2018 Audi Q5 PPI - Expensive Issues: Buy or Pass?

[evaluate-2018q5]

I recently took a 2018 Audi Q5 (7 years, ~35K miles, regular maintenance) in for a PPI. After inspection, the mechanic noted the following:

1. Accessory bracket is leaking coolant out of the bottom. Suggested to replace gaskets/seals (~$2000) and to replace oil cooler (~$150).
a. Coolant observed on water pump. If leaking, replace water pump and thermostat. ~$1000.
2. Oil coming out of electrical connector. ~$4000~5000.

I was told the coolant leak should be fixed during next service, and the transmission issue can be monitored during services and potentially delayed (perhaps indefinitely).

All in all, after my next service (40K — oil change, spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid), it sounds like I’ll be out at least $3500~4000.

Is the severity of these issues typical for a used Q5? I don’t know much about Audis or cars in general but my impression is used Q5s (2019 or older) are bound to have some issues. I could forgo this Q5 for another, but how do I know the next one won’t have worse problems? Buy or try my luck with another Q5? Everything else about the car works, looks, and feels great otherwise.

And do Q5s really cost this much to maintain? Jeez.

[ninethree2cc]

Is this a B8? You might have better luck in the B9 (2018+) area.


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[DeaconBlues]

How much trust do you have in this mechanic?

Seems like an unlikely list with convenient prices for a vehicle with so few miles.

[evaluate-2018q5]

> How much trust do you have in this mechanic?
> Seems like an unlikely list with convenient prices for a vehicle with so few miles.

I haven’t been to this mechanic before but they are pretty well-reviewed. I do think they probably tend to err on the safer side by over reporting issues, but I don’t doubt their trustworthiness. Thank you for watching out though!

[sQ5inSD]

I recently took a 2018 Audi Q5 (7 years, ~35K miles, regular maintenance) in for a PPI. After inspection, the mechanic noted the following:

1. Accessory bracket is leaking coolant out of the bottom. Suggested to replace gaskets/seals (~$2000) and to replace oil cooler (~$150).
a. Coolant observed on water pump. If leaking, replace water pump and thermostat. ~$1000.
2. Oil coming out of electrical connector. ~$4000~5000.

I was told the coolant leak should be fixed during next service, and the transmission issue can be monitored during services and potentially delayed (perhaps indefinitely).

All in all, after my next service (40K — oil change, spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid), it sounds like I’ll be out at least $3500~4000.

Is the severity of these issues typical for a used Q5? I don’t know much about Audis or cars in general but my impression is used Q5s (2019 or older) are bound to have some issues. I could forgo this Q5 for another, but how do I know the next one won’t have worse problems? Buy or try my luck with another Q5? Everything else about the car works, looks, and feels great otherwise.

And do Q5s really cost this much to maintain? Jeez.

yes all Audis cost $$$ to own - unless you are a solid DIY or have ample disposable income do not buy any VAG product - not trying to be negative just realistic, the folks that own these cars tend to spend way more than a typical Honda/Toyota owner
and for what it is worth those estimates do not make much sense partly because they lack detail - for example, item 2. is which electrical connector and what would $4000 to $5000 involve for parts and labor?