Audi Model Guides
Generation-by-generation breakdowns for every Audi sold in the US market. Which years to buy, which to avoid, what the high-mileage issues look like, and what your car needs at every service interval.
Compact to Flagship
Audi A3
8P (2006–2013) and 8V (2013–2020). Shared platform with Golf/GTI. The most accessible Audi — and the one with the most options for what's under the hood. Manual vs. S tronic, 1.8T vs. 2.0T, FWD vs. quattro.
A3 Full Guide →Audi A4
B7 (2006–2008), B8 (2008–2016), B9 (2017+). The most common Audi we see. B8 2.0T oil consumption and timing chain issues are well-documented and fixable. B9 is a significant reliability improvement.
A4 Full Guide →Audi A5 & S5
B8 and B9 generations. A5 shares nearly all drivetrain components with A4 — same service considerations, same known issues. S5 with the 4.2 FSI V8 is a different engine entirely; beautiful, thirsty, and needs timing chain attention.
A5/S5 in A4 Guide →Audi A6
C6 (2005–2011) and C7 (2012–2018). Step up to the 3.0T supercharged V6 and the supercharger coupler issue becomes a near-certainty by 100K miles. S6 with the 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo: serious power, demanding maintenance.
A6 Full Guide →The SUV Lineup
Audi Q5
First-gen (2009–2017) and second-gen (2018+). The first-gen with the 2.0T shares the B8 A4's engine issues. Second-gen EA888 Gen 3 is substantially more reliable. Our most-seen Audi alongside the A4.
Q5 Full Guide →Audi Q7
First-gen 4L (2007–2015) with 3.0 TDI and 3.0T petrol. Air suspension, 3.0T supercharger coupler, and timing chain are the main service items. Second-gen (2017+) on MLB platform: improved but different set of considerations.
Q7 Full Guide →Audi Q3
First-gen (2012–2018) on the PQ35 platform. 2.0T shared with Golf/A3. Relatively straightforward to service, lower repair costs than the larger Q-series. Known for: timing chain on early 2.0T, DSG service on S tronic variants.
Q3 in Q5 Guide →Audi e-tron & Q4 e-tron
The transition to EV. Conventional maintenance still applies: brakes, 12V battery, suspension, HVAC — all still need service. What EV ownership changes and what it doesn't.
e-tron Guide →TT, R8, S & RS Models
Audi TT & R8
Both TT generations (8J, 8S) and R8 V8/V10. Maintenance costs, clutch service intervals, and what high-performance Audi ownership actually requires beyond the brochure numbers.
TT & R8 Guide →S3, S4, S5, RS3, RS5, RS7
The performance models have specific service requirements that differ from standard variants. Engine-specific oil specs, more frequent brake service, factory warranty implications of modifications.
S & RS Guide →