Your Guide to Buying a Used Audi Q5 (Mk.1)
The luxury SUV sector has never been bigger. Virtually every high-end manufacturer has a finger in this particular pie, from BMW and Mercedes-Benz to Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and, of course, Audi.
It wasn’t the first German marque to make waves in the world of premium 4x4s - that honour went to Mercedes-Benz - but by biding its time, Audi created something that easily eclipsed what its rivals had to offer.
When it arrived in 2006, the Q7 broke new ground for Audi. Its first ever SUV, the car was an instant success, which naturally led to the manufacturer considering the introduction of a smaller, more accessible model.
That turned out to be the Q5. It went on sale in 2008 and, you guessed it, was another smash hit. With the Audi SUV concept well and truly proven, the Q range expanded further in the years that followed. Today, there are Q2, Q3 and even Q8 models in the lineup.
But the Q5’s middling position in the range makes it, in many ways, the sweet spot. Large enough for the whole family and their luggage yet compact enough not to feel cumbersome in urban environments, the Q5 is one hell of an all-rounder.
Want one of your own? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this buying guide, we’re examining the model’s history, the trim levels on offer and engine options, helping you decide which one is right for you.
About the Audi Q5
Previewed by the Cross Cabriolet quattro concept in 2007, the Q5 arrived in production form at the following year’s Beijing Auto Show. Intended to rival the BMW X3, the Q5 took what was great about the Q7 and distilled it into a smaller, more affordable package.
It might not have been as luxurious as its bigger brother, but the Q5 more than had the measure of its competitors. So much so, in fact, that it went on to be the world’s best-selling midsize SUV. For a few years, it was Audi’s most popular car, even outselling more affordable models like the A3!
Why was it such a hit? Well, that’s easy: it had it all. Refined, comfortable, luxurious, reliable, capable and packed with features, the car did everything its buyers were looking for. It could handle everything they threw at it with aplomb, from school runs and commutes to rural excursions and long-distance travel. Whatever the weather and whatever the destination, the Q5 makes its owners feel safe and secure.
The fact that the first-generation model remained in production until 2017 is testament to this - a nine-year production run is rare for a modern vehicle.
Which trim level should I choose?
You really can’t go wrong here. The range kicked off with SE trim, but even this was well-equipped. Inside you’ll find a 6.5” infotainment screen complete with a 10-speaker stereo and DAB radio, three-zone climate control, electric windows and cruise control.
On the outside, you get 18” wheels - on the small side for a vehicle like this, but good for ride comfort - and rear parking sensors.
Next up was the S line, which added revised body styling, larger wheels and xenon headlights. These versions aren’t quite as cushty to ride in as the SEs, but they do look noticeably better.
S line Plus completed the range. It looked virtually identical to the S line outside, but inside sported a sat nav system. There is one external cue that sets the Plus apart from the regular S line, though: front parking sensors.
SE models are most affordable, naturally, and will offer a slightly more comfortable ride than S line variants. They don’t look quite as striking though, with smaller wheels and more subtle styling. If it was our money, we’d spend a little extra and go for an S line or S line Plus, as they’re likely to hold their value better too.
Which engine should I choose?
As we’ve come to expect from Audi, the Q5’s range of engines was expansive. You could have one of a number of petrol or diesel power plants, ranging in size from 2.0 to 3.0 litres.
Predictably, the 2.0 litre engines sold in greater numbers, but purchase price aside, they did offer enough performance to maintain the Q5’s premium feel. The TDI diesel in particular was the biggest seller, and was offered in two different power outputs (141 and 168 bhp). There were two gearboxes to choose from on these models too: a six-speed manual or seven-speed ‘S tronic’ auto.
The remainder of the range, which included a 2.0 litre petrol and 3.0 petrol and diesel, had the automatic box as standard. For short commutes and frequent local journeys, we’d go for the 2.0 litre petrol, while towing and long-distance driving would best suit the 3.0 diesel. Generally though, it's the 2.0 TDI that makes the most sense, most of the time.
If you’re looking for performance, you’ll want the 3.0 litre petrol, a twin-turbo unit that’s available only in the SQ5.
What to look for when buying a used Audi Q5
On the whole, the Q5 has a solid reliability record - but it’s not squeaky clean. There have been a handful of recalls over the years, so it’s important to check that your prospective purchase has had any necessary work completed by an Audi main dealer.
Otherwise, if the car has an automatic gearbox, make sure it shifts smoothly; problems with these units can cost thousands to fix. It’s worth checking when the car last had a cambelt change too - the most common 2.0 litre engine requires a costly change every five years or 140,000 miles.
Buy a used Audi Q5 online
Here at JJ Premium Cars you’ll find a selection of tidy second-hand Q5s - all in stock and ready to drive away. They’ve all received 114-point inspections and come with three-month warranties too, giving you total peace of mind. Reserve one online today or contact us to book a test drive!