Models · Audi
Audi Q5 8R buying guide
The first Q5, built from 2008 to 2017 and facelifted in 2012, with four-cylinder and V6 TDI diesels, 2.0 TFSI and V6 petrols, and permanent quattro on almost all UK cars. The known issues are well documented.
The versions
- 2.0 TDI diesel: 143PS and 170PS early, 150PS and 177PS from 2012, with Euro 6 versions later
- 3.0 TDI V6 diesel: 240PS early, then 245PS and 258PS
- 2.0 TFSI petrol: 180PS and 211PS early, 225PS from 2011
- 3.2 FSI V6 petrol, 270PS, until 2012, then the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, 272PS
- 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch, or 8-speed tiptronic automatic on some petrols
- A 2.0 TFSI hybrid was sold but isn't covered here
What to check on a 8R Q5
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Oil use on the 2.0 TFSI
What to look for: Ask how much oil the car uses between services and how the seller knows. Check the level on the dipstick. Look for blue smoke when the engine is revved after idling, and for invoices showing piston or ring work.
Why it matters: The 2.0 TFSI petrol in this Q5 is known for using oil, linked to the piston rings on earlier engines. Keeping it topped up protects the engine. A car with documented consumption, or with the revised parts fitted, is a known quantity.
A rattle on cold start, 2.0 TFSI
What to look for: With the engine stone cold, listen at the front while someone starts it. A rattle for the first few seconds that then disappears is the thing to note. Ask for records of timing chain or tensioner work.
Why it matters: The chain tensioners on this engine can fail, letting the chain go slack. Left alone it can jump a tooth and damage the engine, so a car where the tensioner has already been replaced is the one to prefer.
S tronic behaviour and its oil service
What to look for: On an S tronic car, pull away gently, creep and reverse. It should respond quickly and move smoothly at low speed, with reverse engaging cleanly. Look for an invoice naming the gearbox oil and filter, due every 38,000 miles.
Why it matters: The 7-speed S tronic needs regular oil and filter changes, and missed services are a common cause of jerky changes, judder and gearbox repairs. A car with the services on record is the one to look for.
Also in the full guide
- Cambelt on the 2.0 TDI
- Diesel emissions recalls
- Diesel particulate filter
- Panoramic roof recall
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 8R Q5
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.