Buying a used car often feels risky. It can be hard to tell exactly what condition it is before the purchase. In most cases, buying a used car is a financially wise decision, as many vehicles have a lifespan of several years before they begin to experience significant problems. Unfortunately, not all used cars are as reliable as they seem, especially those that burn oil well before they should. The 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5 is one such vehicle. 

Consumer Reports’ list of used cars to avoid

Consumer Reports often releases lists with helpful rankings and information about which cars they recommend, which have low-reliability scores, and so much more. Recently, the reviewing website released their picks of numerous used vehicles that tend to burn oil and what you should buy instead. Several models made the list that came as a surprise since their manufacturers are typically regarded as reliable brands. 

Oil burning in older or used cars isn’t unheard of, but it’s only a normal phenomenon in vehicles with engines at least 10 years old. Cars that burn oil well before then should be avoided, especially if their warranties have already expired, as the problems that cause this can be incredibly costly to repair. The only time you should consider purchasing a used car notorious for burning oil, such as those on the list, is if there is official documentation that proves the issue has already been taken care of. 

Some surprising vehicles that found a spot on the list of oil burners include the 2012 to 2019 BMW M5, the 2010 to 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, and the 2010 to 2015 Subaru Forester and Outback. Audi also made the list a few times, most notably with the 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5. 

The 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5 is on the list

The Audi Q5 has long been regarded as a stylish and fun SUV with a serene interior, and the reviewers at U.S. News praised the 2015 Q5 for its precise and snappy handling and its long list of standard features. The 2015 Q5 scored a 7.6 out of 10 on the U.S. News scorecard, garnering high marks for safety ratings, quality of the interior, and its overall performance. 

Its score took a hit because of its low-reliability rating and its high cost of ownership, ultimately making it land in 10th place on the 2015 Luxury Compact SUVs list and 48th place on the Used Compact SUVs under $25K. 

Consumer Reports noted that the 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5s burn oil prematurely no matter which engine you choose, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or the 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Audi did release a diagnostic to detect the problem, but Consumer Reports deemed it best to just go for a different vehicle altogether. 

Consumer Reports’ recommended alternative

The reviewers at Consumer Reports propose the 2014 Acura RDX for those who want a luxury SUV at a discounted price. The Acura RDX isn’t a perfect vehicle by any means. Still, it scores well in the reliability category,  receiving a five out of five on nearly all reliability metrics in 2014. 

Owner satisfaction has never been exceptionally high in the Acura RDX, and 2014 is no exception. Consumer Reports’ road test showed excellent performance overall, especially regarding the “strong and smooth powertrain,” and the interior provides a high degree of comfort.

The 2014 Acura RDX may not be the sportiest SUV, but the reviewers at Consumer Reports felt that it provides much more bang for your buck than the 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5, especially considering the oil-burning elephant in the room.