Audi Q5 - any good ?

rfuerst911sc · 05-13-2023, 01:23 PM

My wife wants something " nicer " than her Volvo XC90 . It's a 2010 and doesn't have the bells and whistles . My first thought is a Cayenne or Macan . Also considering domestic . But curious what the braintrust thinks about an Audi Q5 ?

How's the quality ? Any engine better to look for ? General feedback ? I am thinking a 2014 - 2018 and in a perfect world 50k mileage or around there . I am the type that likes to keep a vehicle to 150k or more . Appreciate all constructive feedback .

Gus Berges · 05-13-2023, 01:54 PM

Ever since 2013, I 've owned a 2010 Q5 (2.0T). Only issues I've had with it (common) is the AOS going bad as well as the mechatronic. Hard $3K bill to swallow, but besides that, i't been rock solid. Recently I did have to replace spark plugs, coil packs, and some small wire ends that connect to the coil packs, but I consider those as regular maintenance items. Ours currently has 50K on the odometer (got it with 5K miles) and still drives much better than my wife's 2022 Mazda CX5.

At the end of last year, I purchased a 2013 XC90 for my other son with 25K miles on the clock. All service records at the local stealership but even with those records, had to spend nearly $1K replacing tranny fluid as well as differentials fluids. Again regular upkeep. Much prefer the build quality of the Q5 over the Volvo, but both are great trucks.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Just bought one for Mrs. Beard a month ago.

Interior is well setup. Still learning my way around after 11 years with the X5.

I really like the 2.0 Turbo. In the "sport" mode it kicks in quite quickly. I might dial it back to normal or economy for Mrs. Beard.
The hatchback is adjustable so that the buttons don't go out of reach for Mrs. Beard
Multiple users can be setup for the car, beyond the seat/mirror settings.
I would definitely opt for the warm Weather package", as it is the ventilated seats.

Choice came down to two cars, a Silver Prestige or the Blue Premium Plus S. The options were the same. Price was the same. The Prestige includes a lot of options as standard. It also has special noise reducing glass and the heads-up display.

Size wise, it is a little bit smalerl than the X5. But not functionally. I sat in the backseat without issues. Not sure I'd put my 6'5" business partner in there.

Oh, and it is a hybrid. Not a full hybrid, but it has a small battery to run the Air Conditioning when the engine shuts down.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

A side note, I did not like the look of the Q7. The Q8 looks great.

If I were buying it for me, I'd go with the SQ5. 3.0 liter engine, and some suspension upgrades.

And for Porsche Content, this is basically the Macan, with a detuned engine and softer suspension. Oh and all of the Q5s are AWD

pavulon · 05-13-2023, 03:07 PM

If I never had to deal with snow or long commute but wanted a small SUV(ish), I'd have to consider a TT V8 GLC63.

tdw28210 · tdw28210's Garage

The Mrs. has been driving a 2016 Q5 TDI for 4 years. Pretty reliable. It is like a very nicely appointed VW. The car hustles as it is the same motor in the much larger diesel Cayenne. Don't like the way debris collects around the rear window. Seems like it should have a rubber gasket. Actually drove it to the Florida Keys last year as it really had almost no miles put on it during the heavy COVID days. Did just fine.

Mark Howard · 05-13-2023, 05:15 PM

Had a 2013 with the 2.0t. 100k miles, no issues other than when I overfilled the oil on top up once. No dipstick so there’s that….

jhynesrockmtn · 05-14-2023, 06:05 AM

The Macan, in my wife's opinion, is better looking. She has a 2015 S, so turbo 3.0 6 cylinder. I've driven the 2 liter as a dealership loaner and it has good performance.

Halm · 05-14-2023, 03:49 PM

Had one for 4 years. Adequate power, great room and all the needed gadgets. Great for around town and occasional road trip. Not at its best when used as a routine long range cruiser.

NY65912 · 05-15-2023, 02:45 AM

I have a 2010 Q5 bought it in 8/09. I have 54k on it. I use winter tires in the snow, goes with no problem. I think it handles great.

The downside is I have put 2 sets of front control arm bushings in. The first set failed at 20k and the second at 35K. I drive NYC street 99% of the time. Other than a bad water pump before 10K under warranty and a bad window motor and 2 batteries it has been a very pleasurable ride.

Overall, I love the car.

Flat Six · Flat Six's Garage

60k on ours, bought new. Best car we've ever owned.

Deschodt · 05-15-2023, 01:21 PM

SQ5 is nice... regular Q5, yawn...

rfuerst911sc · 05-15-2023, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deschodt

SQ5 is nice... regular Q5, yawn...

What is a SQ5 ? Option package ?

Alan A · 05-15-2023, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

What is a SQ5 ? Option package ?

Sport package. 100hp boost iirc.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

What is a SQ5 ? Option package ?

Different model. 3.0 liter turbo engine, 300 hp. Same basic chasis. Available as both standard and sport back (fast back).

And about $15K more

Deschodt · 12:33 PM

The SQ5 (sorry for the prev brievety, thought it was common knowledge) is a Q5 with beautiful seats and the S4 engine (3.0 T) which is a fantastic engine (ex S4 owner). I'd buy literally anything over a Q5, so many of them, look like melted butter, dated, most have the 2.0T from VW - yawn - dime a dozen... I may consider an SQ5 over a Macan S, it's that nice a motor. But Macan S used is probably a great answer too.
On a base Q5 budget I'd get an Alfa Stelvio SUV instead, at least it's different and all in all probably not less reliable! Reliable and pretty ? go Mazda CX- anything..

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

The thing to remember is the OP is looking for a vehicle for his wife.

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

My wife has a 2016 Q3. I tried to talk her into a Q5 because I think it is a bit more DIY-friendly and has better options. (At least the engine is mounted the correct direction in a Q5 - not transverse like the Q3.) She wanted something smaller. The Q3 has been rock-solid and not difficult to maintain. User chrisbalich has a Q5 and has done a bit of work on his; you might PM him for an opinion.

rfuerst911sc · 05-17-2023, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red-beard

The thing to remember is the OP is looking for a vehicle for his wife.

Exactly . My wife drives like the grandmother she is . So pure sport mode is not needed . Comfort/safety/reliability/some bells and whistles are the goal . Now having said that I wouldn't mind some performance to make it more interesting for me to drive 😁 .

But I have two Porsche's and my diesel dually truck so this really is our daily driver . I will explore all options and hopefully find a clean used vehicle that fits the bill .

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

The 2 liter turbocharged 4 banger produces over 200 hp. It is a reasonable amount of HP. With the "sport" mode (or whatever it is called) turned on, you get a good response to putting your foot into it. Handling is softer than a Macan. But the ride is better for normal driving.

It is a very good, compromise vehicle.