My GarageIs the Audi Q5 a good used car?
Verdict rates it 3.9/5 overall, with reliability at 3.8/5 and running costs at 3.3/5. Shop 2018+ (2nd gen) first and treat 2013–2017 (1st gen with gen 1–2 EA888) as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · Audi Q5 · Compact luxury crossover
Used Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Audi Reliability Guide, Best Used Audi Models and Audi A4 Buying Guide.
The Q5 is Audi's best-selling SUV. Same EA888 engine considerations as the A4 — gen 3 (2018+) is the safest.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 3.9/5 · Good
- Reliability
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Best years
- 2018+ (2nd gen)
- Years to research
- 2013–2017 (1st gen with gen 1–2 EA888)
- Maintenance cost
- 3.3/5 · Average
- Parts availability
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Ownership cost
- 3.3/5 · Average
Bottom line: Yes, with records. Prefer 2018+ for the safest ownership.
Shopping a specific Q5?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★3.9/5
The 2018+ Q5 with gen-3 EA888 is the safest pick. Older 2013–2017 examples need tensioner verification.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.8/5
Maintenance
★★★★★3.3/5
Parts availability
★★★★★3.8/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★3.3/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2018+ (2nd gen)
Gen-3 EA888; refined chassis and interior.
Side by side
Audi Q5 ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.9/5 | Good |
| Reliability | 3.8/5 | Good |
| Maintenance | 3.3/5 | Average |
| Parts availability | 3.8/5 | Good |
| Ownership cost | 3.3/5 | Average |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2013–2017 (1st gen with gen 1–2 EA888)
Chain-tensioner history.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Timing-chain tensioner (gen 1–2)
- ✓Water pump on 2.0T
- ✓Air-suspension leaks if equipped
- ✓Carbon buildup on DI intake
- ✓Electronics/MMI quirks
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Independent VAG specialist essential out of warranty.
Fluid intervals matter more than mileage for long-term cost.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
Tensioner history; oil condition.
Transmission
Fluid history documented.
Air suspension
All corners level if equipped.
AWD
No driveline binding.
Modifications
Tuned cars are higher risk.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Refined, comfortable, and premium-feeling.
- • Real-world 22–26 mpg highway on 2.0T.
- • Records matter enormously.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Audi Q5?
Yes, with records. Prefer 2018+ for the safest ownership.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Audi Q5?
Verdict scores it 3.8/5 for reliability and 3.9/5 overall. Buy from 2018+ (2nd gen) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which Q5 years should I avoid?
2013–2017 (1st gen with gen 1–2 EA888) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Audi Q5?
2018+ (2nd gen). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a Audi Q5 last?
A well-maintained Q5 from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Q5 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 3.3/5 and parts availability 3.8/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used Q5?
Focus on: Engine, Transmission, Air suspension, AWD. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Q5 problems?
Timing-chain tensioner (gen 1–2); Water pump on 2.0T; Air-suspension leaks if equipped; Carbon buildup on DI intake
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Q5?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Q5 with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Q5's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Audi Q5?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2018+ (2nd gen) first, treat 2013–2017 (1st gen with gen 1–2 EA888) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
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