“Made to be a used car”: How to buy a bargain Audi Q5

With the facelift the Q5 also gained LED headlights (costly to replace) and digital instruments, while sat-nav came as standard. Q5s were well equipped as standard, with entry-level SE trim featuring an electric tailgate, three-zone climate control, leather seats (the front pair are heated), parking sensors and a comprehensive infotainment system.

Sport added exterior styling tweaks and more supportive seats. However, despite its ride-spoiling wheels and springs, it was S Line, with its sharpened styling, privacy glass, part-Alcantara upholstery and LED headlights, that most buyers plumped for; Black Edition squared that up with black detailing. 

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We said at the top that the Q5 was made to be a used car. At launch in 2017, the 2.0 TDI SE cost from £37,000. Today, the same model with ‘one careful owner’ and 70,000 miles can be yours for £14,500. What’s stopping you?

What to look out for…

Engine: Service intervals are every 10,000 miles, with new spark plugs at 40,000. Many Q5s were business leases, so check the history for non-main dealer work where aftermarket parts and non-spec oils may have been used. In What Car?’s reliability survey, Petrol Q5s ranked eighth out of 24 in the large SUV class; diesels were 21st. Problems include emission system faults, turbo wear and chain stretch. Petrols are quicker and cheaper to fix than diesels. 

Gearbox: The 7-speed S tronic gearbox is a gem but, while known for its reliability, it thrives on timely fluid changes every 40,000 miles. Like all dual-clutch ‘boxes it can suffer mechatronic failure, clutch pack wear and deterioration of the dual-mass flywheel.

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Suspension, brakes and tyres: Loose steering, irregular tyre wear and clunking suggests ball joint problems, a known weak spot. Rare Vorsprung-spec cars have adaptive air suspension; check it adjusts properly through its modes. There was a recall for the brake master cylinder (2019) and the rear brake pistons (2018).

Body: Q5s can suffer water leaks caused by blocked sunroof drains and failing pollen filter seals, each allowing water into the footwells. A wheel arch liner fixing recall was issued in 2019.