If you’re after a small, thrifty, manoeuvrable and fairly upscale crossover with AWD, highly-manageable fuel bills, and plenty of high-end feature content, a used Audi Q3 might be for you.
This is the brand’s smallest crossover model and it combines stellar AWD traction and a punchy turbo engine into a package that drives like a car, but sees occupants sitting up higher, more upright and surrounded by a high-end cabin.
Feature content goodies may include the Audi MMI multimedia interface, a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated leather, a sporty S-Line equipment package, a drive-mode toggle switch, automatic lights, and more.
A two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (dubbed 2.0T) was the only engine option available and all units have an automatic transmission. Just note that some Q5 variants were sold with front-wheel drive, so if you’re shopping one out for the Quattro AWD system, be double-sure it’s fitted. Just look for a “Quattro“ badge on the tailgate.
If you’re shopping for a used Audi Q5, consider the following tips and checks before you buy.
Software updates:
Sometimes automakers release updated computer software that’s installed to your vehicle to help improve or correct the operation of one or more systems. Software updates can improve drive quality and fuel mileage, make your transmission shift more smoothly, prevent ghost battery drain, stop touch-screen interfaces from crashing or lagging, and more. Immediately after your purchase, consider working with an Audi dealer to determine which, if any, software updates may be available for the Q3 you’re considering. You’ll need the vehicle’s VIN number. If any software updates are available, make plans to have them installed as soon as you can for reduced likelihood of headaches, and a more positive ownership experience.
Scan it:
One of the best things you can do before buying a used Q3 (or any modern vehicle) is to have a dealer technician perform a diagnostic scan. Whether or not a check-engine light is illuminated, this scan can reveal a multitude of problems across various vehicle systems that may not otherwise be apparent. This scan is typically cheap, takes a few minutes and can literally prevent you from buying a used vehicle with various electronic or sensor-related problems. Note that if the diagnostic scan reveals a “misfire” code, your used Q3 candidate may require intake valve cleaning, or new ignition system components. Ask your Audi service rep for more information, and call this into your pricing negotiations.
Rear seating:
Some owners have reported rear seats that won’t properly unlatch when drivers need to fold them down, and the likely cause is a broken or out-of-whack rear seat release latch. On your test drive, fold the rear seats down, and put them back up, several times, ensuring that they lock properly into position each time. If that’s not the case, a repair may be required. While in the rear of the vehicle, confirm that all rear window controls and door lock controls work as intended, too.
Tailgate:
Some Q3 models come with a power tailgate that opens and closes via a motorized action at the press of a button on said tailgate, on the remote key fob, or on the dash. Open and close the tailgate from each of its release buttons, confirming that each operates the tailgate as outlined in the owner’s manual. If the tailgate suddenly changes direction, fails to latch shut, or fails to open, some attention, a repair, or a reset of the computer, or tailgate motor, may be required. Get a quote for repairs and call it into your pricing negotiations.
Cooling system:
Audi and Volkswagen have built about 12 billion copies of the 2.0T engine that powers all Q3 models, and earlier versions of this engine in other applications have suffered from well-documented cooling system issues. This may be evidenced by visible puddles of coolant beneath the vehicle, engine overheating, “weeping” visible at the water pump, or a warning message in the instrument cluster. This issue, which stemmed partially from the design of the water pump, seems to have been corrected at the factory by time this generation of Q3 came around, so it’s unlikely the unit you’re considering will suffer from the problem. Still, for maximum peace of mind, have an Audi technician inspect the cooling system in full before you buy.
Bonus tip:
Here’s a bonus tip that’s worth reading, given the likelihood your used Q3 will be new enough to still be covered by some portion of the factory warranty. Note that consistent maintenance is required to maintain the vehicle’s warranty in full and that no automaker warranty covers damage or issues caused by a failure to properly maintain the vehicle as outlined in the owner’s manual. As such, seek out a used Q3 with full servicing records available, to avoid any nasty surprises should a warranty claim be required. For best results, assume the unit you’re considering has had its factory warranty compromised by some failure of the previous owner to maintain the Q3 properly, until you have proof to the contrary.
The information presented above is gathered from online owner discussion groups, and collaboration with a network of automotive repair professionals. The above information is not a comprehensive list of all possible issues with the vehicle in question, and is instead intended to draw shopper attention to possible trouble-spots they may wish to investigate before they buy. In most cases, problems listed above are reported with relative rarity in comparison to total sales volume. Shoppers are advised to have a dealer- performed pre-purchase inspection performed on the vehicle they’re considering, for maximum peace of mind.
