Dealer visit checklist
2019 Audi Q5 checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Audi Q5 problems to check
- Oil consumption issues on the 2.0T TFSI engine are a known concern — check for burning smell or low oil between changes
- Timing chain tensioner wear has been reported on higher-mileage examples, with replacement running $1,200-$2,000
- Electrical gremlins including MMI infotainment freezes and backup camera failures are common complaints
- Water pump and thermostat failures are reported around the 60,000-80,000 mile mark, costing $700-$1,200 to fix
- Air conditioning compressor failures have appeared on this generation, with repair costs averaging $900-$1,500
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- WHEELS:HUB: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- STRUCTURE:BODY: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $30,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away