Used Audi SUVs Consumer Reports Says to Skip Buying

Audi has a wide range and variety of vehicles to meet the needs of many drivers, and SUVs don’t escape that list. In fact, there are a number of Audi SUVs that are great options for off-roading, daily drivers, first cars, and family vehicles, and buying them used can mean saving a pretty penny. But, if you’re buying a used Audi to save money, chances are you don’t want to be stuck with a high mechanic bill from an unreliable car. If you’re looking to buy a used Audi SUV and you want something that will be reliable, you’re better off skipping these options altogether.

The Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 sits happily between all of the available SUV options from the brand, being not too big or too small. For many people, the Q5 is the Goldilocks SUV — being just right in size, capabilities, and pricing if you’re looking at one on the used market. But, things aren’t all perfect for the Q5, with the 2012 and 2013 models being relatively unreliable. According to Consumer Reports, your best bet is to buy a slightly newer model year or pass on the car all around, opting for most other Audi SUV options, except for the other choice on this list, of course.

A dark brown 2012 Q5 on the assembly line
A 2012 Audi Q5 on the assembly | GASPA/ullstein bild, Getty Images

The Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 is the biggest SUV in the brand’s lineup, making it the ultimatum luxury family vehicle you can find with four rings. While many model years of the friendly SUV are a great choice for getting a used luxury vehicle, you’re better off avoiding the 2019 model year of the Audi Q8. Regardless of reliability problems, though many owners are happy to report that they love their newer model years of the Audi Q8, making the 2020 model year much better for a slightly used option.

The silver logo of the German automaker Audi is seen on a car's grille on March 18, 2021, at its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany
The Audi logo | CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images

Other Audi SUV options to choose

Overall, Audi has an impressive lineup of SUV options, ranging from expensive to more modestly priced, but there is no arguing that the used varieties are more affordable than buying one brand new. In fact, this is one of the biggest appeals to buying one slightly used, and buyers don’t have to be as concerned with the rapid depreciation of buying a car directly from the dealer, either. As with most higher-end luxury brands, maintenance and repair costs are always something to keep in mind, especially when looking at used cars with higher mileage.

Pigeons on the roof of a white Audi SUV
Group of pigeons roost on the roof of an Audi SUV in Isleworth | Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images
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Overall, there are still plenty of options to check out if you are looking to buy a reliable used Audi SUV. If you’re willing to take the risk with some of these used model years that aren’t necessarily recommended, there are still plenty of reasons to love those, too.