2013 Q5 3.0t w/150k miles - Should I buy?

[AcuraKidd]

I have a dilemma. Been searching for a while and finally came across the car I wanted, 2013 Q5 3.0 with S- Line sport package (flat bottom steering wheel)

The problem is the car has 150k miles, although the owner claims it's an upstate car with mostly highway miles. I checked the car fax, seems like it was well maintained by an Audi dealer up until around 77k miles and then no more service history, just inspections every year.

During my test drive, car felt very smooth, didn't notice any roof rattles, or any odd sounds from the engine.

Anything I should be looking out for before I pull the trigger?
I'm looking to keep the car for about 3-5 years and put about 50k miles on it.

[Discipulus]

Check for timing chain rattle on cold start. If you hear a loud-ish rattle that lasts 3 seconds or more then I'd avoid. It's very uncommon but it does occasionally happen so good to be aware of.

Aside from that, you can expect to do some serious maintenance just about immediately when you get it. Namely, the transmission fluid and filter will need to be changed if the previous owner never did it. Recommended change interval is 60k miles or so if I remember.

Less important but also likely, is intake valve carbon cleaning. At 100k miles mine were pretty gunked and GROSS. By 150k I'd there may be power loss or rougher idle that you would probably notice if you compare to a low mileage 3.0T. If you do this maintenance, it's also recommended to replace the PCV, thermostat, and water pump at the same time as they are failure prone and easy to access while the supercharger is off for intake valve cleaning.

If you do all these tasks yourself, expect the parts cost to be around $800, with about 40hrs in labor for everything above mentioned. Not including special tools or supplies.

Other users here may give more accurate estimates on price and labor times but that's what I roughly spent when I did this myself.

If you feel up to the task, the 3.0T paired with the 8 speed ZF8 transmission is among the most reliable platforms in the Audi lineup. Assuming maintenance is all up to date and no timing chain issues, this car would easily get up to 200k.

Good luck in your search.

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[djn876]

At 150k I probably wouldn't change the trans fluid if it hadn't been done yet, all the varnish you will release will probably result in a rebuild of the trans soon after.

Failures of the new thermostat revisions are very low and not necessary. Plan on a water pump probably ever 40 to 60k. If PCV is working fine, leave it alone.

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[stapan]

These are great vehicles and overall the 3.0T is very reliable.

Whether or not to buy is a complex thing. Ultimately comes down to budget and alternatives. What other cars are you comparing to?

That said from a value perspective I would look for one that has 100-110k miles. It seems there is a huge drop in value once hitting 100k that then tapers off. I doubt you are getting much discount for that additional 40k miles (which is significant once you're at that age).

[Valpo A7]

I have a 12 A7 with the same motor sitting at 216,000 miles. Bought at 142k and the history looks good so I felt good about buying it. Had to do chains at home at 204,000 or so miles but otherwise the drivetrain is solid. Did motor mounts when I had the engine out as well. They were actually the original mounts. Looking at the dealer service history I am pretty sure I am still on the stock PCV, water pump, and t-stat. Suspension is all original save 2 wheel bearing that went out for the original owner. I went ahead and changed both diff fluids as well as the transfer last year when the engine was out. Pretty sure that fluid was original. My trans fluid is original fill and still shifts smooth as silk. Part of me wants to put new fluid and filter in but part of me says no fuckin way.

The Audi 3.0 with ZF trans is solid as long as you give it some maintenance love. My goal with our A7 is to get 300k from it.

[AcuraKidd]

The comments are mixed in this thread.
We're taking the car to a local mechanic this weekend. Any advice what the mechanic should look out for before we purchase?

He obviously can't start taking apart the car, but if there's anything obvious he can look at, please let me know

[Valpo A7]

Any word back from the mechanic?

[Discipulus]

At 150k I probably wouldn't change the trans fluid if it hadn't been done yet, all the varnish you will release will probably result in a rebuild of the trans soon after.

Failures of the new thermostat revisions are very low and not necessary. Plan on a water pump probably ever 40 to 60k. If PCV is working fine, leave it alone.

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I've heard this many times and I suppose there are 2 main ways of thinking on this. Either:

a. Change the fluid. If it works out, congrats you just extended the life of your transmission. If not, any issues you discover after changing fluid would mean the transmission was already damaged prior to changing the fluid - you just couldn't tell yet. Get the tranny rebuild, as it probably already was worn out enough to need this anyway.

-or-

b. don't change the fluid. You know it's already probably a shot transmission but you want to ride it as long as you can until it finally fails. Then replace the transmission entirely, since after a real failure it probably can't be rebuilt.

I suppose with Option A you're taking a chance that you could actually extend the life of the trans, with a risk of it not working out. With Option B you're taking the chance that it might last long enough that you sell the car before it finally blows, but it could also blow during your ownership due to not changing the fluid. I typically aim for option A since I always 'plan' on hanging onto my cars for a long time.