SQ5 info for potential DIY buyer? IE What to look out for, premium + vs. prestige..

[C5S6]

Basically looking for any/all info to get myself up to speed on a B8 SQ5.
I'm not a new car guy. Newest vehicle in our fleet is my wife's '03 A6 so I really know nothing about anything newer. Her car still runs strong with nearly 200K on it and I'd be happy to keep it for years to come, but she's been making noise about getting "a Q".

I've been a life-long DIY type, so before she insists on retiring her A6, I'd like to learn as much as I can before actually shopping. The B8 SQ5 appears to be in the budget. Personally, I'm not really interested in a Q5.

Any replies about typical VAG "issues" would be helpful. At a glance here I've already seen PCV & oil level (get a dipstick!?). Seems simple enough.

Also, browsing Auto Tempest, I see the different packages listed...anywhere I can go to see what the differences are?

I guess I'll be lurking here for a while...

Thanks in advance!
-TJ

[tbaudi]

I know you said not interested in a Q5, but the 3.0T Q5 is very similar to the SQ5. I just purchased a 2016 Q5 Prestige S-line with competition sport, black optics, ACC, EDC. It has ~24K miles and was under $30K. For me, I knew I wanted to do suspension and wheels, even to a SQ5, so the Q5 plus a tune was a great deal. There are small differences on the interior, the exterior is essentially identical.

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[Norskie]

As tbaudi said ... if you're going to tune, and don't need the giant SQ5 brakes, get a Q5, and tune that. Save a few bucks. Plus you'll avoid the harsh SQ5 suspension.

The sunroof rattle is probably the biggest PITA to deal with. Could be a $5 fix, or a $2500 fix.

If you plan to tow, it'll run about $800 to piece together all the parts.

The 21" wheels have limited tire sizes; tire prices are > $300 each from the mainstream manufacturers.

The 3.0T+ZF8 is probably Audi's best and most reliable drivetrain, no real issues there. Some have noisy cam chain tensioners on startup, unlike other Audi tensioners this is just an annoyance and won't damage the engine.

[C5S6]

Good to know the Q5 3.0T is a thing. Thanks guys!

[tbaudi]

Also, even un-tuned, the 3.0T Q5 is plenty capable, I would highly suggest going to test one out.

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[C5S6]

Haha, going test driving would certainly seal the deal for her! Too soon!

[Shaggymatt]

You can fly out to PA and buy my Prestige!

Don't get too hung up on some things though. People will say, PCV, Water pump, this and that. If it's not a problem, and hasn't shown symptoms, it isn't a problem so why make it one? Sure history may show that there are some problems but people are more likely to complain than they are praise. So here's some praise, my SQ5 has never had a single problem in my ownership. I opted for a CPO when I bought it, it could have been removed and saved me like $2k. In hindsight, I wish I had as I never needed it once.

I do not find these cars terribly difficult for the weekend warrior mechanic, but then again, I've only done relatively routine things on the car, fluids, brakes, etc.

[S4'ed]

Adaptive Cruise with automatic emergency braking is only available with the Prestige trim. The Prestige trim also has the AFS headlights which aim the lights left and right, depending on the steering wheel angle. This is on top of the normal low-speed "static" cornering lights that all Q5s have. You also get rear door pull-up sunscreens and a heated/cooled cup holder. Also, I think the self -dimming exterior mirrors only come on a Prestige trim.

[C5S6]

Thanks guys! All good to know
Heated/cooled cup holders... holy sh_! You're kidding. I'm so out of touch.

[tbaudi]

Thanks guys! All good to know
Heated/cooled cup holders... holy sh_! You're kidding. I'm so out of touch.

Cup holder, singular, only for the driver.

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[Norskie]

Thanks guys! All good to know
Heated/cooled cup holders... holy sh_! You're kidding. I'm so out of touch.

I believe all the trims have cooled glove boxes, they open to the A/C ductwork. It's a nice place to keep cans and bottles cold and is a non-complicated solution that isn't prone to breaking.

[ILVTRANCE]

I believe all the trims have cooled glove boxes, they open to the A/C ductwork. It's a nice place to keep cans and bottles cold and is a non-complicated solution that isn't prone to breaking.

I never found this option useful as most people have their manuals, registration, insurance cards and spare crap in the glove box.