Dealer visit checklist
2023 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 2023 Audi Q5 problems to check
- Timing chain tensioner wear has been reported on the 2.0T TFSI engine in higher-mileage examples, potentially requiring $1,500-$2,500 in repairs
- DSG/S tronic dual-clutch transmission can exhibit shuddering or hesitation at low speeds, with software updates and mechatronic unit replacement costing up to $3,000 if out of warranty
- MMI infotainment and virtual cockpit electrical gremlins, including screen freezes and module failures, are a recurring complaint in owner forums
- Oil consumption above normal levels (up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles) has been noted by some 45 TFSI owners — worth monitoring between changes
- Air suspension (on equipped trims) compressor failures around 60,000-80,000 miles can cost $1,200-$2,000 to fix, though the standard suspension trims avoid this risk entirely
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- ENGINE: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $39,000 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