Looking at used 2018 SQ5, what to look for or be aware of

[TheContrarian]

It's time to replace my wife's DD, so why not buy a cool practical vehicle.

It's a 2018 SQ5 with 14k miles, sports diff, 21" wheels and carbon inlays. It's pretty close to how I would order it. It came into service in Feb 2018, so it is an early 2018 model.

I've heard of some issues with the early cars liked failed window regulators, anything to look for?

Besides the obvious drivetrain differences, how does the SQ5 differ from the Q5? I assume, lower stiffer springs, higher rate sway bars, mag ride, bigger brakes, anything else?

What is the best size for snow tires? I'm thinking 18".

[JD S4]

Only issues I've ever heard of on the B9 are the windows as mentioned. Everything is random one off.

There are quuite a few things on the SQ... Interior, suspension, engine, body, wheels, brakes, etc.. The Q5 guys will tell you "it's not much" but the reality is - all of the important things if you're a car guy are different. The difference between the Q5 and the SQ5 widened with the B9 since at least in the B8 you could get the 3.0T.

I bought mine new in August 2018. Spec similar to yours. I really enjoy. I've tried a few times to move on to another car and I haven't found anything that has enough of the good stuff to make the move and I'm a guy who likes to switch cars every 6-12 months.

[greenturbo]

It's time to replace my wife's DD, so why not buy a cool practical vehicle.

It's a 2018 SQ5 with 14k miles, sports diff, 21" wheels and carbon inlays. It's pretty close to how I would order it. It came into service in Feb 2018, so it is an early 2018 model.

I've heard of some issues with the early cars liked failed window regulators, anything to look for?

Besides the obvious drivetrain differences, how does the SQ5 differ from the Q5? I assume, lower stiffer springs, higher rate sway bars, mag ride, bigger brakes, anything else?

What is the best size for snow tires? I'm thinking 18".

The Q5 is a boat compared to this car. I had a loaner with maybe 200 miles on the odo for over a week while mine was serviced, and it swayed and wasn't composed, even compared to the SQ5 in comfort mode. It's not mag ride. If you get the S sport package (which you very much should...) You get the amazing air bag suspension and those pretty red painted decaled calipers. The springs without S sport are fine too, which I drove on for over a week+ as well but the S sport is just another level of car.

No obvious issues with mine but I have a new 19'

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[q5 dave]

On 2018+ there are quite a few differences between q5 vs sq5. B9 Q5 is nothing to brag about performance wise lol. It's a 2.0T DSG with quattro ultra. The prev gen Q5 is a gem.

The one you found is nice, that'll have the sport adaptive air suspension which is awesome. Not to mention sports diff

[TheContrarian]

Thanks for the responses.

I believe there is no flash tuning opportunities for the B9 SQ5 yet, is that correct? I'm wondering if I should be at all concerned about a used TD1. This car would not be for tuning or modification, so warranty status is important.

[socialpro]

It's time to replace my wife's DD, so why not buy a cool practical vehicle.

It's a 2018 SQ5 with 14k miles, sports diff, 21" wheels and carbon inlays. It's pretty close to how I would order it. It came into service in Feb 2018, so it is an early 2018 model.

I've heard of some issues with the early cars liked failed window regulators, anything to look for?

Besides the obvious drivetrain differences, how does the SQ5 differ from the Q5? I assume, lower stiffer springs, higher rate sway bars, mag ride, bigger brakes, anything else?

What is the best size for snow tires? I'm thinking 18".

I bought a 2019 SQ5 and have over the last year or two driven at least a half dozen Q5 loaners.

Biggest takeaways?

- SQ5 feels more special because of all the inside / outside touches. Q5 feels like a loaner, and gets 'boring to drive' very quick.

- I love how the SQ5 sits, on air suspension in Dynamic mode. Q5 would definitely need to be lowered.

- Even with the SQ5 air suspension, on 20" wheels - the Q5 rides smoother on 20" wheels with normal suspension (but does not corner anywhere near as well)

- SQ5 has (what feels like to me) significantly more turbo lag from the get go.

- The Q5 feels much 'lighter' on its feet - because its a 4 and not a 6 in there. You can feel that through the steering wheel, and just general on road feel. That can be a pro or a con, depending on what you would like. There is I believe several hundred pound difference between the two

- The SQ5 gas mileage is definitely worse, if that's a concern. Definitely see myself at the pump more so in that than Q5.

- Love the extra colors that SQ5 comes in, such as quantum gray (not available on Q5), as well as different wheel choices

- The Q5 is plenty fast, even though SQ5 faster. Both are fine for daily duty.

- Prestige package is worth it, if not for the heads up display alone.

No issues with mine in 6K miles, 4 months of ownership. But it is a '19 (not '18).

Good luck on your choice, its a great all in one car that is fun to drive and doesn't break the bank too severely.

[chawski]

Have a drive with the radio off and listen for rattles. Sunroof rattle is very common on these. I believe there’s a tsb for this, so if it does rattle, it should be covered.

The 2.0t is great in the a3, ok in the a4, and less ok in the q5. Abysmal in the q7. Every q5 I’ve had as a loaner has confirmed I made the right choice by getting the sq5.

Fuel economy isn’t terrible for a 4500# car. I get high 20s with cruise control at 70ish. Much better than many midsize SUV’s. For comparison, a 4Runner is barely doing 20 highway.

I didn’t hear any difference with the prestige dual pane glass vs normal. HUD is very nice though

I know this is not the popular belief, but virtual cockpit is a gimmick. fun for a month, and then I haven’t touched it since. Would have been perfectly happy with standard instrument cluster. Not sure if you can get it without the VC now though

Overall, I love my sq5. Best car I’ve had so far! Possibly gonna outgrow it with a 2nd child on the way and that makes me a sad panda

[TheContrarian]

Does the B9 SQ5 use both direct and port injection to keep carbon build-up in check?

[spindlewood]

Thanks for the responses.

I believe there is no flash tuning opportunities for the B9 SQ5 yet, is that correct? I'm wondering if I should be at all concerned about a used TD1. This car would not be for tuning or modification, so warranty status is important.

99.99% correct. There are a couple of tuners you can supposedly ship the ecu to, but have not heard of anyone on AZ who has done this. The crack of the ecu happened a few months back and many are (anxiously) awaiting apr and other tunes. So any used vehicle will be tune (TD1) free.

Love my 2018 SQ5 with s-sport suspension. I also have dynamic steering.

[VroomVroom]

FWIW, some feedback I heard/read about early SQ5 models...

Weird panel gaps, particularly ahead of the A-pillar. Fender-to-door, hood-to-fender. I actually saw this on a model at my local dealer during a service visit. Chatted with my adviser about it and he mentioned, "This is after our guys did their best. You should've seen it before."

Electronic demons that are tough to replicate. Intermittent display cutouts, display locked on reverse cam, MMI unable to switch from one source to another.

Aforementioned sunroof noises. Also front end noises during low-speed uneven turns. At least in the example I read here (I think?), it was simply a matter of re-torquing (sway bar links?).

Don't let it detract you necessarily, but it is worth mentioning this was a new generation vehicle assembled at a completely new facility in a new country. Some things were inevitable, some things were rushed, yada yada. Just worth exploring on an extended test drive if nothing else.

[chawski]

Don’t have any panel gap issues on my 18

No front end noises

Did have the sunroof replaced under warranty due to rattles

I’ve had the rear camera not activate if I switch into reverse too quickly upon start up

Overall, the car has treated me very well. Coming up on 70k miles and gonna do a transmission service soon
Been very happy with the car and highly recommend it

[chawski]

Just remember, when you look to the forums, there’s gonna be a lot of people posting about what’s wrong with the car. The same can be said for every car on sale today.

Find something that makes you happy in your budget, and know that unless you build the car yourself, there’s gonna be some things you don’t like about it

[Buddy James]

2018 Sq5 - My sunroof exploded for no reason, a month ago. The dealership fixed it with no questions. Now I was rattling noises in the rear of the sunroof. Any help out there. Seem I will be bringing it back to the dealership soon.