A7 3.0T vs TDI Reliability? Should I still consider the S7 4.0?

[doublec4]

Hi all,

I'm looking to pick up a used car in either A7 or S7 trim.

My heart is with the S7, always has been, but I have other "toys" and this would primarily be my run around family car so the practical part of my brain says why bother. I typically do my own repairs but I would still imagine the equipment and premium for parts on the S7 would be higher so I have (somewhat) talked myself out of it unless peoples' experience here says otherwise? If the reliability of the 4.0 (and overall vehicle) is solid or comparable to the options of the A7 then I would still be open to the S7.

In terms of the A7, I have seen previous threads on the 3.0T vs the TDI. Lots of good info and lots of votes for the TDI. However, many of those threads are several years old. With the additional mileage people have been putting on these cars, has anyone's opinion changed? How has the gas vs diesel opinion changed with time? Is the TDI still a more robust engine that should outlast the gas or have issues revealed themselves over time?

Also... since the dirty diesel scandals have come to light, has anyone seen the resale value of their diesel vehicle drop, or does the diesel still command higher resale value over the years?

Would love to hear everyone's updated opinions in 2020 :)

Thanks!

[ruifeng.li.94]

I had a s7 for about 16k miles before I totaled it with around 45k only thing I did was service and wheel bearing but it's still consider low miles.

I just brought a a6 TDI to replace it. The fuel efficiency is great but I missed the v8 noise and the sheer amount of power it had.

Torque wise they feel similar but the TDI will keep up with the s7 up to 60 then the power plateau and you don't feel it anymore.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[67ITB]

I have a 2014 A6 TDI Prestige, owned it since new, and have had the diesel gate scandal updates applied.

I have 172K miles on it now.

Followed Audi service recommendations, fuel filters, air filters, oil changes…. Pretty much everything.

No major issues to speak of. I just did my first wheel bearing around 145K, otherwise just routine service, brakes and tires. I have been religiously sticking to the Audi factory recommended services for oil changes and fuel filters....

Like everyone will tell you the torque is great, it’s a great highway cruiser, but not a stop light racer! Before you know it you are nearing triple digits and feel like you are doing 55. (set the speed warning to remind you)

I still get between 32-34 MPG (calculated at the fill up, not on the dash) on my commute which is about ¾ % highway, the rest is surface roads with stoplights.

I have made several detailed posts about the differences post scandal updates if you can search by my name.

Matt

[Valpo A7]

3.0 here with 205,000 miles. It’s been great to this point. Just had to do timing chains on it though. I suspect it will go back to being a solid car. Can’t speak about the diesel but diesels are supposed to be solid. The biggest issues I have read about on the 4.0 are the turbos and PCV. Both are expensive repairs if done at a shop. Both can be done at home though.

If you are looking for a family ride maybe consider the 6. My A7 is a 2012 so it only has 4 seat belts. Trunk space is huge. OMFG is the car comfy though. Back seat had a bit of a low entry but once in there is plenty room for adults. Rear facing car seats fit nicely as well.

[doublec4]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. Great feedback.

I prefer the A7 over the A6 for a few reasons. Mainly I'm partial to the look, but also the trunk space is enormous. To me it looks way bigger than even the Q3/5 series SUVs cargo space (before folding the seats down). I currently have an A4 and access to the trunk through a traditional style sedan trunk is not very functional.

[widebodyfx]

On the valuation part; because I’ve been looking at TDIs recently the dealers seem to be valuing the TDIs slightly higher than comparable 3.0T versions. I’ve found a few 2016s that were stop sale cars and not put into service until 2018 which is huge to still have factory warranty in 2020-2022 depending on mileage. The 10Y/120K engine warranty (from in service date) or 4Y/48K (from fix date) are attractive if you’re after a commuter or daily.

[lucky7s]

Just purchased a '17 A7 last month and loving it. I was also looking into the S7 but the discussions around turbo failures scared me away. Trunk space is massive, dogs are in love with their seat-down roaming area in the back haha.