Drew Hon

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the long-winded note. Brand new member here (this is also my very first forum ever), hoping to get some honest feedback and advice from experienced Audi owners.

My situation: It's been a challenging year. I hit a pretty significant "milestone" birthday, split up with my fiance, and my parents are both very, very ill. My current car lease expires at the end of December 2014, and I've decided to treat myself to a more performance-oriented German car. While I can respect the capabilities of BMW and Mercedes vehicles, I prefer (what I consider to be) the cleaner - less "showy" - lines of most Audis. I like sleepers. Plus, Audi seems to be on a real roll!

Recent car history: I currently drive a 2012 Acura TSX V6 Tech (3 year lease). Prior to that, I had a first-generation 2005 TSX (purchased used in 2009, with 54,000 kms). While perhaps not as exciting as Audis, BMWs and Mercedes, these have been very, very good cars. Extremely, extremely reliable. I never had a single problem with the 2005 TSX, and the only issue with the 2012 TSX has been a plastic trim clip which cracked during an extreme cold snap, and was replaced at no charge. Performance from the TSX V6 is really quite respectable.

What I'm considering: In an ideal world, I would choose a new S4 or S5, and I have test driven both in the last week. They were terrific fun. I anticipate, however, having to look after my parents more and more, including driving them places. They currently live 2 hours away (from Toronto, where I live), but will most likely move here (to a care facility) within the next 6-12 months. I'm not sure how much longer my father will be able to drive, and my mom requires a wheelchair. So, I need more interior / cargo space than the S4/S5 can provide. Enter the SQ5. I have not been able to test drive one, as the dealership I've been to tells me they are rare, but, as I mentioned, they have let me take an S4 and S5 for a drive, and they've also let me test drive a Q5 TDI to get a feel for the size. I have read everything there is out there on the SQ5, watched all the YouTube reviews, and know there will be a penalty for the extra weight and height. It seems though, that the SQ5 will offer 90% of the straight-line performance of an S4/S5, outhandle any other compact crossover out there, plus have the benefit of more spacious passenger seating areas, more cargo space, and more ground clearance (for the heavy snows we've had over the last two winters).

How will it be used: All season daily driver, mostly to and from work (22 kms each way), frequent visits to my parents 2 hours away, and driving them around once they move to Toronto. 85% of the time, it will be parked inside overnight. During the work week, it will be parked outside during the day, including during the winter. I'd lease it for 4 years, and I drive about 20,000 kms per year.

What I'm worried about: In a word - reliability. No manufacturer is perfect, of course, but looking at the various Audi Q5/SQ5 forums, I'm a bit scared. I know people experiencing issues are much more likely to post, but I have read about: extremely squeaky brakes, clogged injectors (although admittedly with the 3.2L V6 FSI Q5 - I understand the higher temperatures in the 3.0L V6 TFSI mitigate this issue), several power steering failures leading to dangerous situations and weeks of repairs, steering programming/software issues, rattling panoramic sunroofs and panoramic sunroofs that won't close.

What I would appreciate: Views from experienced Audi owners - especially those with Q5s or SQ5s - regarding general Audi reliability and problems you've experienced. The SQ5 is absolutely beautiful - and I would love to have one - but, at the same time, I simply cannot have it conking out on me while ferrying my sick parents on a major highway, or to the doctors, etc.

Thanks very much - and sorry again for the long post. I find most posts lack alot of important details, so I've tried to be thorough!!

DH.

1move

iTrader: (1)

Drew,
I have owned three Audi's so far two A4's (B6, B7 platforms) and currently an S4 (B8 platform) with the V6 engine. I have quite a few friends that drive Audi's and also one of my good friends is the head mechanic at Audi. I buy my cars based on his recommendation. The 3.0L V6 according to him is the best engine they produce and least problematic. The problems you did list are issues and every car has them. Audi owners complain a lot as they are used to the upper class of things and everything needs to be perfect. Going from an Acura (I am sure it has its squeeks and quirks you learned to live with) you will not be dissapointed. The Q5 is their best seller and the SQ5 would be if it was a bit lower in the price range. You are getting an amazing vehicle, the "what if's" you are asking are just that, What if! It rarely happens, treat your car right and service it and you will be fine. Audi's are not cars you wait for to break, you fix it before it even gets there and with that mindset you will be worry free.