REDLINE ALLEYAudi Q5 8R buying guide
2008 to 2017. A first generation Q5 suits a family that wants a solid premium SUV and will check the gearbox and engine type carefully.
Big jobs
- S tronic automatic. S tronic failures can cost more than 4,000 pounds, including costly control unit failures. It needs oil and filter every 38,000 miles.
- Pre facelift 2.0 petrol oil use. Pre facelift 2.0 petrol engines consume a lot of oil, and the post facelift petrol is the better choice.
- 2.0 TDI cambelt and DPF. The 2.0 diesel needs a new cambelt every 5 years or 140,000 miles, and the DPF needs regular long runs or it gets expensive.
Workshop jobs
- Front ball joints. Creaky front suspension is usually worn ball joints, which can make the steering vague.
- Arch lip paint and rust. Paint can flake off the wheel arch lips on cars that are jet washed often, leading to rust.
- Electrics and recalls. Electrical faults with the air conditioning, boot switch and tyre pressure monitor are common. Recalls covered fuel leaks, airbags, the auxiliary heater, overheating water pumps, rear brakes and panoramic sunroofs that could shatter on 2012 cars.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI or 3.2?
- On a 2.0 petrol, is it pre or post facelift, and how much oil does it use?
- Has the S tronic been serviced every 38,000 miles?
- On a diesel, when was the cambelt done?
- Have all recalls been done?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.