2016-17 Audi Q5 2.0T AWD

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Ws6
What issues does it have with the rear main seal? I thought this was a 1980s 350SBC thing...?

Must be a German car thing. My 530i has had a seeping rear main seal for the past 11 years.

Ironically, I've owned 3 SBCs, and none leaked. Even my Hemi in my Jeep was leak free. In fact, I've never had an engine that did leak, unless you count 100k+ mile valve cover gasket mild residue, and most engines ive had will have a mild oiliness around the valve covers at this point, but its $30 and an hour to fix, last time I bothered (sr20de).


RMS leaked on my 5.0L Mustang when I hit ~280,000Km, replaced it in the driveway on ramps

And then there was my M5, which leaked shortly after I got it and it was replaced at the BMW dealer for a cost that we don't need to talk about, because it was gross. Its rear main was an "assembly" that bolted in.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by dwcopple
We are actually test driving a Q7 tonight with the 3.0T in it.

How did it go?

it didn't. The first one (2014) the owner never called me back

the second one (2015) turned out to be a Canuck vehicle (CarFax) and had no warranty and had the cluster replaced due to KM/MPH so we didn't see a point in driving an hour away to test that one.

We are still on the hunt for now but this thread is making me second guess buying an Audi. (I was already suspect) It would be nice if a luxo-SUV was actually dependable and cheap to repair. I know, Lexus RX350, but wife says they look too much like a minivan...

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by madRiver
My brother has outstanding service from a 2015 SQ5 with 110k miles bought with 20k a year old. He loves the vehicle.

No idea how the 2.0L fares compared to the supercharged v6 but only heard not as reliable.

Biggest problem on EA888 2.0 liter was timing chain tensioner which was resolved in mid 2012.
Except that, water pump can create issue (I made 116k on one before trading car in, never had leaking pump and on current Tiguan is original although there is recall so I will be doing that soon). CBU could be a problem, but choice of good oil and aggressive driving mitigate that issue.
Neglected PCV can lead to leaking rear main seal which serves kind of as fail safe if failed PCV is neglected.
However, Q5 is heafty vehicle with permanent AWD, so 3.0T, both 276hp or SQ5 with 333hp are better option.
Both 2.0T and 3.0T until mid 2012 in Audi specifically (not VW) had issues with piston rings.
2015 should be solid as a rock, especially 3.0T.

The Q5 doesnt have permanent awd, it's a hydraulic clutch reactive unit, until you get into the Sq5, or unless you're talking about old models.

I am talking about older model. I think that was clear from OP what he is looking.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by The Critic
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by madRiver
My brother has outstanding service from a 2015 SQ5 with 110k miles bought with 20k a year old. He loves the vehicle.

No idea how the 2.0L fares compared to the supercharged v6 but only heard not as reliable.

Biggest problem on EA888 2.0 liter was timing chain tensioner which was resolved in mid 2012.
Except that, water pump can create issue (I made 116k on one before trading car in, never had leaking pump and on current Tiguan is original although there is recall so I will be doing that soon). CBU could be a problem, but choice of good oil and aggressive driving mitigate that issue.
Neglected PCV can lead to leaking rear main seal which serves kind of as fail safe if failed PCV is neglected.
However, Q5 is heafty vehicle with permanent AWD, so 3.0T, both 276hp or SQ5 with 333hp are better option.
Both 2.0T and 3.0T until mid 2012 in Audi specifically (not VW) had issues with piston rings.
2015 should be solid as a rock, especially 3.0T.

The thermostat is a common failure item on the 3.0T and it requires supercharger removal. Usually the coolant pipe (in the valley) gets sold at the same time if it is higher mileage and it works out to a $1600-$1800 repair at the dealer. Oil Filter Housing, Rear Main Seal and leaking hydraulic engine mounts are other issues on the 3.0T, each of which are over $1500 to repair.

Yes, you are right, but I think thermostat was resolved with PCV valve and piston rings in mid-2012. I know that if replacing PCV, a thermostat is a must due to SC removal.
As for rear mains eal, I think that is usually consequence of neglected PCV. Newer engines should be there much better.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by dwcopple
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by dwcopple
We are actually test driving a Q7 tonight with the 3.0T in it.

How did it go?

it didn't. The first one (2014) the owner never called me back

the second one (2015) turned out to be a Canuck vehicle (CarFax) and had no warranty and had the cluster replaced due to KM/MPH so we didn't see a point in driving an hour away to test that one.

We are still on the hunt for now but this thread is making me second guess buying an Audi. (I was already suspect) It would be nice if a luxo-SUV was actually dependable and cheap to repair. I know, Lexus RX350, but wife says they look too much like a minivan...

I have Tiguan since 2013 and had coil packs replaced and fan actuator which is super cheap.
Intake manifold was replaced under recall before I got a car, and that is it. Wife would not get rid of that car if someone put a gun to her head, and unlike Audi Q5, it has that POS Toyota transmission that takes more time to figure out what to do than my 3 year old when you ask him what he wants to eat.
If she wanted bit bigger vehicle, I would get Q5 V6 without blinking, unless she wants BMW X5.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by The Critic
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by madRiver
My brother has outstanding service from a 2015 SQ5 with 110k miles bought with 20k a year old. He loves the vehicle.

No idea how the 2.0L fares compared to the supercharged v6 but only heard not as reliable.

Biggest problem on EA888 2.0 liter was timing chain tensioner which was resolved in mid 2012.
Except that, water pump can create issue (I made 116k on one before trading car in, never had leaking pump and on current Tiguan is original although there is recall so I will be doing that soon). CBU could be a problem, but choice of good oil and aggressive driving mitigate that issue.
Neglected PCV can lead to leaking rear main seal which serves kind of as fail safe if failed PCV is neglected.
However, Q5 is heafty vehicle with permanent AWD, so 3.0T, both 276hp or SQ5 with 333hp are better option.
Both 2.0T and 3.0T until mid 2012 in Audi specifically (not VW) had issues with piston rings.
2015 should be solid as a rock, especially 3.0T.

The thermostat is a common failure item on the 3.0T and it requires supercharger removal. Usually the coolant pipe (in the valley) gets sold at the same time if it is higher mileage and it works out to a $1600-$1800 repair at the dealer. Oil Filter Housing, Rear Main Seal and leaking hydraulic engine mounts are other issues on the 3.0T, each of which are over $1500 to repair.

Oof! Also, windshields are close to 1500ish. I was eyeing an Sq5 on the lot same time as I bought my cx5, and a few weeks later I asked about it, and sales rep told my guy drove from several states away to get it. Windshield took a rock on the way home. Of course, you cant find a vehicle with a windshield much under $1000, now, using oem glass.

German cars are just expensive to maintain for no reason at all, I feel. What does installing the thermostat under the SC gain you? Nothing. No benefit. Just cost cost cost.

What issues does it have with the rear main seal? I thought this was a 1980s 350SBC thing...?

Compact engine design. 3.0T is very short engine since it hangs over the front axle Audi did everything possible to shorten it. Dynamics was more important than accessibility. However, it is not that big of a deal for a good Indy shop. Also, thermostat is resolved as of mid-2012.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by dwcopple
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by dwcopple
We are actually test driving a Q7 tonight with the 3.0T in it.

How did it go?

it didn't. The first one (2014) the owner never called me back

the second one (2015) turned out to be a Canuck vehicle (CarFax) and had no warranty and had the cluster replaced due to KM/MPH so we didn't see a point in driving an hour away to test that one.

We are still on the hunt for now but this thread is making me second guess buying an Audi. (I was already suspect) It would be nice if a luxo-SUV was actually dependable and cheap to repair. I know, Lexus RX350, but wife says they look too much like a minivan...

Acura RDX A-Spec
Mazda CX5 GTR/Signature
Infiniti QX-50 (although I'm not a Nissan/Infiniti fan, and their VCT engine has been met with very lackluster applause).

However, if you want more performance, you're going to have to roll with something German. Noone else makes a "performance" type SUV in the size you're looking at with luxo features.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by edyvw

Compact engine design. 3.0T is very short engine since it hangs over the front axle Audi did everything possible to shorten it. Dynamics was more important than accessibility. However, it is not that big of a deal for a good Indy shop. Also, thermostat is resolved as of mid-2012.


I've just never been a fan of indy shops. Never found a good one. I'm sure they do exist, but I haven't seen it. They charge as much as the dealer, and then I have to come behind them and fix their work. I'd rather just snag an extended warranty and have the dealer fix it. Mine has always done exceptionally competent work.

However, you summed up my issue with German vehicles. This or that is always more important than reliability/accessibility. Japanese cars, reliability is #1, except in some rare cases like RX7, 300ZXTT, VR4, etc. For a CUV, I want as much fun as I can get without nipping into that reliability. For me, German cars have thus far been a bridge too far. Also, my sole experience with Audi was a 2016 A3. Terrible quality. 0/5 would not recommend.

 

[Quattro Pete]

If you want a more hassle free operation, instead of spending $25k on a used German vehicle, I'd up your budget a bit and look at new Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by madRiver
My brother has outstanding service from a 2015 SQ5 with 110k miles bought with 20k a year old. He loves the vehicle.

No idea how the 2.0L fares compared to the supercharged v6 but only heard not as reliable.

Biggest problem on EA888 2.0 liter was timing chain tensioner which was resolved in mid 2012.
Except that, water pump can create issue (I made 116k on one before trading car in, never had leaking pump and on current Tiguan is original although there is recall so I will be doing that soon). CBU could be a problem, but choice of good oil and aggressive driving mitigate that issue.
Neglected PCV can lead to leaking rear main seal which serves kind of as fail safe if failed PCV is neglected.
However, Q5 is heafty vehicle with permanent AWD, so 3.0T, both 276hp or SQ5 with 333hp are better option.
Both 2.0T and 3.0T until mid 2012 in Audi specifically (not VW) had issues with piston rings.
2015 should be solid as a rock, especially 3.0T.

The Q5 doesnt have permanent awd, it's a hydraulic clutch reactive unit, until you get into the Sq5, or unless you're talking about old models.

I am talking about older model. I think that was clear from OP what he is looking.

2016-2017 doesn't have it, and that's what this thread is about, no?

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
If you want a more hassle free operation, instead of spending $25k on a used German vehicle, I'd up your budget a bit and look at new Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade.

Or hold out for the GV70....
https://www.caranddriver.com/genesis/gv70

 

[Andrew1972]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by edyvw

Compact engine design. 3.0T is very short engine since it hangs over the front axle Audi did everything possible to shorten it. Dynamics was more important than accessibility. However, it is not that big of a deal for a good Indy shop. Also, thermostat is resolved as of mid-2012.


I've just never been a fan of indy shops. Never found a good one. I'm sure they do exist, but I haven't seen it. They charge as much as the dealer, and then I have to come behind them and fix their work. I'd rather just snag an extended warranty and have the dealer fix it. Mine has always done exceptionally competent work.

However, you summed up my issue with German vehicles. This or that is always more important than reliability/accessibility. Japanese cars, reliability is #1, except in some rare cases like RX7, 300ZXTT, VR4, etc. For a CUV, I want as much fun as I can get without nipping into that reliability. For me, German cars have thus far been a bridge too far. Also, my sole experience with Audi was a 2016 A3. Terrible quality. 0/5 would not recommend.


I know you are here justifying your Mazda purchase.

You mention lack of reliability/accessibility in the sentence following
Quote
I'd rather just snag an extended warranty and have the dealer fix it. Mine has always done exceptionally competent work.


Why not just buy what you want since you don't work on it and also dump when not under warranty...... I think my JDM is better but need an extended warranty sort of contradicts a lot of things.....

 

[UG_Passat]

Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by madRiver
My brother has outstanding service from a 2015 SQ5 with 110k miles bought with 20k a year old. He loves the vehicle.

No idea how the 2.0L fares compared to the supercharged v6 but only heard not as reliable.

Biggest problem on EA888 2.0 liter was timing chain tensioner which was resolved in mid 2012.
Except that, water pump can create issue (I made 116k on one before trading car in, never had leaking pump and on current Tiguan is original although there is recall so I will be doing that soon). CBU could be a problem, but choice of good oil and aggressive driving mitigate that issue.
Neglected PCV can lead to leaking rear main seal which serves kind of as fail safe if failed PCV is neglected.
However, Q5 is heafty vehicle with permanent AWD, so 3.0T, both 276hp or SQ5 with 333hp are better option.
Both 2.0T and 3.0T until mid 2012 in Audi specifically (not VW) had issues with piston rings.
2015 should be solid as a rock, especially 3.0T.


Wrong EA888 engine. That's the first gen Ea888, which the Q3 got.

The Q5 got the 2nd gen EA888, with VTEC aka Audi ValveLift.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by Ws6
2016-2017 doesn't have it,

Link to source?

AFAIK, the AWD system in the Q5 stopped being permanent in 2018 when the new model was launched.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by edyvw

Compact engine design. 3.0T is very short engine since it hangs over the front axle Audi did everything possible to shorten it. Dynamics was more important than accessibility. However, it is not that big of a deal for a good Indy shop. Also, thermostat is resolved as of mid-2012.


I've just never been a fan of indy shops. Never found a good one. I'm sure they do exist, but I haven't seen it. They charge as much as the dealer, and then I have to come behind them and fix their work. I'd rather just snag an extended warranty and have the dealer fix it. Mine has always done exceptionally competent work.

However, you summed up my issue with German vehicles. This or that is always more important than reliability/accessibility. Japanese cars, reliability is #1, except in some rare cases like RX7, 300ZXTT, VR4, etc. For a CUV, I want as much fun as I can get without nipping into that reliability. For me, German cars have thus far been a bridge too far. Also, my sole experience with Audi was a 2016 A3. Terrible quality. 0/5 would not recommend.


I know you are here justifying your Mazda purchase.

You mention lack of reliability/accessibility in the sentence following
Quote
I'd rather just snag an extended warranty and have the dealer fix it. Mine has always done exceptionally competent work.


Why not just buy what you want since you don't work on it and also dump when not under warranty...... I think my JDM is better but need an extended warranty sort of contradicts a lot of things.....


Ideally, I'll keep it for 8 years/250k miles or so. However, an SQ5 and the extended warranty did cross my mind, problem is, good luck finding a 150k mile bumper to bumper warranty on one that's worth a darn.

Also, as regarding the OP's initial Q5 question, the 2017's at least, use a DCT. I hate DCT's and view them as high-maintenance items. Not something I have faith in lasting 150K miles, let alone 250K.

If I got an SQ5, it would totally be a lease...but I drive 30K miles a year...so...

Meh. At any point, the performance increase of the SQ5 would be nice, but the base Q5? Nah. Not interested in taking on all the foibles for a little better handling at 8/10 or more of the limit in the corners, as well as giving up a few luxury items I've become attached to (HUD/cooled seats).

I mean, I can explain why my choice was better than a Q5, but you call rational discussion "justifying", which I guess it is, technically, but the connotation is negative, when really, what it boils down to is: Yes, I picked a car with more features, more reliability, and less maintenance that is just as fast, but handles slightly worse when you push it really really hard.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by The Critic
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by madRiver
My brother has outstanding service from a 2015 SQ5 with 110k miles bought with 20k a year old. He loves the vehicle.

No idea how the 2.0L fares compared to the supercharged v6 but only heard not as reliable.

Biggest problem on EA888 2.0 liter was timing chain tensioner which was resolved in mid 2012.
Except that, water pump can create issue (I made 116k on one before trading car in, never had leaking pump and on current Tiguan is original although there is recall so I will be doing that soon). CBU could be a problem, but choice of good oil and aggressive driving mitigate that issue.
Neglected PCV can lead to leaking rear main seal which serves kind of as fail safe if failed PCV is neglected.
However, Q5 is heafty vehicle with permanent AWD, so 3.0T, both 276hp or SQ5 with 333hp are better option.
Both 2.0T and 3.0T until mid 2012 in Audi specifically (not VW) had issues with piston rings.
2015 should be solid as a rock, especially 3.0T.

The thermostat is a common failure item on the 3.0T and it requires supercharger removal. Usually the coolant pipe (in the valley) gets sold at the same time if it is higher mileage and it works out to a $1600-$1800 repair at the dealer. Oil Filter Housing, Rear Main Seal and leaking hydraulic engine mounts are other issues on the 3.0T, each of which are over $1500 to repair.

Yes, you are right, but I think thermostat was resolved with PCV valve and piston rings in mid-2012. I know that if replacing PCV, a thermostat is a must due to SC removal.
As for rear mains eal, I think that is usually consequence of neglected PCV. Newer engines should be there much better.

My customer with the 2013 A6 is the one who just had the thermostat issue when he was out of town.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Ws6
2016-2017 doesn't have it,

Link to source?

AFAIK, the AWD system in the Q5 stopped being permanent in 2018 when the new model was launched.


https://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/2017-audi-q5-20-tfsi-first-drive-review-20170710-gx80xz
They introduced it in 2016. It made its way into the Q5 in 2017, which is part of the focus of this thread (16-17). So it looks, as best I can tell, as OP now has a choice....

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Ws6
2016-2017 doesn't have it,

Link to source?

AFAIK, the AWD system in the Q5 stopped being permanent in 2018 when the new model was launched.


https://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/2017-audi-q5-20-tfsi-first-drive-review-20170710-gx80xz
They introduced it in 2016. It made its way into the Q5 in 2017, which is part of the focus of this thread (16-17). So it looks, as best I can tell, as OP now has a choice....

The article you linked to talks about the 2nd gen Q5 (new body style) which was first offered on the US market as a 2018 model year.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Ws6
2016-2017 doesn't have it,

Link to source?

AFAIK, the AWD system in the Q5 stopped being permanent in 2018 when the new model was launched.


https://www.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/2017-audi-q5-20-tfsi-first-drive-review-20170710-gx80xz
They introduced it in 2016. It made its way into the Q5 in 2017, which is part of the focus of this thread (16-17). So it looks, as best I can tell, as OP now has a choice....

The article you linked to talks about the 2nd gen Q5 (new body style) which was first offered on the US market as a 2018 model year.

My ignorance, then, I guess EU/AUS got it a year early? That's so unfair considering it's made on OUR continent, lol!

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by dwcopple
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by dwcopple
We are actually test driving a Q7 tonight with the 3.0T in it.

How did it go?

it didn't. The first one (2014) the owner never called me back

the second one (2015) turned out to be a Canuck vehicle (CarFax) and had no warranty and had the cluster replaced due to KM/MPH so we didn't see a point in driving an hour away to test that one.

We are still on the hunt for now but this thread is making me second guess buying an Audi. (I was already suspect) It would be nice if a luxo-SUV was actually dependable and cheap to repair. I know, Lexus RX350, but wife says they look too much like a minivan...

Acura RDX A-Spec
Mazda CX5 GTR/Signature
Infiniti QX-50 (although I'm not a Nissan/Infiniti fan, and their VCT engine has been met with very lackluster applause).

However, if you want more performance, you're going to have to roll with something German. Noone else makes a "performance" type SUV in the size you're looking at with luxo features.

This topic is not about Mazda CX5, Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce and similar vehicles.