Are Audis Good Cars? Reliability, Problems, Life Expectancy • Road Sumo

Owning an Audi is a dream for many people. You can’t deny that these cars are gorgeous. But are Audis good cars? This article will discuss their reliability, problems, and life expectancy.

If you have chosen the right year model of Audi A4, you will find that it is a reliable vehicle. It should last you from 150,000 to 200,000 miles, provided you take care of it. The later models of the A4, 2015 onwards, are regarded as very reliable. They are known to last for many, many years.

When used responsibly and given proper care and maintenance, a modern Audi car is reliable and durable. Generally, you will be able to use an Audi from 10 to 13 years. To enjoy its service, Audi manufacturers and auto experts recommend that you replace Audi parts when they start to wear out.

Read on to learn if Audi cars are good or not, if they are reliable, their problems, and their life expectancy.

Are Audis Good Cars?

Can Last from 150,000 to 200,000 Miles

Are Audis reliable cars? If you choose the right model year, you will find that the Audi A4 is very reliable. It should last from 150,000 to 200,000 miles if you give proper care and maintenance. The Audi A4 model years 2015 and onwards are very dependable.

Known to Last Between 10 and 13 Years

The right Audi car models are known to last between 10 and 13 years. To extend the lifespan of an Audi, its manufacturer and car experts recommend that you replace its parts when they start to wear out.

Have an Annual Mileage of Around 13,500 Miles

Generally, Audi cars show certain problems at 150,000 to 250,000 miles. On average, Audi cars have an annual mileage of around 13,500 miles. So, if you have an Audi, you should expect it to show problems from its 11th to 19th year.

Is an Audi Car Worth Your Money?

It appears to be, yes. These cars have a reputation for being very dependable if they are bought new. However, as most cars are, they can develop certain problems over time. Fixing those Audi problems can be more costly than other car brands.

More Expensive Insurance

Another consideration for Audi cars is their insurance. Audis are considered luxury cars. If you compare them to average cars, they are more expensive to insure.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Audi Cars?

Has a Reputation for Being One of the Most Dependable Cars in the World

Audis have already built a reputation as one of the most dependable cars in the world. This is one of the main reasons they are always considered among the best automobiles ever manufactured.

One of the Most Expensive Motor Vehicles Available Today

Audi cars are also one of the most expensive motor vehicles available today. Their parts are also generally more costly than other car brands’ parts. But this ensures that Audi cars and their components can last much longer than other cars.

Lesser Downtime Than Other Cars

If you drive an Audi car, you will find that you won’t be buying car parts again and again. Audi car parts don’t deteriorate as fast as the car parts of other car brands. In other words, you will have lesser downtime with Audi cars compared to other cars.

Functional from 150,000 Miles to 200,000 Miles With Proper Maintenance

If you are consistent with its maintenance and practice responsible driving, you will be able to use your Audi car from 150,000 miles to 200,000 miles. That would be equivalent to about 10 to 13 years of driving.

Reviews

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has described the long lifespan of Audi cars in real-world terms. It came out with a report that said Audi consistently placed near the top of durability charts. For instance, in 2017 and 2018, Audi placed 4th on the list of 30-plus car brands.

Additionally, Reddit’s reviews also confirm the long lifespan of Audi cars.

Other Reviewers

Some Audi car reviews stated that these cars still run like new after 190,000 plus miles.

Other reviewers say that they have been driving their Audi cars for the past 20 years, and their cars are still running perfectly. While maintenance is expensive, some Reddit reviewers say that Audi cars do not need as much maintenance as other cars.

Are Audi Cars Reliable?

Ranked 24 Out of 40 Car Brands in Terms of Reliability

Reliability Index, a website focused on providing consumers with credible vehicle reliability ratings, lists Audi cars in its 40 most reliable cars. Audi cars are listed at number 24. They were beaten by Toyota, Nissan, and Honda.

Not to be discouraged, Audi owners took to Consumer Reports and bragged about the good things about their cars. They admitted that Audi cars have problems here and there, but they still enjoy their cars and say they were “very reliable for the long haul.”

It depends on the Audi car model. No car manufacturer has a perfect model lineup in real-world terms. All car manufacturers have models that have more problems than their other models.

Choose the Most Reliable Audi

So, when you buy an Audi car, you should search for the most reliable models. You should also consider if the particular model you are considering has an extended warranty so you can use it for a long time without giving you so many problems.

Audi Is Popular for Building High-performance Cars Using Cutting-edge Technology

Audi started manufacturing cars way back in 1899. Volkswagen bought the company in 1960 and started to build its reputation worldwide. Audi is a builder of high-performance cars using cutting-edge technology.

Audi Cars Are Popular for Superior Engineering and Performance

Audi cars are considered very dependable as high-performance vehicles. These cars are known for their superior engineering and performance. Audi car owners may spend more on maintaining their cars, but their overall driving experience is better than most.

Six Most Reliable Cars Audi Made

To ensure that you will enjoy your Audi for years to come, you should choose an Audi car with a known history of dependability. You need to pick an Audi from among the most reliable Audi cars. What are these Audi models?

1. Audi RS6

The Audi RS6 can crank 450 horsepower and get up to 60 miles per hour in just over 3 seconds. This Audi car is said to last very long and does not have a track record of giving it up easily. It is a very dependable car that you can consider.

2. Audi A4

This Audi car was recognized by the IIHS with a “Top Safety Pick” designation when fitted with LED or Matrix-design LED headlights. J.D. Power gave it 74/100 for its quality and Audi reliability.

3. Audi R8 Supercar

The engine of this Audi car can deliver 420 hp. It is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission that can get you up to speed in just seconds. While it can give you more power than you need, the Audi R8 Supercar has no transmission problems or electrical systems reports.

4. Audi Quattro

Audi started producing this model in the 1980s. It became popular with car buyers because of its innovative all-wheel drive and sleek style. It’s not the fastest Audi car there is, but it has its plus points.

It has a strongly built transmission that won’t give you headaches for a long time. The Audi Quattro is powered by a 2.0 liter, 5-cylinder engine that can generate maximum power ranging from 200 bhp to 305 bhp.

5. Audi A6

This Audi car was once awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as its “Top Safety Pick,” the highest recognition given by this organization. In 2012, J.D. Power, a vehicle rating organization, has given a quality and reliability score of 69/100. This is a fair score.

6. Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 was given a crash rating of 5/5 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA. It also won the Best Buy Award of 2020 for subcompact luxury SUV. J.D. Power, in 2012, gave this Audi car 77/100 quality and reliability score, which is average.

Again, are Audis good cars? In the past, Consumer Reports described Audi as “a sinkhole of service problems.” Now, Audi is included in the magazine’s highest-rated European brand in terms of reliability. Indeed, Audi has greatly improved through the years.

Audi Cars’ Common Issues

Audis Start Having Issues from 150,000 to 250,000 Miles

You can expect an Audi car to start having issues when it has reached 150,000 to 250,000 miles. Most Audi cars are driven around by their owners for about 13,500 miles per year.

Three to Eight Years Old Audi Issues

So, Audi cars that are from three to eight years old were the ones that reported having problems with the following:

Exhaust and emission,
Suspension,
Cam/timing belt, or
Cooling system.

These problems were often reported in many surveys.

If you read and follow Audi owners’ forums, you will see the common issues of Audi cars that their owners have encountered. Other reports have also been gathered about the common issues of these vehicles.

Other Issues

The most common parts and systems reported as having or showing problems are the transmission, the brakes, and the air conditioning system. There were also reports of coolant leaks and oil leaks from these cars.

Expensive Parts

All of these issues can cost a lot because of the expensive nature of Audi cars. Its components are more expensive than ordinary cars. Naturally, repairing or replacing will also be much more costly. It is also worth noting that the commonly reported issues were those from Audi cars of high mileage.

Least Reliable Audi Models

As I have already mentioned, Audi, like all car manufacturers, cannot manufacture an excellent model lineup. Somehow, some of the cars they manufacture will be problematic. With that said, here are the Audi car models that are the least reliable:

1. Audi Q5

Repair Pal has given a reliability rating of 3 out of 5 to Audi Q5 for this year, effectively ranking it 11th out of the 14 luxury midsize SUVs they examined.

As for J.D. Power, Audi nQ5’s quality and reliability score is 63/100, which is fair.

2. Audi Q7 and Audi A8 and

The Audi Q7 and the Audi A8 have scored low in reliability ratings because they showed problems in their transmission systems, braking system, and oil leaks.

There are owners and drivers of these particular models of Audi cars who reported having issues with these vehicles when they already have high mileages.

While this does not mean that these cars are unreliable, owners are warned that they should be more conscientious in maintaining their Audis once they are already clocking in higher and higher mileages. They should be more focused on maintenance if they still want to use them longer.

3. Audi e-Tron

Consumer Reports gave the 2021 year model of the Audi e-Tron a predicted reliability score of 1/5. While this Audi car has scored this low, it is still popular among consumers because it offers an excellent driving experience.

J.D. Power gave this car a score of 62/100 for quality and reliability, which is fair.

How to Extend the Life of Your Audi Car

If you spend so much money on buying a luxury car, it should be a great incentive for you to try to extend its life. Here are some ways of extending the life of your Audi so that you will be able to get your money’s worth:

1. Regular PMS

Be religious in performing its regular preventive maintenance schedule. It’s tempting to take it easy since your Audi is running fine.

But don’t forget regular PMS because this is the thing that will ensure its long life. With regular PMS, you are sure that your Audi will always be in its best working condition.

2. Wash Regularly

Keeping your car clean will keep it looking nice and tidy. It will prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris that may cause rust and corrosion in some of its metal parts. This will make your car look good even if it has already clocked in high mileage.

3. Never Ignore Even Small Issues

Large problems usually start in small ways. So, if you hear or see something unusual in your Audi, such as the check engine light, don’t ignore it. Take a close look if it’s the start of something that will eventually cost you plenty of money to fix.

It is better to repair it now than fix it later when you are forced to. Often, the fix is more costly than what you could have spent when the problem was still very small.

4. Regular Lubrication

Don’t forget to change the oil and all fluids whenever they are due for a change. It’s better to spend a small amount for a regular oil change than to spend so much money fixing a burnout engine.

You should have the same careful treatment for the transmission, brake, and other lubrication that your Audi car needs.

5. Warm-Up Before Driving

It’s good practice to warm up your engine for about 30 to 60 seconds before going on your daily drive. This small increment of time will allow the motor oil to lubricate the intricate parts of the engine so they will be ready for their work for the day.

Keep your RPM low until the heater starts to blow warm air. Only then can you put your car to drive and be able to proceed to your destination.

6. Keep Your Load Light

Carrying heavy loads forces the engine to work harder. So, if you have unnecessary clutter inside the cabin, and the trunk, remove them. Keep only those that you need while you’re driving. This will protect your suspension system, make your car more fuel-efficient, and extend Audi’s life expectancy.

7. Give It a Regular Workout

Once in a while, drive your Audi car on the open road so you can rev it up at higher RPMs. You’re not advised to do this regularly, but it is not wrong to do it once in a while.

Revving up the engine of an Audi car occasionally on open roads will help clean out the carbon residues inside the engine. It will help extend the life of your Audi.

8. Cool Down Before Turning Off

Don’t turn off the engine until you have given enough time for its intricate parts to cool down. Turning off the engine right away is not good for the engine’s bearings and other moving parts, especially the turbocharged Audi A3.

Is It Expensive to Maintain an Audi Car?

Annual Average Repair Cost

According to RepairPal, the average repair cost of an Audi car per year would be about $987. Other lower-class car brands have an average repair cost of about $652 annually. As you can see, Audi’s repair cost is considerably higher.

Requires Regular Maintenance

Audi cars also demand regular maintenance. They require minor services when they reach 10,000 miles. This is true across Audi’s model range.

$200 to $300 for Basic Maintenance

Audi’s are not ordinary cars. They are luxury cars, so they are expensive to maintain. When your Audi reaches 10,000 miles, you will spend $200 to $300 for basic maintenance.

Servicing Older Audis Can Reach up to $870

Servicing older Audis with higher mileages can reach up to $870. Audis are not the most expensive cars, but they are one of the most expensive cars to repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

are audi's good cars to buy — Audi R8 Supercar

Many people dreaming about owning an Audi car need to understand the cost of owning one. If you are one of those who want to own an Audi, you should read the answers to the most often asked questions about these cars:

Are Audis Reliable Cars?

If you choose the right year and model of Audi, it will give you a long service life. For example, the Audi A4 is a very reliable car. It should last from 150,000 to 200,000 miles. With regular maintenance and if you drive it responsibly, the Audi car will last you from 10 to 13 years.

The Audi manufacturers and car experts recommend changing or replacing the parts that are starting to show signs of wearing out. Don’t let them go the distance before changing them because they may cause even more damage to your car in the long run.

Are Audi Cars Still Reliable after Reaching 100,000 Miles?

Audi car owners claim that their cars have reached 100,000 miles. They say that their Audis are extraordinarily reliable concerning their engine.

How Many Years Do Audi Cars Last?

On average, an Audi car can last from 10 to 13 years. If it is well kept and properly driven, Audi cars will last for many years. Audi cars are popular because of their well-designed interiors, style, performance, Quattro all-wheel-drive systems, and technology.

What Mileage Does an Audi Car Start to Have Problems?

Generally, when an Audi reaches about 150,000 to 250,000 miles, it will start having issues. So, watch out if your Audi is already nearing this mark.

Is an Audi Car Worth Buying?

Yes, an Audi car is worth your money. When it comes to new vehicle dependability, Audi is at the top. However, they can develop problems that are usually more expensive to fix over time; this happens to all car models of all car brands.

It just happened that Audis are luxury cars fitted with expensive car parts. When these parts break down, they cost more to replace or repair.

In Closing: Can You Rely on Audis – Are They Good?

If you are driving the right model of Audi, such as the Audi A4, and if you take care of it properly, you can expect it to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.

The current models of the A4, starting from 2015 and onwards, are known to be the most reliable. They are the Audis that last for a long time.

A modern Audi car will last longer and become dependable if you give it proper care and maintenance and drive it responsibly. On average, you can use an Audi for 10 to 13 years.

To enjoy its services, its manufacturer and auto experts recommend that you replace its parts when they show signs of wearing out.