Used Audi Q5s...what's the most reliable years?

[JohnnyHockey13]

So it looks like we're going down to one vehicle and I need a small-mid size SUV that:

-has a nice interior for long traffic jams (moving to Vancouver)
-is decently quick, since I will have to be sharing it with my wife
-small and easy to drive for my wife
-REASONABLY reliable...since we'll be living a condo lifestyle and I won't have a garage to do repairs anymore :(
-cheaper on gas (again, Vancouver)

I always been curious about the Q5 and I know a couple Beyonders recommend them, but I'm wanting to know, what is the best years to buy and which engine, 2.0 or 3.2?

Any other suggestions would be great, budget is as well below $29K as possible as I'll be tempted to buy my own cheap sports car when we get there.

Example:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2016-audi-q5-komfort-for-sale/1557519902

[ThePenIsMightier]

"Reliability matters" so looks at an Audi instead of an Acura or a Lexus. Why not buy a Stelvio?

[killramos]

The first sentence of this thread makes me sad.

[JohnnyHockey13]

The first sentence of this thread makes me sad.

Makes me very sad.

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"Reliability matters" so looks at an Audi instead of an Acura or a Lexus. Why not buy a Stelvio?

Not sure if you're serious...my budget, I think, allows for lower km ones, and I've owned plenty of German cars with "higher km" and I've been able to DIY everything that's gone wrong.

[killramos]

I recommend an NX.

Q5’s aren’t really that small re point 3

[JohnnyHockey13]

I recommend an NX.

Q5’s aren’t really that small re point 3

I was thinking about those...unfortunately the only one in Calgary under 30G right now is a red one, maybe I'll check BC or Edmonton.

[ExtraSlow]

I get in shit every time someone asks about German cute-utes, but not today Satan! I'm busy, I probably won't even see this thread.

[killramos]

I was thinking about those...unfortunately the only one in Calgary under 30G right now is a red one, maybe I'll check BC or Edmonton.

Then I recommend a Rav4.

[vengie]

RDX crew checking in

[killramos]

RDX crew checking in

Excellent option. Except in this case if the RDX is too expensive, do NOT buy a crv instead.

[JohnnyHockey13]

Then I recommend a Rav4.

I have to admit, I know nothing about Toyotas....I don't mind the previous gen RAV4 though, is the NX basically a luxury version?

And LOVE the new RDX and MDX, unfortunately won't be able to afford a used one until they come down in price. I HATE the previous versions with beaks.

[killramos]

Lexus would try to have you believe otherwise but yea that’s the gist of it.

RAV4’s are nice though. Nothing wrong with one at all, the new ones look great too.

[JohnnyHockey13]

Lexus would try to have you believe otherwise but yea that’s the gist of it.

RAV4’s are nice though. Nothing wrong with one at all, the new ones look great too.

Thanks man, I'll look into these.

[shakalaka]

We are on my wife's 4th year of ownership of her 2017 Q5. We bought it new and it has just over $40K km's on it now - so admittedly not THAT many. All that being said, we haven't had any issues with ours and it has been problem-free *knock on wood*. The only issue we had that it had to repeatedly go back for was the retractable headlight washer nozzle getting stuck on the way back in on one side. After every few squirts, it does an auto wash in which the nozzle slides out of the bumper to spray the headlights. On one side it would get stuck while going back in and you'd have to push it manually. It took them a couple of visits to figure that shit out and it was super annoying but other than that all is well.

PS: The only reason we have had it for this long is because she won't let me touch it whenever I talk about switching it up. She likes it too much. lol.

[bjstare]

The 2.0T has prevalent oil consumption issues and like all audis, timing chain issues (both crop up w higher km). If you don’t believe me, call tunedub and ask them. The 3.2 is a dog.

Ignore the beak problem and get a first gen rdx. Definitely under your budget, incredibly reliable and decently fun.

[jwslam]

Ignore the beak problem and get a first gen rdx. Definitely under your budget, incredibly reliable and decently fun.
+1, but it went beak in 2009, so you're limited to 2007/2008

How much do you realistically plan on driving in Van anyways? Are you living/working dt and your 'traffic' issues are once/month when you go somewhere?
Or are you actually moving to "GVR" and not vancouver, having to communte to downtown?

[ExtraSlow]

Is the Ford edge similar size to the Q5? Get the turbo one and it's fast enough.

[redline]

I have an edge I can can sell CHEAP 2017, black sel 2l turbo.

[benyl]

RAV4’s are nice though. Nothing wrong with one at all, the new ones look great too.

I've heard that women don't like getting in and out of Rav4s. The seat bolster seems to touch the sensitive bits.

If you heart is set on a Q5, look up the issues with the 2.0T. The 3.2, as mentioned is a dog, but in Van, might be better and likely more reliable.

You might be better off signing up for Evo Car Share. https://www.evo.ca/

[sabad66]

Oil consumption issues with the 2.0t were supposed to be resolved 2013 and later, but mine (2013) got it so I don’t think they truly fixed it. Thankfully I got mine repaired under warranty.

So if you do decide on one, I’d highly suggest a warranty even if it’s the after market one (Audi After Care). I paid 5000 for it at the time but I definitely got my money’s worth out of it as I had over 12k of work done through it (pistons + timing chain for 9000, driveshaft for 2000, and fuel pump 1000). You really don’t want to be caught with a German vehicle out of warranty.

[JohnnyHockey13]

I think I've heard enough already to stay away haha...I knew about the 2.0 problems as I get a good chuckle at all the used Audi A4s for cheap on Kijiji. Disappointing to hear that the 3.2 is a dog...definitely don't want that either.

I think I'm actually going to look at CX5s, I like the new styles. Would love to find a CX30 if it's under my budget.

Other than those, I might get a newer Nissan Juke, a Mercede GLA/Infiniti QX30, or maybe even the CX3.

Looked at Toyota HRV and the Honda equivalent, but man those things are slow, what were they thinking?!?

I'm staying away from anything American, I like the Cherokees but heard lots of problems. 2 door Wranglers maybe but people ask ridiculous prices for those.

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I've heard that women don't like getting in and out of Rav4s. The seat bolster seems to touch the sensitive bits.

If you heart is set on a Q5, look up the issues with the 2.0T. The 3.2, as mentioned is a dog, but in Van, might be better and likely more reliable.

You might be better off signing up for Evo Car Share. https://www.evo.ca/

That's pretty cool, I'll have to look into the car share thing!

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+1, but it went beak in 2009, so you're limited to 2007/2008

How much do you realistically plan on driving in Van anyways? Are you living/working dt and your 'traffic' issues are once/month when you go somewhere?
Or are you actually moving to "GVR" and not vancouver, having to communte to downtown?

WFH, but wife and I and our 3 small dogs plan to be driving a lot exploring the outdoors, at the very least, the beach every day. Plus she will likely have to go back to in person classes, hopefully at SFU, we're renting a condo in North Van.

[jwslam]

Looked at Toyota HRV and the Honda equivalent, but man those things are slow, what were they thinking?!?
If that's the size you're looking for, I own the Kona Turbo. AMA and I'll answer the best I can.

[JohnnyHockey13]

If that's the size you're looking for, I own the Kona Turbo. AMA and I'll answer the best I can.

Hey that one was actually on my list as I read they're decently quick and good driving experience... any known problems?

[shakalaka]

Ours is a 2.0T and it has not had any overconsumption of oil issues at all.

[Jlude]

Bought a 2.0T new in 2014, had the S-Line package. It’s still in the family (MIL drives it now) and we’ve never had a single issue with it.

[jwslam]

Hey that one was actually on my list as I read they're decently quick and good driving experience... any known problems?
No issues with my Kona... 2yrs 20k km now.

[riander5]

Have a 2014 2.0 T S-line, only for 6 months but 0 problems, I believe they fixed 2.0 problems in the early 2010's

[npham]

Tdi q5?

[Masked Bandit]

I had never owned a Toyota until a few weeks ago, bought an older V6 RAV4 for the kid. It's surprisingly quick & nimble and when I took it to my mechanic for a once over he said "well, I guess I won't be seeing you very often". I think if you go with the Limited trim they can be very well equipped and should hold their value.

[JohnnyHockey13]

I had never owned a Toyota until a few weeks ago, bought an older V6 RAV4 for the kid. It's surprisingly quick & nimble and when I took it to my mechanic for a once over he said "well, I guess I won't be seeing you very often". I think if you go with the Limited trim they can be very well equipped and should hold their value.

What year? I really do like the new generation actually, they look like mini 4runners.

And I looked up the RDX, wow, had no idea they were this quick, that's impressive for such an incredibly bland looking vehicle lol

[asp integra]

My wife has a 2012 Q5 2.0T that we bought used in 2016. It's been a great vehicle for us over the years. We have put on about 80,000 kms and other than the regular oil changes it has been solid. Inside is very nice and comfortable, and it's quite quick and fun to drive as well. The 2.0T is a great engine for a tune as well, a few hundred bucks and you add 50+ HP and TQ.

[dirtsniffer]

I heard the v6 rav4 was so much fun toyota had to stop making it

[Masked Bandit]

What year? I really do like the new generation actually, they look like mini 4runners.

And I looked up the RDX, wow, had no idea they were this quick, that's impressive for such an incredibly bland looking vehicle lol

This one happens to be a 2009 but I don't know what years are the generational shifts.

[haggis88]

My mum has a 2.0 TFSi Q5, 2015 model...regular services is all that thing has had, she got it at 2 years old iirc, never had a single issue

[killramos]

I don’t think Audi 2.0T’s are inherently unreliable.

However typically when someone claims to be interested in reliability, what they really want is a vehicle they can abuse and never service over a period of 5-10 years and hundreds of thousands of km, then when something does go wrong after that they can fix it at a Mr Lube for $500.

If that’s what you are looking for, I’d avoid an Audi.

[haggis88]

I don’t think Audi 2.0T’s are inherently unreliable.

However typically when someone claims to be interested in reliability, what they really want is a vehicle they can abuse and never service over a period of 5-10 years and hundreds of thousands of km, then when something does go wrong after that they can fix it at a Mr Lube for $500.

If that’s what you are looking for, I’d avoid an Audi.

D16Y7 Honda Civic

I tried to kill one of those when I was ready to do my motor swap...couldn't

Guy who done my swap even managed to get a couple hundred quid for it as someone needed a replacement :lol:

[sabad66]

D16Y7 Honda Civic

I tried to kill one of those when I was ready to do my motor swap...couldn't

Guy who done my swap even managed to get a couple hundred quid for it as someone needed a replacement :lol:

You can’t kill the engine, but eventually it will burn so much oil that you will slowly kill the people driving behind you inhaling the fumes.

[ExtraSlow]

You can’t kill the engine, but eventually it will burn so much oil that you will slowly kill the people driving behind you inhaling the fumes.

98778

[Mostwanted]

The in-laws bought a 2008 Q5 last summer which had only 102,xxxk kms on it, and since they have owned the car it has been in the shop more times than both of my cars combined and its still not running perfect.
Pretty sure they already spent $8-10k fixing/repairing the dang thing. I've always wanted to buy a German car, but after experiencing this one, it makes me want to stay away from them more.

[sabad66]

The in-laws bought a 2008 Q5 last summer which had only 102,xxxk kms on it, and since they have owned the car it has been in the shop more times than both of my cars combined and its still not running perfect.
Pretty sure they already spent $8-10k fixing/repairing the dang thing. I've always wanted to buy a German car, but after experiencing this one, it makes me want to stay away from them more.

i've heard bad things about the 3.2 V6, even compared to the earlier 2.0t. Also being the first model year and now 13-14 years old, would definitely not want to own that out of warranty.

[yipb]

I think 2013+ is where you want

[haggis88]

You can’t kill the engine, but eventually it will burn so much oil that you will slowly kill the people driving behind you inhaling the fumes.

can't burn oil if there's no oil in it to burn!

98797

[rx7boi]

The roads seem to be saturated with NX's.

Sharp looking SUV but I've never test driven or sat in one.

[JohnnyHockey13]

Bumping this thread because I think I've finally decided on a vehicle that is cheap enough that I can still buy a half decent sports car for myself.

Mercedes GLA...2015-2018 or so years. Anyone have any thing terrible to say about them in terms of problems? From the used reviews I read, they seem to be okay, especially if I stick with the newer models with lower km.

I don't mind the styling on these, wife loves it, they're decently quick, good low end torque, really nice interior (compared to what I've owned in the past), good on gas.

Beyonder has actually messaged me about potentially selling his 2015 GLA45...I'd be very interested in those as well.

[killramos]

Transmission on those is a dct. Expensive and not for everyone smoothness wise.

[JohnnyHockey13]

Transmission on those is a dct. Expensive and not for everyone smoothness wise.

On the GLA250??? Damn, I did not know that...all the more reason to get it...was not looking forward to giving up my manual car, but a DCT would be nice. So I guess I'd have to insist on seeing proof of regular DCT fluid changes.

[bjstare]

I probably wouldn't get a '15 GLA45. Info on the internet isn't concrete, but I think the transmission was a little less reliable than newer ones. Also 2016+ got a 25hp bump. I'm really liking the car (mine is 2017), do strongly endorse. But would want to go 2016 at the oldest.

[JohnnyHockey13]

I probably wouldn't get a '15 GLA45. Info on the internet isn't concrete, but I think the transmission was a little less reliable than newer ones. Also 2016+ got a 25hp bump. I'm really liking the car (mine is 2017), do strongly endorse. But would want to go 2016 at the oldest.

Ya, the GLA45 I'm thinking would be a little too much for my wife anyways, she'd probably crash it somehow lol.....

[Xtrema]

May be still too new to hit your price target but those CX-5 Turbo are decent handlers. 310lb/ft on toruqe on premium make feel decently quick and can run on regular if $1.8/l is too rich for you out there in BC.

And if want an SUV that's isn't fun but maximum fuel saving may want to check out Outlander PHEV.
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/mitsubishi/outlander%20phev/calgary/alberta/5_50597385_20180710161840222/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=5_6_6&sprx=100

I think Mitsu cover powertrain for 10 years by default as well (as long as they don't skip town).

[JohnnyHockey13]

May be still too new to hit your price target but those CX-5 Turbo are decent handlers. 310lb/ft on toruqe on premium make feel decently quick and can run on regular if $1.8/l is too rich for you out there in BC.

And if want an SUV that's isn't fun but maximum fuel saving may want to check out Outlander PHEV.
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/mitsubishi/outlander%20phev/calgary/alberta/5_50597385_20180710161840222/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=5_6_6&sprx=100

I think Mitsu cover powertrain for 10 years by default as well (as long as they don't skip town).

I saw those new CX5 with the turbos, it started in 2019 I believe (the NA ones are so damn slow, it's ashame, I love the new styling, the old CX5s were a bit faster apparently but they look like garbage)....can't find one cheap enough right now though, I love those CX30s too!

Pass on the Mitsu. Gas mileage is not too much of a concern as I WFH and wife will likely be online classes.

[riander5]

Just get a Q5, you're overthinking this

[Neil4Speed]

Get the Diesel, the 3.0 is a pretty solid motor and is very responsive. Epic fuel economy too for what it is worth. Also, most will have the extended TDI warranty on them as well.

Does it have to be an SUV? I would also consider a A7 TDI, they only have about 5 cubic feet less of space, and are super practical cars.

[ExtraSlow]

I heard the Ford escape was good. 2004 model year preferred.

[bjstare]

Does it have to be an SUV? I would also consider a A7 TDI, they only have about 5 cubic feet less of space, and are super practical cars.

What's the catch with these? A7 TDIs are cheap. I was thinking about a used one, but just assumed since they were so cheap, they must be maintenance nightmares off warranty.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Just get a Q5, you're overthinking this

Just get a Lexus or Acura, since "reliable" is right in the thread title.

[npham]

The engine is rock solid but they are boats on the road. The brakes were undersized as well, so it was sketchy driving them hard. S7's don't have this issue though.

[JohnnyHockey13]

The engine is rock solid but they are boats on the road. The brakes were undersized as well, so it was sketchy driving them hard. S7's don't have this issue though.

Lol oh I'll just get an S7 then :rofl:

99% decided on a 2015 GLA250 with under 100,000km...will have to keep our savings topped up for repairs, but based on my research, shouldn't be too many problems. It's cheap enough that I could consider keeping my 135i (will have to see what ICBC wants to charge for insurance).

Thanks for all the advice folks!

We will be selling our 2 vehicles now, message if anyone is interested in a black 2012 BMW 135i 6mt (110,000km) or a white 2013 Nissan Juke SL AWD (150,000km)...

[JohnnyHockey13]

Day 2 driving the GLA250 and I already find it boring... keeping my 135i for now so I still have an outlet to relieve stress lol won't be fighting my wife for the keys to the GLA that's for sure.

[Disoblige]

Is Johnny the new Mar?
Should have just bought a Q5.

[riander5]

Just get a Lexus or Acura, since "reliable" is right in the thread title.

You're not wrong. Lexus is king imo. I would have got a newer RX350 instead of my Q5 if a nice little low KM one didnt drop in my lap. I'd also be about 20k poorer too though as i wanted the newer style ones.

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The engine is rock solid but they are boats on the road. The brakes were undersized as well, so it was sketchy driving them hard. S7's don't have this issue though.

Im assuming this was supposed to be Q7, S7's are ticking time bombs

[bjstare]

Im assuming this was supposed to be Q7, S7's are ticking time bombs

He was just saying the S7 doesn't have undersized brakes.

Too bad about the S7 engine though, the car is a great package. Prevalent oil starvation issues is not something you want to gamble on off warranty haha.

[Xtrema]

Is Johnny the new Mar?
Should have just bought a Q5.

2nd but wifey is coming from Juke so she may think Q5 is too large.

I understand it but I think 2013+ Q5 > GLA250.

[riander5]

He was just saying the S7 doesn't have undersized brakes.

Too bad about the S7 engine though, the car is a great package. Prevalent oil starvation issues is not something you want to gamble on off warranty haha.

I was ready to buy a mid / late 2010's S6 until i went down the rabbit hole. Amazing a company that turbos everything can fuck an engine up that badly. Like you said, S7/S6 are great packages otherwise. All around audi reliability is pretty brutal but i took some solace buying my 2.0T that it was in a million audi / vw models so it should be ok

[JohnnyHockey13]

Is Johnny the new Mar?
Should have just bought a Q5.

No, I went with something that was $10,000+ cheaper than a newer Q5 that people were suggesting...the 2015 GLA250 cost $20,000, I wouldn't have been able to have gotten a decent low km Q5 for that. I'm happy with my decision because now I can still keep my own car if I wanted. Doubt a Q5 would've allowed me give up my little stick shift sports car without regrets.

[Neil4Speed]

What's the catch with these? A7 TDIs are cheap. I was thinking about a used one, but just assumed since they were so cheap, they must be maintenance nightmares off warranty.

None really that I can see, I mean, it's not a Lexus, but no real 'gotcha's' like 2.0's or the 4.0's. I haven't owned one, but owned two cars with the same motor.

[bjstare]

I have a GLA250 loaner right now, and while it's no AMG, I don't mind it at all. Not all that fun, but it's reasonably smooth, quiet, etc... a perfectly acceptable wife-mobile. I would be inclined to keep a fun car in addition to it, for sure.

[killramos]

Yea I cross shopped the GLA250 instead of the NX.

NX was cheaper and nicer. But GLA was the better driving car.

[ThePenIsMightier]

How much extra is the AMG version?

[JohnnyHockey13]

For my 2015, it's just nicer AMG 19 inch wheels, and some sporty bumper stuff...I'm glad it came with it though, the non-AMG ones looks even more chick-car like. I ended finding a nicer set of AMG rims off Kijiji that look way better/flush and are 275 wide tires on the back :poosie:

I've driven it a couple more times now it IS actually quite a smooth ride, really appeals to my 40 yr old self haha...

[bjstare]

How much extra is the AMG version?

50% more, give or take.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Yeah, I think I've seen AMG versions on the road and they look good but just doing a Google image search on regular ones... Not so much.
Maybe I haven't seen a regular one in the reals.

[JohnnyHockey13]

Yeah, I think I've seen AMG versions on the road and they look good but just doing a Google image search on regular ones... Not so much.
Maybe I haven't seen a regular one in the reals.

You will have if you've seen those silver Car2Go's a couple years ago in downtown, I believe the GLAs were the premium service.