Sister wants an Audi q5

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Audi SUVs = girls's cars. I'm not trying to slight them at all but that seems to be the rich woman's weapon of choice.

Man, when I saw a former Delta guy roll up in a Pilot and a Ranger in a VW Jedda to train, I just stopped associating people with vehicles and stereotypes.

 

[Kjmack]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by maxdustington
Audi SUVs = girls's cars. I'm not trying to slight them at all but that seems to be the rich woman's weapon of choice.

Man, when I saw a former Delta guy roll up in a Pilot and a Ranger in a VW Jedda to train, I just stopped associating people with vehicles and stereotypes.

Plus you never know what the person has in the garage also besides the ecobox he is driving around town

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by Kjmack
Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by maxdustington
Audi SUVs = girls's cars. I'm not trying to slight them at all but that seems to be the rich woman's weapon of choice.

Man, when I saw a former Delta guy roll up in a Pilot and a Ranger in a VW Jedda to train, I just stopped associating people with vehicles and stereotypes.

Plus you never know what the person has in the garage also besides the ecobox he is driving around town

Also...does it matter? A car is a tool. This is as dumb as saying a chef sucks because you saw them with a butter knife or something. Cars say very little about the person unless they want it to, and you just never know.

 

[Dino01]

IME both Subaru and Quattro are excellent in snow, pretty much equal, but when you leave snow and mud and get into other surfaces, including dry pavement, Quattro is leaps and bounds better for driving dynamics and planted feel

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
Audi SUVs = girls's cars. I'm not trying to slight them at all but that seems to be the rich woman's weapon of choice.

Why didn't someone tell me?

Good thing I sold it and bought a bigger VW!

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by fdcg27
Originally Posted by edyvw
but they do have by far best AWD system in industry.


This is a claim that any Subaru owner who lives in an area that sees actual winter would find laughable.
I know that I do.
To the OP, if sis really likes this Audi, then that's what she should buy.
Audis do have really nice interiors and are probably not a whole lot more costly to own and use than any other mainstream car of comparable cost and features would be.
It is a VW product after all, and VW has been in the car business for some years now.
Their products are seen on the road everywhere, so I don't think they can be all that bad.

I find it laughable to compare Subaru to Audi generally. But yeah, they have much better AWD system. They are very rare in the ditch here when things get dicy, unlike Subaru.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
My good friend bought an almost new Audi Q5 while he worked at the Volkswagen dealership as a technician....he sold it after 2 years the second time the transmission valve body started to go (first time cost him a ton of money despite doing the work himself). He also had to rebuild the engine under warranty (oil usage). He reset the code and traded it on a Dodge journey.

Q5 has probably most reliable transmission available (ZF8). That si fluke. On other hand, thousands of failed transmissions on Dodge Journey were not a fluke.


Dual clutch transmission. He saw lots of others fail in the dealership, he knew it was a common failure by the time his messed up.

So he was VW technician but does not know difference between dual clutch and regular transmission?

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by 1978elcamino
Mechanically speaking, I would like to know as much as possible about the q5, the good, bad and ugly please.

Also mechanically speaking, is the VW Tiguan still the same as the q5?

She is not sure yet if the next vehicle will be lease or buy , just trying to help steer her away from a vehicle that has the potential for imminent, costly repairs. I know past Audi vehicles had DI valve coking issues. BITOG member opinions appreciated, thanks.

So as far as I read, she wants 2.0ltr? That is EA888 3rd gen engine. Most issues those engines had were resolved by mid 2012. I have VW version of that engine 1st gen. and so far did not have any issue except failed coil packs some 400 miles ago.
Who will maintain that car? They are easy to maintain (do not get maintenance package at all) but need to now that specific oils are warranted etc. It is same price like any other synthetic oils (you can get it in Wal Mart) but she needs to know what to look for.
Is she in FL? Obviously AWD would not be that important, but they do have by far best AWD system in industry. The new Q5 however has Ultra version of Quattro system, which means most torque is in front unlike in previous version when spit was 40/60. However, still much more capable than anything else on the market.
Transmission? You will not find anything more reliable than ZF8 transmission or anything that shifts as fast.
Engine layout is proper, meaning that it is longitudinal layout not transverse. Also, engine is pushed back 3mm compared to previous versions (Audi tend to be bit heavy in nose compared to MB and especially BMW, but much lighter than Lexus or anything coming from Asia or USA. With 4cyl, expect some 53-54% weight in front).
Does she wants strictly new car? Used Q5 with 3.o ltr V6 Supercharged might be an interesting option. That engine proved to be extremely reliable. It had several problems prior to 2012 (PCV, Water pump and thermostat) but when they resolved that it is proving to be bulletproof engine and better choice reliability wise than 4cyl. Also, it is absolute beast.


Water pump is not just "prior to 2012". My coworker bought a 2013 A4 and didn't think to ask me about vw/Audi reliability before making such a bad mistake. Luckily his was under warranty still when the water pump started leaking at 30k. I've never seen that happen at such low miles before.

It's obvious nothing is going to change your opinion about vw because you love them so much. I can sort of understand that, but it sucks that you're giving people advice that might not be able to afford the repairs.

I have EA 888 in Tiguan, 2011, same engine, and still on original water pump.
Stick to Dodge Journey.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by fdcg27
Originally Posted by edyvw
but they do have by far best AWD system in industry.


This is a claim that any Subaru owner who lives in an area that sees actual winter would find laughable.
I know that I do.
To the OP, if sis really likes this Audi, then that's what she should buy.
Audis do have really nice interiors and are probably not a whole lot more costly to own and use than any other mainstream car of comparable cost and features would be.
It is a VW product after all, and VW has been in the car business for some years now.
Their products are seen on the road everywhere, so I don't think they can be all that bad.

I find it laughable to compare Subaru to Audi generally. But yeah, they have much better AWD system. They are very rare in the ditch here when things get dicy, unlike Subaru.



Look at the median owner age, need to drive in bad weather, sales numbers, etc. too...

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by fdcg27
Originally Posted by edyvw
but they do have by far best AWD system in industry.


This is a claim that any Subaru owner who lives in an area that sees actual winter would find laughable.
I know that I do.
To the OP, if sis really likes this Audi, then that's what she should buy.
Audis do have really nice interiors and are probably not a whole lot more costly to own and use than any other mainstream car of comparable cost and features would be.
It is a VW product after all, and VW has been in the car business for some years now.
Their products are seen on the road everywhere, so I don't think they can be all that bad.

I find it laughable to compare Subaru to Audi generally. But yeah, they have much better AWD system. They are very rare in the ditch here when things get dicy, unlike Subaru.



Look at the median owner age, need to drive in bad weather, sales numbers, etc. too...

Audi's like Subaru's are very, very common vehicles here.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
He reset the code and traded it on a Dodge journey.


I'm usually the first person to suggest anything Mopar, but a Journey? I talked my wife into a Grand Caravan over one of those! I hope it was at least the v6 and not the awful 4 cylinder+4 speed trans version.

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by Skippy722
Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
He reset the code and traded it on a Dodge journey.


I'm usually the first person to suggest anything Mopar, but a Journey? I talked my wife into a Grand Caravan over one of those! I hope it was at least the v6 and not the awful 4 cylinder+4 speed trans version.

Would rather have Audi than MOPAR, if reliability matters.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by Skippy722
Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
He reset the code and traded it on a Dodge journey.


I'm usually the first person to suggest anything Mopar, but a Journey? I talked my wife into a Grand Caravan over one of those! I hope it was at least the v6 and not the awful 4 cylinder+4 speed trans version.

Would rather have Audi than MOPAR, if reliability matters.


We are all well aware of your feelings towards anything Mopar related.

 

[Andrew1972]

Originally Posted by JEL01
IME both Subaru and Quattro are excellent in snow, pretty much equal, but when you leave snow and mud and get into other surfaces, including dry pavement, Quattro is leaps and bounds better for driving dynamics and planted feel


These blanket statements about Audi and Subaru AWD are meaningless. Audi uses some variant of Quattro across the lineup. Subaru is exactly the same down to a model and CVT vs Manual.

The driving dynamics part is funny because have you driven an STI or WRX especially on gravel? Even those cars do not share the AWD and the WRX has two version with CVT vs Manual.

 

[gofast182]

I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance and repairs. If this is the sandbox she wants to play in everything for every car will be a bit more. As someone else said the E888 has been refined over the years and should be a good engine by most accounts. And when I drive by my local Audi dealer the lot doesn't seem to be overflowing with Q5s awaiting service.

The only option in the luxury space that's really going to have reasonable and controlled repair and maintenance costs relative to the others is the new Acura RDX. And by almost all professional reviews/accounts its very good (I've actually driven one, it's very nice and it has the highest quality interior of any Acura to-date). I'll also so far as to challenge the assertion that Quattro is the best system going when the SH-AWD on the Acura has proven to be extremely capable and can provide even more advantage on dry pavement.

I've also seen several reviews that suggest the new/current X3 is the best all-arounder in the segment. I've also driven one of those and it's very nice. Maintenance is included for the first 3 years and BMW's B48 has also been refined to the point where it's a very good engine. And in this case you actually do get the magnificent ZF 8AT. My BMW ownership experience so far has been good.

 

[Dino01]

Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by JEL01
IME both Subaru and Quattro are excellent in snow, pretty much equal, but when you leave snow and mud and get into other surfaces, including dry pavement, Quattro is leaps and bounds better for driving dynamics and planted feel


These blanket statements about Audi and Subaru AWD are meaningless. Audi uses some variant of Quattro across the lineup. Subaru is exactly the same down to a model and CVT vs Manual.

The driving dynamics part is funny because have you driven an STI or WRX especially on gravel? Even those cars do not share the AWD and the WRX has two version with CVT vs Manual.
I didn't know an STI/WRX competed with a Q5...

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by JEL01
Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by JEL01
IME both Subaru and Quattro are excellent in snow, pretty much equal, but when you leave snow and mud and get into other surfaces, including dry pavement, Quattro is leaps and bounds better for driving dynamics and planted feel


These blanket statements about Audi and Subaru AWD are meaningless. Audi uses some variant of Quattro across the lineup. Subaru is exactly the same down to a model and CVT vs Manual.

The driving dynamics part is funny because have you driven an STI or WRX especially on gravel? Even those cars do not share the AWD and the WRX has two version with CVT vs Manual.
I didn't know an STI/WRX competed with a Q5...

One MIGHT make an argument for the old WRX/STI Hatch, if you absolutely ignored the interiors...

 

[Ws6]

Originally Posted by gofast182
I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance and repairs. If this is the sandbox she wants to play in everything for every car will be a bit more. As someone else said the E888 has been refined over the years and should be a good engine by most accounts. And when I drive by my local Audi dealer the lot doesn't seem to be overflowing with Q5s awaiting service.

The only option in the luxury space that's really going to have reasonable and controlled repair and maintenance costs relative to the others is the new Acura RDX. And by almost all professional reviews/accounts its very good (I've actually driven one, it's very nice and it has the highest quality interior of any Acura to-date). I'll also so far as to challenge the assertion that Quattro is the best system going when the SH-AWD on the Acura has proven to be extremely capable and can provide even more advantage on dry pavement.

I've also seen several reviews that suggest the new/current X3 is the best all-arounder in the segment. I've also driven one of those and it's very nice. Maintenance is included for the first 3 years and BMW's B48 has also been refined to the point where it's a very good engine. And in this case you actually do get the magnificent ZF 8AT. My BMW ownership experience so far has been good.


Gotta throw the Volvo XC40 and CX5 GTR/SG and Alfa Stelvio into the mix, too, IMO

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Ws6
Originally Posted by gofast182
I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance and repairs. If this is the sandbox she wants to play in everything for every car will be a bit more. As someone else said the E888 has been refined over the years and should be a good engine by most accounts. And when I drive by my local Audi dealer the lot doesn't seem to be overflowing with Q5s awaiting service.

The only option in the luxury space that's really going to have reasonable and controlled repair and maintenance costs relative to the others is the new Acura RDX. And by almost all professional reviews/accounts its very good (I've actually driven one, it's very nice and it has the highest quality interior of any Acura to-date). I'll also so far as to challenge the assertion that Quattro is the best system going when the SH-AWD on the Acura has proven to be extremely capable and can provide even more advantage on dry pavement.

I've also seen several reviews that suggest the new/current X3 is the best all-arounder in the segment. I've also driven one of those and it's very nice. Maintenance is included for the first 3 years and BMW's B48 has also been refined to the point where it's a very good engine. And in this case you actually do get the magnificent ZF 8AT. My BMW ownership experience so far has been good.


Gotta throw the Volvo XC40 and CX5 GTR/SG and Alfa Stelvio into the mix, too, IMO

Those DEFINITELY do not belong in the league of Audi and especially Alfa Romeo. I was waiting a moment when Mazda CX-5 is going to find its way in this thread.
SHe wants Audi, not a better than average designed refrigerator.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by JEL01
IME both Subaru and Quattro are excellent in snow, pretty much equal, but when you leave snow and mud and get into other surfaces, including dry pavement, Quattro is leaps and bounds better for driving dynamics and planted feel


These blanket statements about Audi and Subaru AWD are meaningless. Audi uses some variant of Quattro across the lineup. Subaru is exactly the same down to a model and CVT vs Manual.

The driving dynamics part is funny because have you driven an STI or WRX especially on gravel? Even those cars do not share the AWD and the WRX has two version with CVT vs Manual.

Audi currently uses two versions of Quattro.
1. Quattro Ultra where it still uses Torsen differential but emphasis is on FWD torque to save gas. This is on smaller engines.
2. Quattro with traditional split 40/60% on more powerful and larger models.

Then Audi uses Haldex on cars with transverse engines.

Behavior on the road is much more than AWD. Audi's are better on the road than ANY Subaru even in FWD configuration. It is more pleasant at higher speeds (I am talking about speeds not legal in the US for which they are actually designed for).
Also, any car that has CVT and then whoever drops driving dynamics into it is seriously lost in the meaning of dynamics.