Should I buy a 2014 Q7 TDI?

[billm0066]

I found a fully loaded 2014 Q7 Prestige s-line with 50,000 miles at a dealer auction. Even with shipping I can get it for a few grand below retail. I have never owned a diesel in my entire life. Is there any reason why I shouldn't buy a TDI q7? I know about dieselgate and Audi offering an extended warranty which seems good. This is for my pregnant wife. She drives about 40 miles a day for work mostly at 50pmh+. My family lives in Michigan and we are in NC, so we would probably visit them by driving instead of flying after the baby is born for the first couple of years. I thought the TDI might be nice for longer trips like that. However we would only do that drive 1-2 times a year at the very most so it's not a big deciding factor.

My main question should we get the TDI or 3.0 supercharged engine? What is your reasoning? My current car is an sq5 with the supercharged engine and love it. Im familiar with the reliability with it. In NC diesel is about $3.00 and premium is $2.75. The gas savings are not a big deciding factor for me. It's more about reliability and this whole dieselgate thing is throwing me off. I searched the forums and posts from 2014-2015 everybody raved about the TDI engine. After the scandal im not seeing much of that anymore. I checked the vin and this car has had the fix done.

[mjfloyd1]

Everything that I have read about the 3.0 TDI fix says that the vehicle becomes anemic after the fix. You would have to drive one to see what you think.

[TheMysticWizard]

Could always have the transmission software flashed back to the pre-fixed state after fix and possibly get an ECU tune.

I opted for Malone Stage 2 on my A3, it's been to the dealer afterwards for an update and glow plugs under warranty. They didn't mention anything about the tune (flashed it back to stock state before taking it in with the flash loader)

Looking to get my Q7 tuned in the next few months myself. Just got my pre-fix TCU back and put it in. All is good in the world, once again.

[mjfloyd1]

Tune would probably get you better than pre - fix on the TDI but then you would lose your extended warranty.

[TheMysticWizard]

Not sure how closely they look at this sort of thing at the dealer if you come in for warranty work. With Malone, you can get the Flashzilla and flash your tune in your own driveway. This also allows you to flash your stock tune back if you need to. Now I know this triggers the flash counter, the ECU will show how many times it's been flashed.

That being said, when my A3 went in, it had been flashed Stage 2, then had an updated Stage 2 file flashed, then was flashed back to stock before being dropped off. They didn't mention anything and did the warranty work and part 2 of the TDI fix. They did a software update on the ECU at this time, so I'm sure it got plugged in and communicated with the mother ship in Germany, but it didn't seem to care, no TD1 flag thrown yet and they did the warranty work no problem.

As far as software modification on the Q7, I bought a compatible TCU off ebay Germany for about $225 shipped and had it flashed with the pre-fix software ($260 + shipping.) Once I received it, I took my stock (already fixed) TCU put and put the new one in.

If it ever needs to go to the dealer, I can simply put my original TCU in and everything will be stock again.

Again, if I go with Malone, at least I can flash it back to stock, and hope no one notices the flash counter, as they didn't last time.

[Pierce330]

IMO, buy the 3.0T. Much more reliable! If you purchase the diesel, get the deletes done!

[billm0066]

IMO, buy the 3.0T. Much more reliable! If you purchase the diesel, get the deletes done!

What are the deletes?

[Pierce330]

What are the deletes?

https://www.rawtekinc.com/products/t...ant=7740600835

Software: https://malonetuning.com/ecu-tuning/...tdi/30l-v6-tdi

Take a look. Deletes are related to emissions equipment. I know with tuning, deletes can be reversed for emissions testing and then turned back off to improve reliability.

[billm0066]

Thanks. I missed out on the other TDI because the price went too high but pursuing another one. 2014 Prestige with 58,000 miles

[allbizns]

Hey man im in NC also. I just went thru the same thing you are doing a few months ago. I ended up getting a great deal on a 2013 Q7 S-line TDI with only 29,000 miles. It too had the emission fix done. I will say i couldnt be happier! Now I never drove one pre fix so i dont have anything to compare it too or be disapointed in which might be a good thing lol. We got rid of my wifes A5 that was a 2.0t 6spd that had the APR stg 2 tune in it. I can say this its a 6,000 + lb truck and it surprised me. I feel its not far off the performance of the tuned A5. But gets rediculous fuel milage. I will agree with some that the shift strategy could be better but nothing that makes me hate driving the car. Like i stated earlier maybe some of these things dont bother me because i have never driven one prefix.

We do alot of traveling for my sons baseball and this thing averages hand calculated 28 to 30 mpg hwy and 24 to 26 in town. Ive gone 650 miles on a tank.

Now the other thing to consider is all the maintenance will cost you 2x the 3.0 tsi engine. The oil and filter alone for just parts is just over $100.00. I do all my own maintenance so that wasn't as big of a deal for me. Just something thing to look at when deciding which is best for you.

Hope this helps some.

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[dredog1984]

I'm with allbizns on this. We bought a 2015 Q7 TDI about 2 months ago and are about 2,000 miles into ownership. I also have never driven a pre-fix version but can definitely tell that the engine and transmission are definitely not how Audi would have tuned it out of the plant... There is an excessive amount of delay in acceleration when using the throttle below 30% or so and then when you finally get tired of waiting and push it harder you get all the beans! Putting the transmission in Sport helps tremendously if you know you're in a situation where you don't want to worry about lag due to the mapping. As you learn to moderate the pedal it gets much easier to control the acceleration. I have a Stage 1 tuned B8 S4 as well and absolutely love driving the Q7. I love the look, I love the mileage, just absolutely cruises on the interstate in total quiet comfort. The APR tune for it does loom as an enticing move. Not sure I'm too worried about the emissions systems warranties. I will say that the value proposition for it over the 3.0T is not as strong since the diesel/gasoline spread is close to $1.00 where I live. I am going to try to tow my S4 up to Road America, so I'll be testing that 6,600 pound tow rating very soon!

Three additional annoyances about owning a Q7 TDI:

1. 2 - 5 second delay starting the car due to the glow plugs heating up.
2. Occasional 'hot' smell and fan running for up to 15 minutes after shutting it down due to the DPF regeneration process not completing during driving.
3. Rear sunroof is crazy squeaky. Luckily mine is still under new car warranty so will be fixing that next week.

I signed up for Audi Care as well to help cut down on maintenance costs. One additional perk, as a result of the TDI scandal Audi will refill your AdBlue tank one time between the regularly scheduled maintenance intervals.

[billm0066]

I appreciate the input. I won the auction for a 2014 TDI and had it inspected by Manheim. They said it had a starting issue and were unsure what the actual issue is. I cancelled the bid and not sure what that dealer will do with it. Im still interested in buying it and waiting for the dealer to get back with me. If they plan to get it fixed, or if they will sell it for significantly cheaper. Manheim said it would start fine, and then all of a sudden they had to jump it. This is going through my dealer friend (not the person selling it, he just places bids on Manheim) so im not getting first hand information. I wish it was close enough so I could see the car in person. It was a 2014 Prestige with every option besides b&o ($74k sticker) and my price was $19,900 with 58k miles. Needed paint on the bumper and fender. Good deal but I dont know anything about diesel engines so I cant risk a starting issues if it's some sort of module or something.

[Pierce330]

I appreciate the input. I won the auction for a 2014 TDI and had it inspected by Manheim. They said it had a starting issue and were unsure what the actual issue is. I cancelled the bid and not sure what that dealer will do with it. Im still interested in buying it and waiting for the dealer to get back with me. If they plan to get it fixed, or if they will sell it for significantly cheaper. Manheim said it would start fine, and then all of a sudden they had to jump it. This is going through my dealer friend (not the person selling it, he just places bids on Manheim) so im not getting first hand information. I wish it was close enough so I could see the car in person. It was a 2014 Prestige with every option besides b&o ($74k sticker) and my price was $19,900 with 58k miles. Needed paint on the bumper and fender. Good deal but I dont know anything about diesel engines so I cant risk a starting issues if it's some sort of module or something.

Bill, if you can, get a PPI on it. If there is neglect, that Q can cost you quite a bit.

[billm0066]

Bill, if you can, get a PPI on it. If there is neglect, that Q can cost you quite a bit.

For Manheim its called a PSI (post sale inspection) and thats what they found. I cant take it to Audi with a Manheim auction. Dealer didnt get back to me so back to looking at cars. Either a Q7 or a lightly used MKT. MKT has insane depreciation so you can get a lightly used car for 40-50% below sticker. Looks are polarizing but wife is okay with it so I dont care either way. Kinda liking the captains chairs in the 2nd row too.

[1thenaton1]

We had the q7 TDI for ~20k miles before the fix and have not noticed any negative changes afterwards. As with any mod, beware folks opining on this without any data

[vdubjetta02]

My wife is looking at Q7 TDI's right now and I am a long time Audi/VW/Porsche guy, but am nervous to buy my first diesel. I just really am not sure what to expect. So this thread is a good one for me to watch

[3nec]

Bought 2015 Q7 TDi Premium Plus with 20k miles in October. I was little nervous as well as this is my first diesel, but I'm happy with the purchase. With the baby on the way and my 2015 Allroad having almost 85k miles on the clock I pulled the trigger to go with more roomier and safer car. Had no issues so far, currently 28K miles. Did 25k miles service at Audi dealer under Audi care. I do a lot of Highway miles, the Mpg are almost identical as my Allroad. I could probably get better Mpg, but i have heavy foot on Highway 85-95 Mph and i love the Diesel torque. Hope this will help.

[chidoc]

I have a 2014 A6 TDI bought it with 20K miles now have about 103K haven't noticed a real difference in performance. Has been reliable as well, no problems thus far. mpg went down about 2-3mpg after the fix. Still get close to 40mpg on the highway.

[JBM]

I am in the same position. Recently seperated from my ex and she had the SUV. Looking at TDI Q7 but there are less expensive 3.0Ts that are available within the same trim and mileage range. In FL and there is maybe a 10% difference between 93 and the Diesel. Looking to hold this for possibly 5-10 years like my last Audi. The new Qs look weird. I know my way around Audi's maintenance wise so that is not an issue. Is the TDI worth it in the long run?

[matt94gt]

I just got a 2014 Q7 TDI. Like the others I did not drive one pre-fix. But I have been happy with it, I've only had it a week, so Ill report back later. I went with the TDI as we do a lot of road trips and on the highway its hard to beat.

I am in Canada, and my local Audi shop said because of the deiselgate it is covered for the next two services as well, one of them being a major service. So that is good to hear. They did say they only fill it with AdBlue free during a service. I am not sure if the same deal is in the US but you might be entitled to two services if they have not been used up yet. I got mine a few days after the fix was done and plan to keep it un-tuned for as long as I can. I'd love to have the engine braking and throttle response back as it does feel a little sleepy in that regards.

[kkees]

I just got a 2014 Q7 TDI. Like the others I did not drive one pre-fix. But I have been happy with it, I've only had it a week, so Ill report back later. I went with the TDI as we do a lot of road trips and on the highway its hard to beat.

I am in Canada, and my local Audi shop said because of the deiselgate it is covered for the next two services as well, one of them being a major service. So that is good to hear. They did say they only fill it with AdBlue free during a service. I am not sure if the same deal is in the US but you might be entitled to two services if they have not been used up yet. I got mine a few days after the fix was done and plan to keep it un-tuned for as long as I can. I'd love to have the engine braking and throttle response back as it does feel a little sleepy in that regards.

I have a 2012 Q7 TDI S-Line and haven't gotten the fix yet. I plan to and am interested in the tuning, etc. However will that get the engine brake back as well? I pull a camper and concerned about engine brake and performance at altitude. I'm hoping tuning will get this back.

I am new to the tuning thing and do not know much about it. I noticed on the Malone site, there is nothing about the S-line hp tune @ 333hp. What is everyone using for an S-line tune?

[matt94gt]

kkees, I have been doing some reading on the engine break, from what I understand you have to get the TCU reprogrammed.

I have had some people say you can't do it 'yet' and others say you can. The most popular tune is the Malone Stage 2. I'd also love the engine break back, I don't toe but do lots of mountain driving. The S-Line 333HP is the gas model...I think you got your wires crossed. The S-Line TDI did not come with more power, its just the 3.0 TDI.

As the Q7 is new to me, I don't have anything to compare it to. But I do know the pedal feels a little dead. I am going to try to hold out as long as I can (to avoid voiding the warranty) then ill likely get the Stage 2 and possible DEF delete kit.

[kkees]

kkees, I have been doing some reading on the engine break, from what I understand you have to get the TCU reprogrammed.

I have had some people say you can't do it 'yet' and others say you can. The most popular tune is the Malone Stage 2. I'd also love the engine break back, I don't toe but do lots of mountain driving. The S-Line 333HP is the gas model...I think you got your wires crossed. The S-Line TDI did not come with more power, its just the 3.0 TDI.

As the Q7 is new to me, I don't have anything to compare it to. But I do know the pedal feels a little dead. I am going to try to hold out as long as I can (to avoid voiding the warranty) then ill likely get the Stage 2 and possible DEF delete kit.

Ok that makes since now. I won't be heading to Colorado this summer and only towing around the Texas area. It sounds like the fix will make pulling a camper pretty jerky when starting out like at a red light. So it sounds like the Stage 2 is what i want. I'm not really knowledgeable about this tuning thing at all, but willing to learn to get the performance back and sounds easy enough for even me to flash it back for service. But most likely won't need to do that any time soon so by the time the warranty is half life, I will probably do that. And eventually do the DEF kit. I bought this car to last my 10+ years and I'm only a little over 5 years into owning it. If getting my performance back plus some, I'm willing to keep it. I only have 84k miles on it and looks with the bosch check, I SHOULD be getting around 16k for the fix from what I'm calculating. Can you share any good reads you have found on the Engine brake? Fortunately my camper has a double axle so plenty of braking from behind, but still not liking the idea of mountain passes and no engine brake with 4500lbs behind me.

[matt94gt]

I would just search this page for engine break, another good TDI source is tdiclub.com I am just figuring this all out myself too as I've only had my Q7 a week.

Let me know what you discover about programming the TCU (which would get your engine breaking back). This is programming the electronic transmission, its NOT the same as the malone tune from what I understand as the malone tune I thought only tuned the engine and not transmission shift points. But maybe I am wrong there???

Lots of people are all in the same boat as us...most are just getting their cars back now, or fairly recently from the "fix".

[1thenaton1]

not sure what this blather about engine braking is, to slow the car down, downshift

[mark_ma]

come summer time i plan on doing the downpipes, the def delete , and the malone stage 2 tune.
dont know if ill straight pipe it...i saw a clip on youtube and it sounded like a fart machine...

[Greg5OH]

We have had ours just over a year now.
yes the pedal response was dulled after the flash, and first 10 mins of start (regardless of hot or cold) it is jeky. terrible calibration.
But it is great on the highway. 28mpg hand calc. Cruises at 80 so damn smooth. She was doing about 22mpg cruise at 95 for an hour in an undisclosed location down south.

the downpipe to flange at the turbo had a pinhole leak, so smelled raw exhaust, that was replaced under warranty, so new cat as well as DPF as the bolts were rusted together. then with the fix got a new NOx cat and injector, and then shortly after under warranty the DEF pump burned up, so new DEF tank and pump.

After warranty runs out and the first thing that fails it will be getting deleted and tuned.

the 3.0 delted and tuned vidoes I have seen (on a5s and a6s etc) sounded mean AF on youtube.

Looking at getting a 22' foot camper or so well see how it handles it.
Overall we really like ours..the 3rd row is a joke, 2nd row i cant really fit behind the front seat if its in my position but as a driver car, it is quite fantastic.

[dgeraci43]

I just found this thread the other day and I'm in the same boat, looking at a 2014 Q7 TDI. My question for your all is did you purchase an extended warranty on your vehicle for other issues that might come up? The reason I'm asking is that are some TDI Q7's with over 70k miles on them. If you did get an extended warranty, who did you go through? Thanks for your help all!

[Jupiteraudi]

I have 62k miles on my 2015 Q7 TDI - 30k pre-fix miles and the difference in performance and MPG is negligible. I wouldn’t be concerned as a potential buyer. After a cold start the first 10min of driving are a bit off - let’s rpms build to get up to temp. This will go away and it’s smooth sailing from there.

I have the S-line Prestige including the B+O. If you can find one with the B+O I would suggest doing so, it’s wonderful.

The downside to the Q7’s especially those fitted with 21’ peelers is tire wear. It’s horrible, I’ve tried several brands and nothing will help a 5500lb AWD vehicle running on 35 series rubber. Everything else has been fantastic after 62k miles.


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[blackfunk]

And if you can get a wheel and tire insurance package. It will pay for itself in spades.

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[Quattro 4 Life]

Been watching this thread and would love some input on a 2013 Q7 I went and looked at today.

White over black w/ grey peelers, 79k mi, Prestige, S-line Plus, tech package (including adaptive cruise), tow package and air ride. Seems like almost everything except B&O.

The guy is asking just shy of $24k. The car seems to be in great shape except for paint flaking off the wheels and center console lid latch not working.



https://www.calidadautos.com/details...di-q7/53341175

Thoughts?

[b518]

Been watching this thread and would love some input on a 2013 Q7 I went and looked at today.

White over black w/ grey peelers, 79k mi, Prestige, S-line Plus, tech package (including adaptive cruise), tow package and air ride. Seems like almost everything except B&O.

The guy is asking just shy of $24k. The car seems to be in great shape except for paint flaking off the wheels and center console lid latch not working.



https://www.calidadautos.com/details...di-q7/53341175

Thoughts?

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[Timtheguru]

Been watching this thread and would love some input on a 2013 Q7 I went and looked at today.

White over black w/ grey peelers, 79k mi, Prestige, S-line Plus, tech package (including adaptive cruise), tow package and air ride. Seems like almost everything except B&O.

The guy is asking just shy of $24k. The car seems to be in great shape except for paint flaking off the wheels and center console lid latch not working.



https://www.calidadautos.com/details...di-q7/53341175

Thoughts?

My friends test drove that one, they decided to wait for a Q7 until after their Greece trip. I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that one if you like the color. The center console can be easily repaired, and you'll be hard pressed to find perfect wheels on any of these.

[Quattro 4 Life]

My friends test drove that one, they decided to wait for a Q7 until after their Greece trip. I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on that one if you like the color. The center console can be easily repaired, and you'll be hard pressed to find perfect wheels on any of these.

We actually pulled the trigger yesterday! Stoked about it, now I need to unload our A6... I’ll be hanging around this forum more often.

[Timtheguru]

Nice! Congrats!

[Kevin1]

You will enjoy the TDi.

[1thenaton1]

Will chime back in to this thread with experience after ~12k miles since the fix and warranty. We have had glow plugs fail, one after another. Warranty has replaced each (4 now, 5th pending) but would not agree to replace all 6 even after the trend became painfully clear. Happy to have the warranty though and dealership has provided loaners most of the times but not all.

We also had the fill adblue light come on. Took it to the dealer, they refilled adblue,twice, but could not get the light to reset. It said 500 miles until a no-start condition would occur for about 3 weeks until it did not start one day and the dash went full christmas tree. (What a stupid feature btw, no-start if you run out of adblue?? what if you're stranded, wtf). Luckily it was at home, we towed it to the dealership again and they said battery issue, replaced the battery and then the light was gone.