Used Audi Q5 review ~ station of gear

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19 May, 2016 11:15am Richard Dredge

A full used buyer’s guide on the Audi Q5 covering the Q5 Mk1 (2008-date)

The recent boom in SUVs shows no sign of slowing as many people’s thoughts now turn to the sector when thinking about buying a car. And one maker that knows a thing or two about building desirable 4x4s is Audi.

While rivals such as Land Rover and Jeep also make superb off-roaders, Audi’s a master of producing road-biased models – and nowhere is this more evident than with the Q5.

It’s capable of beating the desirable and talented Freelander, so unsurprisingly it’s hot property – the Q5’s just what you need in any weather.

Models covered

The Audi Q5 first appeared in 2008 and was on sale for four years before receiving a facelift in 2012. With only one generation to date, it’s this model that we’re focusing on here.

• Audi Q5 (2008-date) - Top-quality Audi SUV is a great investment.

Audi Q5

Prices from £15,000

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History

The first Q5s reached the UK late in 2008, with 2.0 TDI 170 and 3.0-litre TDI diesels, plus 2.0 TFSI 211 and 3.2-litre FSI petrol engines. By August 2009, 2.0 TFSI 180 and 2.0 TDI 143 models had joined the range.

The high-spec S line Special Edition arrived in October 2009; a year later came the even more lavish S line Plus. A facelift in October 2012 brought minor styling tweaks, standard stopstart across the range and more power for the TDIs and 2.0 TFSI.

Also, the 3.2 FSI was replaced by a supercharged 3.0 TFSI, plus a 310bhp SQ5 TDI was launched.

Audi Q5 reviews

Audi Q5 in-depth review
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI SE review
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI S Line review
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI SE review
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel review
Audi Q5 Hybrid review

Which one should I buy?

No engine is weak. The 2.0 TDI is best for fuel economy and performance, but the 3.0 TDI is sublime, especially in the SQ5. The manual and auto boxes are all excellent, yet the former’s more reliable. No Q5 is short on kit, as even base models have climate control, 17-inch alloys, ESP, electric windows all-round, plus heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

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The SE also includes leather, upgraded multimedia, 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, rear parking sensors plus auto lights and wipers. Meanwhile, the S line adds 19-inch alloys, sports seats, xenons and special body styling.

Alternatives to the Audi Q5

The Q5’s most accomplished competitors are the Land Rover Freelander, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. If you’re likely to do any serious off-roading, the Freelander is the model to go for – although its cabin isn’t as special as the Q5’s and it’s not as accomplished on the road.

While the original X3 is outclassed by the Audi in most respects, the second-generation version is a far more convincing adversary. Prices are similarly high, though. Meanwhile, the XC60 is very safe, well equipped, spacious and stylish inside and out. It’s also a rare sight on the road.

Alternatively, you could consider the more affordable VW Tiguan, which is strong, practical and very well built.

What to look for:

Interior

Nobody does cabins like Audi; the quality of materials, clarity of dash layout and overall design are the best available for the money. Find a Q5 with a glass roof, and it really opens things up. Boot space is 540 litres with the seats in place, or 1,560 litres when they’re folded.

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Suspension

Creaks from the front suspension are usually down to worn ball joints, even on low-mileage cars. The same problem can also lead to vague steering.

Wheels

Check the wheel and tyre combination; 18-inch rims are best. The Q5 rides firmly, but bigger wheels and low-profile tyres can really affect comfort.

Gearbox

Changes can be notchy on cars fitted with a manual box, while costly control unit failures have been reported on the S tronic auto.

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Bodywork

Check the wheelarch lips, as the paint can come off here, leading to corrosion. It’s most likely to be an issue on models that are often jet-washed.

Running costs

The Q5 needs a service every 12 months or 10,000 miles, but many examples have variable schemes, allowing up to 19,000 miles or two years between checks. Services alternate between minor and major, at £289 and £329 for 2.0-litre models, and £330 and £375 on six-cylinders.

When a car hits three years old, Audi offers fixed-price servicing. For 2.0-litres this is £159 and £309 for minor and major checks, or £189 and £375 for models over 2.0.

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Every 140,000 miles or five years, 2.0-litre Q5s need a new cambelt (at £737, or £549 if they’re over three years old). Air-con maintenance (when needed) is £80; brake fluid is required every other year from year three, at £59.

Recalls

The Q5’s been recalled twice. The first, in February 2010, affected all cars built up to May 2009, and centred on a piece of A-pillar trim that could become detached if the airbags went off, potentially injuring front passengers. Audi fitted a retaining clip to stop the trim detaching.

The second recall, in August 2012, affected Q5s built from January-July 2012. In really cold temperatures, the glass roof could shatter. A replacement panel solved this.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Q5 made its debut in our Driver Power satisfaction survey in 2014, finishing 44th overall. After ranking 92nd in 2015, it was back up five places to 87th in this year’s survey. 11th for build quality was particularly impressive, along with 57th for seat comfort. But 142nd for running costs and 125th for ease of driving is more of a concern.

When Audi launched the Q5, it was criticised by some potential owners for restricting supply. They invariably didn’t want to wait, so shopped elsewhere. Still, thanks to the car’s huge desirability, and with demand still ahead of supply, this Audi holds on to its value better than most. As a result, you’ll be doing well to find any bargains. That’s good news for sellers, but means buyers will have to dig deep. Running costs also tend to be high. However, the Q5 is one of those products that’s reassuringly expensive.

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