Audi Models
Used Audis of this era usually feel premium before they prove expensive: EA888 petrols (especially Gen 2) are famous for oil consumption, S tronic (DSG) mechatronic units often require specialist repair, and later models (8V/B9) commonly suffer from water pump leaks and LED light cluster failures.
Audi A3 Mk4 (8Y)
Still fresh and desirable, but early ownership is shaped more by software and module complaints than by major mechanical failures.
e-tron SUV
Audi's first bespoke EV. Refined and fast, but early cars have seen motor and battery sealing issues.
Audi A7 (4K8)
The second-generation A7 is a technological powerhouse with a fully digital interior. It is exceptionally refined but highly complex, featuring mild-hybrid systems as standard.
Audi Q8 (4M8)
The Q8 is the stylish, coupe-SUV sibling to the Q7. It is vast, wide, and complex, sharing the same 48V mild-hybrid and infotainment architecture as the A6 and A7.
Audi A1 Mk2 (GB)
The second-generation A1 moved to a 5-door only layout. It is generally reliable but early cars have some software and interior quality complaints.
Audi A6 Mk5 (C8)
A tech-heavy executive car, but early mild-hybrid systems have caused major headaches.
Audi Q3 Mk2 (F3)
Modern family SUV, focus on electronics and 1.5 TFSI calibration.
Audi A8 Mk4 (D5)
The D5 A8 is Audi's flagship with a 48V mild-hybrid system as standard and dual-touchscreen MMI. It is supremely comfortable but extremely complex, with the BSG and air suspension being key risks.
Audi A4 Mk5 (B9)
A strong used executive car with efficient engines and a modern cabin.
Audi A5 Mk2 (F5)
The second A5 is a much better used bet than the 8T and feels close to an A4 B9 underneath, just with more style. UK ownership is usually about cooling-system leaks, diesel AdBlue issues, and MMI gremlins rather than catastrophic engine faults.
Audi Q2 (GA)
Audis smallest SUV is essentially a raised A3. It is stylish and handles well, but interior plastics are lower quality than larger Audis, and it shares familiar VW Group powertrain risks.
Audi Q7 Mk2 (4M)
The second Q7 is lighter, more efficient, and a far better everyday car than the 4L, but it is still a complex luxury SUV. In the UK, the recurring ownership stories are diesel AdBlue faults, air-suspension repairs, and tech-module glitches rather than fundamental engine weakness.
Audi TT Mk3 (8S)
High-tech masterpiece with Virtual Cockpit. Cooling issues remain.
Audi A3 Mk3 (8V)
Widely regarded as the best all-round used A3: solid cabin, good efficiency and fewer horror stories than older cars.
Audi A6 Mk4 (C7)
Generally reliable but has specific issues with its V6 diesels and S tronic gearboxes.
Audi Q3 Mk1 (8U)
Practical and popular premium SUV, shares hardware with Tiguan.
Audi A1 Mk1 (8X)
A premium supermini based on the Polo platform. It feels substantial, but earlier petrols and dry-clutch automatics carry familiar VW Group risks.
Audi A7 (4G8)
A sleek, coupe-like fastback based heavily on the A6 (C7). It is stylish and practical, but shares the same S tronic gearbox and timing chain risks as its saloon sibling.
Audi A8 (D4)
Audis flagship luxury saloon with an all-aluminium body. It is surprisingly agile for its size but carries immense complexity in its air suspension, electronics, and V8 engines.
Audi A4 Mk4 (B8)
The B8 feels modern and refined, but pre-2012 petrols can be ruinously expensive due to oil-consumption issues.
Audi A5 Mk1 (8T/8F)
The first A5 is still one of Audi's best-looking modern cars and shares most of its mechanicals with the B8 A4. UK buyers mainly need to understand early EA888 petrol risks, automatic gearbox history, and frameless-door water sealing rather than treating it as a simple style-led coupe.
Audi R8 (Type 42)
Audis first mid-engined supercar remains an icon. The V8 manual is a modern classic, while the V10 offers Lamborghini-level performance. Running costs are very high, particularly for suspension and clutch replacements.
Audi Q7 Mk1 (4L)
The first Q7 is a huge, comfortable tow car and family bus, but it is also one of the heavier and more expensive old Audis to run. UK buyers should focus on 3.0 TDI timing-chain noise, air-suspension health, and whether the car has spent its life doing the kind of journeys that kill DPFs and EGR systems.
Audi TT Mk2 (8J)
Uses the MK5 Golf platform. More reliable than 8N but has expensive damper issues.
Audi A4 Mk3 (B7)
A heavy facelift of the B6, the B7 introduced the first TFSI engines and the problematic 2.0 TDI with balance shaft issues.
Audi A6 Mk3 (C6)
A significant step up in tech, but early MMI systems and high-end engine maintenance can be costly.
Audi A3 Mk2 (8P)
The second-generation A3 brought a more premium feel, but early diesel and DSG cars need careful screening for expensive drivetrain faults.
Audi A8 Mk3 (D3)
The D3 A8 is a aluminium-bodied luxury saloon with full air suspension and complex W12 or V8 engines. It offers incredible refinement but demands specialist maintenance as it ages.
Audi A4 Mk2 (B6)
The B6 A4 introduced a much more modern interior and the CVT Multitronic gearbox.
Audi A6 Mk2 (C5)
A spacious and comfortable cruiser, but age means suspension and water ingress issues are the primary concerns.
Audi A3 Mk1 (8L)
A durable early premium hatch, but age now means suspension refreshes, damp cabins and small electrical faults are common on UK cars.
Audi A4 Mk1 (B5)
A classy, durable old-school Audi, but UK buyers now need to think like restorers: suspension, drainage and service history dominate.
Audi Common Problems & Buying Tips
Detailed reliability information, known faults, estimated repair costs, and buying advice for all Audi models.
View Audi Problems & Tips