. Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Joncoulson]

I recently purchased a 16 tdi that I found new with 11 miles on the clock as a previous 3.0 supercharged owner the tdi is an amazing vehicle my wife daily drives and she commutes for work the 30 plus mpgs are great. Just be careful on you’re search and make sure scheduled maintenance has been performed good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[greasykid]

In July I bought a 2016 Q5 2.0 premium+ w/22k miles for $29,900. Perfect condition--not a lease car. Just everything I was looking for,even the colors. Has Technology Pkg-B&O sound etc. 23 months of original Audi warranty remaining . 2.0 is more than enough unless you like dragging. Quiet, decent mpg,no oil usage, Just a good car that's fun to drive. Found it online @ Carguru.com.

[emiden]

I am pretty sure 2.0 has just enough power. I am planning to keep the car for 3 years at least and wondering which engine would keep the maintenance costs down with some miles on it. Has anybody got some higher miles vehicles? Any issues happening at certain miles?

[MSq5]

You may have to search for people who have had both engines to avoid selection bias.

All I can say, trying to avoid bias, is that I picked the 3.0 TFSI because there did seem to be more reported problems here and on other forums with the 2.0 turbo. But, then, there are more 2.0 engines out there. I know nothing about the diesel beyond the emission cheating scandal. I have a good friend with a high mileage A6 with the diesel. He loves it and it has been trouble free for him.

Ultimately, I went with the larger gas engine primarily because the Q5 weighs 4,300 pounds empty and that is a lot of weight to expect a 2 liter engine to handle and give long engine life. It will have to work harder. A 50% in increase in displacement and two more cylinders means a lower work load on all reciprocating parts.

And . . . I admit to being among those who want to safely increase power. It is easier to do with the supercharged 3.0. I went from 272 hp to about 430 with a simple change in one pulley and an ECU reflash. That should tell you how conservative the OEM tune is on the 3.0. That bodes well for a long service life and indicates a lot of headspace for safe power increase, should you want or need to do so. On stock tune the engine isn't even close to being stressed.

[emiden]

You may have to search for people who have had both engines to avoid selection bias.

All I can say, trying to avoid bias, is that I picked the 3.0 TFSI because there did seem to be more reported problems here and on other forums with the 2.0 turbo. But, then, there are more 2.0 engines out there.

Ultimately, I went with the larger engine primarily because the Q5 weighs 4,300 pounds empty and that is a lot of weight to expect a 2 liter engine to handle and give long engine life. It will have to work harder. A 50% in increase in displacement and two more cylinders means a lower work load on all reciprocating parts.

And . . . I admit to being among those who want to safely increase power. It is easier to do with the 3.0. I went from 272 hp to about 430 with a simple change in one pulley and an ECU reflash. That should tell you how conservative the OEM tune is on the 3.0. That bodes well for a long service life and indicates a lot of headspace for safe power increase, should you want or need to do so. On stock tune the engine isn't even close to being stressed.

Have you ever experienced any issues with the chain rattle? As far as I know 2.0 are easy to work on especially if you are talking about timing chain job. Looks like 2.0 has all the timing components in the front, while 3.0 tfsi and 3.0 tdi have them in the back.

[MSq5]

Have you ever experienced any issues with the chain rattle? As far as I know 2.0 are easy to work on especially if you are talking about timing chain job. Looks like 2.0 has all the timing components in the front, while 3.0 tfsi and 3.0 tdi have them in the back.

No, sir. No problems. But, I am at only 35,000 miles.

[SQive]

I've got 58K miles on my 3.0T (SC, stage 2.1) and the only issues I've had are the oil-level sensor issue (which turned out to be an issue with the hood latch), and coolant leak in the intercooler cross-over pipe. I had the water pump changed at the same time because it's a known issue. That's it! Just get a dipstick and check your coolant occasionally.

[emiden]

I guess I am gonna look for a 3.0t. But I am still deciding between a Q5 and a VW Touareg

[Perry01]

I guess I am gonna look for a 3.0t. But I am still deciding between a Q5 and a VW Touareg

I own both. A 2013 Q5 2.0T and a 2008 Touareg V8. It is not much of a comparison. The Touareg is a luxury SUV. Mine has air suspension, 4XMOTION with locking front and center differentials and 4LO. Not only is it luxurious but it has serious off road capabilities. It is also much bigger inside and out. My Q5 is a nice crossover that also can get up and go. But is not in the same category as the Touareg. The Q7 shares the same platform as the Touareg.

BTW, my 2.0T has been very reliable and they can be modified to be pretty quick too.

[vbittnv]

Have you ever experienced any issues with the chain rattle? As far as I know 2.0 are easy to work on especially if you are talking about timing chain job. Looks like 2.0 has all the timing components in the front, while 3.0 tfsi and 3.0 tdi have them in the back.

this exactly.. I would only go ( and did) go 2.0 because they are relatively easy to work on... my 3.2 engine tensioner failed and took out the engine. An absolute nightmare to replace a chain in any v6 engine now.. chain maintenance is pretty easy on the 2.0. Just be prepared to dump the car if you have a 3.0 chain rattle you cant get fixed under warranty.

[emiden]

this exactly.. I would only go ( and did) go 2.0 because they are relatively easy to work on... my 3.2 engine tensioner failed and took out the engine. An absolute nightmare to replace a chain in any v6 engine now.. chain maintenance is pretty easy on the 2.0. Just be prepared to dump the car if you have a 3.0 chain rattle you cant get fixed under warranty.

I don't really mind to work on the car. Got used to taking the engine out. Had 2 b5 s4, sold one recently. The question is if it makes sense and how expensive the parts are. Did some research on parts prices for 3.0t and did not find anything that could scare me after the b5))

[emiden]

I own both. A 2013 Q5 2.0T and a 2008 Touareg V8. It is not much of a comparison. The Touareg is a luxury SUV. Mine has air suspension, 4XMOTION with locking front and center differentials and 4LO. Not only is it luxurious but it has serious off road capabilities. It is also much bigger inside and out. My Q5 is a nice crossover that also can get up and go. But is not in the same category as the Touareg. The Q7 shares the same platform as the Touareg.

BTW, my 2.0T has been very reliable and they can be modified to be pretty quick too.

I know that Touareg and q5 are built on different platforms. But for some reason I do like the 2015 Touareg, I do like the Q5 and not so much the Q7. I might take all 3 for a test drive and will see which one I like better because price wise they are pretty close

[Porttac]

Seat of the pants answer...We bought a new Q5 in 2016. We have used it to tow a 15' trailer for a year, then just some long trips. Very comfortable on those trips and the power is more than adequate. I had a 2012 TT at the time and the Q5 felt faster and satisfying. Gas mpg not bad on trips too.
Just my 2 cents.

[SQive]

Seat of the pants answer...We bought a new Q5 in 2016. We have used it to tow a 15' trailer for a year, then just some long trips. Very comfortable on those trips and the power is more than adequate. I had a 2012 TT at the time and the Q5 felt faster and satisfying. Gas mpg not bad on trips too.
Just my 2 cents.

2.0T or 3.0T?

[Pittdawg]

Other than a lower price, I don't see why anyone would ever go for a 2.0T over the 3.0TDI; the TDI has much more power and gets even better MPGs. If MPGs are less of a concern, then, as others have noted, the supercharged 3.0T is the way to go for both power and reliability.

[tomaszp72]

You may have to search for people who have had both engines to avoid selection bias.

Had both engines. 2012 2.0T custom ordered and replaced it with the 2013 3.0T. Hated 4 cylinder. Probably just me. Everybody will be different. I love the 3.0T. so smooth and so much power.

[emiden]

Thanks everybody for your responses. I test drove 3 cars today. Loved both the 3.0 tfsi and the 3.0 tdi. Right know I decided to go with the Q7. Kind of leaning towards the tdi. What do guys think?