Ease my worries: 2016 A7 3.0T reliability?

[Bmccarti]

So I’ve been reading too much and I’m nervous about my A7. I have a 2016 3.0T with 56k miles.

About to invest about $10 grand into tuning and performance modifications, but some internet pages got me nervous about the overall reliability of these vehicles as they get older.

What do you all think? My car has passed all inspections, one previous owner, no accidents and is in mint condition for its age. Do I have a reason to worry?

[Valpo A7]

My stock 2012 A7 has 206,000 miles on it. Did the timing chains last summer but otherwise she has been solid. 3.0 engine is pretty damned bulletproof

[Bmccarti]

My stock 2012 A7 has 206,000 miles on it. Did the timing chains last summer but otherwise she has been solid. 3.0 engine is pretty damned bulletproof

That’s amazing! Thanks for this

[430hps4]

What exactly is scaring you?

I do work on a lot of 3.0t stuff. If you need help, I'm local to you. Shoot me a PM if you need help with maintenance or upgrades.

[WatchMeSpend]

People on forums usually acquire Audis used and out of warranty. While in warranty, you can't modify anything and have to go to the stealership which is most likely going to f your car up in some way. The only big expenses are hard to get at plastic sensors that fail and components that take a lot of abuse. My car has 10k more than yours and I have an independent mechanic that takes care of the car. Mechanics at dealerships replace parts and don't repair them. At and indie mechanic or a place where they modify Audis, you can have parts from the OEM manufacturer put on the car, but without the Audi logo on them at a reduced cost. You can take some of the menial tasks on yourself (air filters, belts, lights). You can now put other parts on that last longer with your driving style. You can modify the car with just a computer and make it act how you want (ECU tunes, TCU tunes, OBD11, VCDS, HP Tuners).

I'd bet a fortune that a 1986 Mustang would be more reliable and cheaper to fix...but it wouldn't be anywhere as luxurious to drive. The fit and finish and paint is crap in comparison. The Mustang would lose by 25+ car lengths in the quarter and take 2 times longer to stop at any speed above 90mph and only do it once. The Audi sits at 150mph like it is it's job.

Best car I have ever driven. Looking for a TCU tune to go with my Stage 2 APR. Might be my last gas powered car, so I'm going to enjoy it. You can even get used parts. Got a quote of $5k for a mechatronic on a friend's car. Went to an indie and got it done for $800.

The most important thing is AZ forums. The best forums with the most support anywhere.

[Bmccarti]

What exactly is scaring you?

I do work on a lot of 3.0t stuff. If you need help, I'm local to you. Shoot me a PM if you need help with maintenance or upgrades.

It’s mostly just Reddit forums where people complain about the high repair costs of used high mileage German cars. I knew I had a good car when I bought it, guess I just got a little cold feet before going crazy with the modding. These forums are the best. Definitely helped calm me down.

[430hps4]

Given all the different types of vehicles I work on... I always use the argument, "A fuel pump on a Honda isn't any more or less expensive to install than an Audi... places just charge more because they can."

[Bmccarti]

Given all the different types of vehicles I work on... I always use the argument, "A fuel pump on a Honda isn't any more or less expensive to install than an Audi... places just charge more because they can."

Very true! Thanks again for reaching out. So far no issues with the A7 and it’s a joy to drive. Can’t wait to see it cook after stage 2 dual pulley, awe exhaust and intake, apr ultra charger throttle body and heat exchanger are on there! All purchased and will be installed soon

[430hps4]

Sweet... let me know. We can line up, ill smoke ya, then you will be really upset I did it for 1/3rd of what you spent... ;)

[Bmccarti]

Sweet... let me know. We can line up, ill smoke ya, then you will be really upset I did it for 1/3rd of what you spent... ;)

Haha nice! Sounds intriguing. How’d you do it, if you don’t mind me asking?

[430hps4]

JHM goodies. Software is key. With their files, I'm beating APR setups, with power to the wheels.

I'm off Greenway and Tatum. If ever in the area, let me know. I can go over the setup

[Bmccarti]

JHM goodies. Software is key. With their files, I'm beating APR setups, with power to the wheels.

I'm off Greenway and Tatum. If ever in the area, let me know. I can go over the setup

Went to their page. Looks awesome. How is their reliability compared to apr?

[A665]

I'm no tuning expert. But based on my research over the past several months, I've come to believe that APR is the gold standard in terms of being first-to-market for new platform ECU tuning and marketing power. The thing is, however, that APR seems to move on to the next platform at a certain point, while other tuning providers continually tweak & improve tuning on existing platforms.

I'm not bashing APR at all. That company is a recognized leader. But there are many documented accounts of drivers switching from APR to Integrated Engineering (IE) or JHM or 034 Motorsport and seeing better numbers (an objective measure) or more linear throttle response (a subjective measure). For the 3.0T engine, which has been around for quite a while now, the other players offer more advanced ECU tuning solutions, including quick & easy flashing at home.

[Bmccarti]

JHM says they only tune the 2012-2015 C7s

[wootwoot]

JHM says they only tune the 2012-2015 C7s

Do a search for "CREC" to learn more about tuning options for your engine.

[christianb5s4]

The CREC motors have been bulletproof so far and have been around since 2014 as they were used in the B8 S cars in Europe starting that model year. The only issues I've seen are:

- If tuned, some report issues with the supercharger magnetic clutch starting to slip. This is a $400 ish easy replacement

Other than that, I've seen no reports of typical 3.0TFSI issues like oil consumption, timing chain issues, etc. Just need to stay on top of regular maintenance, belts, and other basics.

[Bmccarti]

The CREC motors have been bulletproof so far and have been around since 2014 as they were used in the B8 S cars in Europe starting that model year. The only issues I've seen are:

- If tuned, some report issues with the supercharger magnetic clutch starting to slip. This is a $400 ish easy replacement

Other than that, I've seen no reports of typical 3.0TFSI issues like oil consumption, timing chain issues, etc. Just need to stay on top of regular maintenance, belts, and other basics.

Awesome. Thanks everyone I feel a lot better