What would you chose : 2015 Q5 3.0T or 2015 SQ5

[Gabe B]

If you had a choice between similarly equipped 2015 SQ5 and a 2015 Q5 (3.0t), which would you chose?

I see a 10-12K Price difference between the two models.

If I'd get the Q5, I'd modify it, (tune, exhaust, wheels, etc).

So is getting an SQ5 worth it over modifying a Q5?

[Silver_Bullet]

So is getting an SQ5 worth it over modifying a Q5?

It depends on what you want. The interesting thing is that the fundamental design is the same, Audi just changes out some components for the SQ5. So if you know what you'd like in the car, you can just upgrade the Q5 components you'd like to improve. The curious thing is some buy the SQ5 and then change out everything that Audi changed to upgrade it from the Q5. So they end up paying that 10-12K just for the badges, which is fine if you have the budget.

The upgraded components for the SQ5 are primarily 1) remapped engine software for more horsepower, 2) additional intercooler, 3) sport oriented springs/dampers, 4) upgraded front brakes with 380mm rotors, 5) 21" wheel package, and 6) sportier sounding exhaust. It's actually not a bad value for the upcharge. But it is easy to make a base Q5 perform better than the base SQ5 with a modest budget. The key areas are 1-3 above - get a tune (ECU/TCU), upgrade the intercooler, and upgrade the springs/dampers with a lowered sportier version. Also upgrade the sway bars. You will make tasty vittles out of any stock SQ5s you come across. The other SQ5 things above are of questionable value. The Q5 brakes are Brembos and very solid and a lot lighter than the "upgraded" SQ5 units (both the disks and the calipers). The SQ5 wheels are all ridiculously heavy at 34-35 lb which is more of a disadvantage than an advantage. The SQ5 exhaust sounds better but there is not much advantage for HP since the base exhaust flows well.

If I could have found an SQ5 for only 5K more than the Q5 (equal year/equal low miles) I would have jumped on it. But I was also happy to have found a nicely priced Q5 with low miles and add a few mods to take it beyond the SQ5 performance wise. I would keep both options open and see what comes up but I would keep the SQ5 upcharge limited to 5K or so since that amount can be applied to the base Q5 to create a monster of a car.

[JD S4]

What about seats, steering wheel, shifter and gauges? ^^^



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[choppstixxx]

I went through this recently, as much as I would have liked a SQ5 I wasn't going to stretch my budget any further to do so. I even contemplated finding a higher mileage SQ5 in order to bring down the price, but also the used SQ5 market is even smaller than the used Q5 3.0T market. And I was having a tough time finding anything within 250 miles of me for a 3.0T Q5 with the options/color I wanted. That being said I don't regret my decision, I love my Q5 so much. It's everything I wanted in a smaller SUV, build quality from Audi is always top notch.

[stapan]

I went through the same decision process.

This is my analysis of the additional value of an SQ:
Steering wheel - $350
Exhaust and rear diffuser - $450 (custom cutout exhaust is much better and cheap to do IMO)
Wheels - $400 (I can sell them for $400 more than the Q wheels)
Badges - $75 (arguable - I prefer to debadge either way but let's say it has some value to most people)
Suspension - negative $800 (downgrade from Adaptive Dampening)
Shifter - $50
Seat upholstery - $0 (just find a Q5 with Luxury and Sport interior package, they are much nicer IMO with the ventilated seats and perforated Milano leather - but I wont go so far as to reduce the value of the SQ here for most people)
Future resale value - $3000
Tune - $0 (upgrading to EPL either way)
Little aux cooler - $50 (not worth the complexity, upgrading to Merc either way)

Total: $3575. If I could find an SQ for up to 3575 more, it would make sense to buy it. Maybe add a little for the "emotional satisfaction" of it originally being a higher model.

In my situation it did not make sense to buy an SQ. Rather get a fully loaded Q5 which is what I did and use a fraction of the cost savings to make it way better than a factory SQ and in some ways better than an SQ can ever be (I don't believe the adaptive suspension can be retrofitted to an SQ; no one has ever done it).

Long story short, the true value of an SQ is in the future resale value difference - the rest is negligible (and Q has some great options you simply cant get on an SQ). Its a poor investment though as the incremental resale value difference goes down dramatically as the car ages.

[MSq5]

It depends on your priorities. I wanted the 3.0 TFSI and not so much some of the comfort/convenience features of the SQ. The dollar/value ratio was lower on those extras.

I opted for a new '17 last year for this supercharged SQ/Q, but with only the S-Line exterior. That was the way to get the engine. I knew I would end up with stage 2 tune and TCU tune resulting in a bump from 272 hp and 6,400 rpm redline to about 420-430 hp and 6,900 redline for a fraction of stock SQ pricing. All you need for the hp bump is a larger crank pulley and supporting tune, maybe a better flowing air filter. It's that easy and about one hour of your time or of a local shop. And it is safe and reliable. Another $1,000 for improved intake charge cooling after my warranty runs out and I'm pretty much set.

It doesn't say SQ. It's a sleeper. I like that.

[Salty Mope]

insurance costs are worth considering too. you can own a tuned Q5 with more power than a stock SQ5 of the same year, but the SQ5 would likely cost more to insure.

[bakedziti]

I went through this recently, as much as I would have liked a SQ5 I wasn't going to stretch my budget any further to do so. I even contemplated finding a higher mileage SQ5 in order to bring down the price, but also the used SQ5 market is even smaller than the used Q5 3.0T market. And I was having a tough time finding anything within 250 miles of me for a 3.0T Q5 with the options/color I wanted. That being said I don't regret my decision, I love my Q5 so much. It's everything I wanted in a smaller SUV, build quality from Audi is always top notch.

I'm sure this came down to color & options, but I noticed this weekend that we have four 3.0T Q5s for sale at Audi of Buffalo ATM. No SQ5s, but I may head out to check out one of the 3.0T Q5s in the next few days.

[choppstixxx]

I'm sure this came down to color & options, but I noticed this weekend that we have four 3.0T Q5s for sale at Audi of Buffalo ATM. No SQ5s, but I may head out to check out one of the 3.0T Q5s in the next few days.

Yessir, specially being my second Audi I wanted to make sure I got exactly what I always wanted. Buffalo seems like a hot spot for inventory. Good luck with Q5 shopping, I already am contemplating a Stage 1 tune after my warranty is up to gain a few extra ponies

[Chris@EPL]

Stage 1 and the ZF TCU tune really transform the Q5 or SQ5.

[billm0066]

insurance costs are worth considering too. you can own a tuned Q5 with more power than a stock SQ5 of the same year, but the SQ5 would likely cost more to insure.

Honestly the difference would be pretty negligible.

I own an sq5 and do not feel it would be worth $10k difference used for similar color/options. $5k is about my max. I do love this car though and glad I bought it.

[Gabe B]

I am kind of liking the idea of a project modifying a Q5 3.0t with the supercharged engine (I like superchargers more than turbos). Good info all around people. TY

[SQive]

insurance costs are worth considering too. you can own a tuned Q5 with more power than a stock SQ5 of the same year, but the SQ5 would likely cost more to insure.

The SQ5 is the cheapest thing on my insurance premium bill.

[coolhandluke92]

Prestige package includes laminate side windows which quiets the cabin a lot. I would also make sure you order a sports diff and dynamic steering.

[choppstixxx]

The SQ5 is the cheapest thing on my insurance premium bill.

Well your garage consists of an R8/Q7/SQ5, not your typical lineup. I mean if you have a good driving record, insuring any vehicle will not be financially crippling.

[SQive]

Well your garage consists of an R8/Q7/SQ5, not your typical lineup. I mean if you have a good driving record, insuring any vehicle will not be financially crippling.

It's more of an age thing, I think. I knew I had become an old fart once my insurance premiums dropped enough to even own an R8.

[VroomVroom]

FWIW.... I went from a '13 Q5 3.0T to a '16 SQ5. My insurance premium went up $7 every six months. My carrier, just like the state DMV, doesn't even distinguish between the two - ID and registration card both say, "Q5."

Side glass upgrade and sports diff apply to B9, not B8.5.

[bakedziti]

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/...811773897.html

Thoughts?

[Iliketurtles]

I was mulling the same thing a few months back... Went with the Q5 3.0T and I don't regret it.

[billm0066]

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/...811773897.html

Thoughts?

Seems like its priced way too high.

Heres what you do to determine a price on a car. Do a cars.com, autotrader, iseecars.com search for the entire country and filter lowest to highest. Double check the lowest ones to see if they have rebuilt titles and pull those out because you cant use them to determine price. Be specific on your search with year and mileage. In my area cars are more expensive than other parts of the country so I have bought most of my cars from other states. Even with shipping I will save $4k-$6k easily. You can ship a cars from several states away for $500-$600.

[choppstixxx]

https://albany.craigslist.org/cto/d/...811773897.html
Thoughts?

Honestly I don't think that is priced that high, I will say that the TDI's should be priced slightly lower than the 3.0T's (from when I was shopping). It's a 2016 that is a pretty loaded Premium+, pretty much the same options I have on mine plus the adaptive suspension. I'd say if you could work them down on price to maybe 28k or dip in the 27's that would be a good deal. Checked the emissions fix and that was all done a year ago, that color too IMO is one of my favorite Grey's.

[bakedziti]

Seems like its priced way too high.

Heres what you do to determine a price on a car. Do a cars.com, autotrader, iseecars.com search for the entire country and filter lowest to highest. Double check the lowest ones to see if they have rebuilt titles and pull those out because you cant use them to determine price. Be specific on your search with year and mileage. In my area cars are more expensive than other parts of the country so I have bought most of my cars from other states. Even with shipping I will save $4k-$6k easily. You can ship a cars from several states away for $500-$600.

I suppose I didn't specify, but my question was by no means about your methods of purchasing a car in or out of state. I'm fully aware of how to purchase a car, as well as how to shop around. My question, that I clearly should have typed out, was more along the lines of where do others feel the 3.0 TDI Q5 stacks up within this discussion?

That said, I totally disagree with you regarding your opinions on the price. The car is priced within $1,000 of all comparable 3.0 TDIs, and is listed as a private party sale, so I suspect there's some wiggle room built in for the selling party. Topics to cover cost reductions include maintenance records; recall records (big with the TDI) and upcoming needs; etc. Additionally, the car is within, if not a tad below, the range of both KBB and NADA private party sales ranges. Lastly, this car checks all of my non-negotiable boxes, if I were to purchase a Q5 (Lava**; black s-line interior, B&O; MMI; side assist; advance key), plus ADS which I am here nor there about TBH. The only missing items for this example are easily changeable; Black Optics & the interior inlays could be brushed.

Honestly I don't think that is priced that high, I will say that the TDI's should be priced slightly lower than the 3.0T's (from when I was shopping). It's a 2016 that is a pretty loaded Premium+, pretty much the same options I have on mine plus the adaptive suspension. I'd say if you could work them down on price to maybe 28k or dip in the 27's that would be a good deal. Checked the emissions fix and that was all done a year ago, that color too IMO is one of my favorite Grey's.

Thank you! I have similar opinions on emissions and especially on the color; its one of my favorites. Now, I'll need to do some digging on tuning potential for the TDIs.

[choppstixxx]

Thank you! I have similar opinions on emissions and especially on the color; its one of my favorites. Now, I'll need to do some digging on tuning potential for the TDIs.

Yea that's another thing that is always a big ? mark, since there is such an abundance for the 3.0T and very little for the TDI variant. Also the maintenance schedule for the TDI is slightly different (a little more needy):
https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...-Year-2016.pdf

[billm0066]

I suppose I didn't specify, but my question was by no means about your methods of purchasing a car in or out of state. I'm fully aware of how to purchase a car, as well as how to shop around. My question, that I clearly should have typed out, was more along the lines of where do others feel the 3.0 TDI Q5 stacks up within this discussion?

That said, I totally disagree with you regarding your opinions on the price. The car is priced within $1,000 of all comparable 3.0 TDIs, and is listed as a private party sale, so I suspect there's some wiggle room built in for the selling party. Topics to cover cost reductions include maintenance records; recall records (big with the TDI) and upcoming needs; etc. Additionally, the car is within, if not a tad below, the range of both KBB and NADA private party sales ranges. Lastly, this car checks all of my non-negotiable boxes, if I were to purchase a Q5 (Lava**; black s-line interior, B&O; MMI; side assist; advance key), plus ADS which I am here nor there about TBH. The only missing items for this example are easily changeable; Black Optics & the interior inlays could be brushed.



Thank you! I have similar opinions on emissions and especially on the color; its one of my favorites. Now, I'll need to do some digging on tuning potential for the TDIs.

You didn't specify correct. I shopped the Q5 and Q7 pretty extensively in the last year so I know my numbers well. My opinion is the price is high but im not the kind of person that enjoys paying retail or above retail. I want below value so I have instant equity in the vehicle. It helps when it's a depreciating asset. I saved $7,000 on my wifes car I bought last month for her from another state. I only do that because the cars around the Raleigh area are priced very high compared to other markets.

[BahnSpeed]

Traded my 2016 S3 Prestige for a 15 SQ5 PP last summer for what is now my 4th Audi that I have owned and the best thus far. No regrets at all. Every time I start it up it it’s music to my ears. Mine is a DD and the stock hp is plenty enough for me. I have other cars to tweek at my leisure.


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[choppstixxx]

I also want to point out that you can have all the power in the world, but if you never can use it what's the point? Both the 3.0T Q5 and SQ5 really are great vehicles regardless of the power difference, but I'd say the majority of people would be just fine buying the 3.0T Q5 vs. springing for the SQ5. Just today I was driving into work and smiled at how the 3.0T engine just scoots in this platform. Coming from a 2.0T A4, this thing is on a different level of acceleration/power.

[bakedziti]

My opinion is the price is high but im not the kind of person that enjoys paying retail or above retail. I want below value so I have instant equity in the vehicle. It helps when it's a depreciating asset.

I'm pretty sure we're all alike in this aspect, but personally I feel there's a reasonable limit to everything. Meaning; I don't have a desire to elongate my used car search or pass on a car with my desired set of options over speculatively saving $2k on what is currently only an asking price for a private party sale. Maybe my comment below was missed, but I'll go out on a proverbially limb by saying that I suspect that the selling party has accounted for some wiggle room with the asking price.

The car is priced within $1,000 of all comparable 3.0 TDIs, and is listed as a private party sale, so I suspect there's some wiggle room built in for the selling party.

I appreciate the feedback however. It does make me curious as to the exact specs you were looking for during your search, and how you accounted for the stated savings?

[Gabe B]

Yea that's another thing that is always a big ? mark, since there is such an abundance for the 3.0T and very little for the TDI variant. Also the maintenance schedule for the TDI is slightly different (a little more needy):
https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...-Year-2016.pdf

Here in CT we have an abundance of TDI's.. :-)

[hagakurejunkie]

late to the party on this obviously but for future reference, I own a 2013 Audi Q5 3.0t Prestige with the sport package. I've seen other B8 SQ5s and I have basically everything but the alcantara seat inserts and SQ5 embossing on the seats. My seats are the same but all leather, my steering wheel is a flat bottom with paddle shifters but perforated leather instead of alcantara. My interior and exterior is exactly the same as a B8 SQ5 without the price. What I lack in horsepower, I can add do the pulley tune and blow the SQ5 out of the water. I don't see a reason to buy the SQ5 over the Prestige Q5

[djn876]

late to the party on this obviously but for future reference, I own a 2013 Audi Q5 3.0t Prestige with the sport package. I've seen other B8 SQ5s and I have basically everything but the alcantara seat inserts and SQ5 embossing on the seats. My seats are the same but all leather, my steering wheel is a flat bottom with paddle shifters but perforated leather instead of alcantara. My interior and exterior is exactly the same as a B8 SQ5 without the price. What I lack in horsepower, I can add do the pulley tune and blow the SQ5 out of the water. I don't see a reason to buy the SQ5 over the Prestige Q5

It's kind of a moot point now that most are out of warranty. For some, the added power under warranty was worth it alone. It looks like you could get the sport seats in the Q5, which it seems a lot of the Q5s didn't elect for, but you also got different brakes, wheels, and suspension. If you want to modify the car it matters less, but these may have been nice differences for people. Plus a fully optioned prestige is probably pushing 50 to 55k or so from the factory, and an SQ5 around 60k. Upgrading a Q5 with tune, wheels, suspenion, etc. And you are easily pushing a cost comparative to the SQ5.

Now that that there are a lot of nice used models out there, especially ones with nice upgrades alteady, it kind of just comes down to whatever deal you find. But there are plenty of reasons to buy an S model if you are buying new or certified used and want to maintain warranty and have some additional benefits.

Comparing a tuned Q5 to an SQ5 stock I'm not sure is super fair either, again if someone wants an extended warranty, they probably don't want to tune it, plus once the SQ is tuned, they should run the same, so now you are back to the other options. Even then, the trans tune on the SQ5 is more aggressive, so there is an advantage there also without a tune. Again to me it comes down to what you want out of the car, mods planned, and what's the best deal you can find.

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