Used Audi Q5 review

Buyers couldn’t get enough of the Q5 when it was launched, and at one point Audi’s SUV was so popular that it was among the slowest-depreciating cars on sale. Now the earliest models are more than a decade old and, with a second-generation version currently in showrooms, things have calmed down. You’ll still have to pay a surprising amount to secure a Q5, though, and running costs tend to be high. As a result, this is very much a premium option, so if your budget is tight the chances are that you’ll be stretched should you take on a Q5. It’s a great used choice providing you can afford to buy and run one. The blend of build quality, performance, usability and economy makes it an excellent family car.

Audi can trace its roots all the way back to 1910, but it wasn’t until almost a century later, in 2006, that the German manufacturer built its first SUV. That was the gargantuan seven-seat Q7, which attracted excellent reviews from most quarters.

But the Q7 was too big and too costly for many buyers, so the brand duly obliged with the Q5, which was launched two years later.

If the Q7 had been impressive then the Q5 was even more so, because it was pure Audi right the way through. This meant there was a choice of efficient engines, safe (if unexciting) dynamics, superb build quality and decent practicality. The model was also a handsome machine and, despite its advancing years, the Q5 still looks smart. But does it make a good used buy?

Models covered

• • Audi Q5 Mk1 (2008-2017) - Premium SUV is a good family choice if you’ve got the cash to keep it on the road.

Audi Q5 Mk1

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History

The Mk1 Q5 arrived late in 2008 with 2.0 TDI 170 and 3.0 TDI diesel engines, plus 2.0 TFSI 211 and 3.2 V6 FSI petrols. By August 2009 there were also 2.0 TFSI 180 and 2.0 TDI 143 options. The high-spec S line Special Edition appeared in October 2009, and a year later came the even more lavish S line Plus version.

A facelift in October 2012 brought minor styling tweaks, standard stop/start across the range and more power for the TDI and 2.0 TFSI engines. At the same point the 3.2 FSI engine was dropped and the 310bhp SQ5 arrived. This had a tuned 3.0 V6 TDI engine that, in early 2016, was joined by the 335bhp SQ5 Plus.

Audi Q5 Mk1 reviews

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

Which one should I buy?

No Q5 engine is weak; the 2.0 TDI makes the most sense in terms of performance and economy, but the 3.0 TDI unit is sublime, especially in SQ5 form. The 2.0 TFSI also provides decent performance with reasonable economy, but the 3.2 FSI is very costly to run, thanks to high fuel bills.

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The manual and automatic gearboxes are all excellent, but the former is more reliable. Kit levels are good, because even entry-level models have climate control, 17-inch alloys, electric windows all-round, plus heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

SE spec adds leather trim, upgraded multimedia, 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. The S line features 19-inch alloys, sports seats, xenon lights and more aggressive body styling.

Alternatives to the Audi Q5 Mk1

The Q5 had such a long lifespan that its rivals changed over time. At first, the most accomplished adversaries included the Land Rover Freelander, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. While the Freelander is the best of the bunch for off-roading, its cabin isn’t as special, and it’s not as good on the road. You might prefer to take a look at the Range Rover Evoque, which came along later.

BMW’s original X3 is outclassed by the Audi in most respects, yet the second-generation version, which was launched in 2010, makes a much more convincing alternative. The XC60 is a safe, well-equipped, spacious and stylish option, while the more affordable Volkswagen Tiguan is strong, practical and well built.

Later rivals include the Mercedes GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport, both of which are excellent all-rounders. 

What to look for

Suspension

Creaky front suspension is usually down to worn ball joints, which can result in vague steering. Look out for this on test drives. 

Ride

The Q5 rides firmly; wheels bigger than 18 inches, fitted with low-profile tyres, can be uncomfortable. These were popular options, though.

Finish

On cars that are regularly jetwashed, the paint can come off the wheelarch lips, leading to corrosion. Inspect potential buys for imperfections. 

Transmisssion

The manual gearbox can be notchy in its changes, while the S tronic auto can suffer from costly control unit failures.

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Interior

Early cars are now feeling dated, but all Q5s have a clearly laid out dashboard and an interior that should have aged well thanks to the use of premium materials. Cabin space is good rather than class-leading; there’s lots room for four adults, but it’s tight for five. It’s worth finding a Q5 with a glass roof because this brightens the interior. Boot space is 540 litres with the seats up, or 1,560 litres if they’re folded.

Prices

Running costs

Fixed (12 months or 9,000 miles) or variable servicing (up to 19,000 miles or two years) is available. Checks alternate between minor and major, at £180 and £345 for 2.0-litre cars; six-cylinder models cost £210 and £399.

A new cambelt (£595) is needed on 2.0-litre models every 140,000 miles or five years. The S tronic and Multitronic automatic transmissions require fresh fluid every 38,000 miles (£290). Fixed-price plans for Q5s less than 10 years old and with fewer than 115,000 miles cost £20 per month for 18 months or £360 for 2.0-litre cars, and £25 or £450 for six-cylinder versions.

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Recalls

The Mk1 Q5 has had 10 recalls. The earliest (2009) was for cabin trim that could come adrift in an impact. Two campaigns (2017 and 2018) were for possible air-con auxiliary heater failure. Three (2016, 2017, 2018) were for airbags failing to deploy correctly. A 2015 action was for potential fuel leaks; a 2017 recall covered overheating water pumps; a 2018 recall was for rear brake glitches. 

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Q5 took ninth place in our Driver Power 2018 used car survey, which was impressive for a model launched more than a decade ago. The low spot was the running costs, which owners said were too high. Reliability was merely okay, while safety kit fell just outside the top 10. Yet exterior fit and finish, interior design, practicality, ride/handling and connectivity all finished in the top 10.