Buying a used Audi Q5 (2010-2016)

Any doubt concerning Audi's target market for its Q5 was dispelled by popping along to the Beijing Motor Show of 2008 to see Ingolstadt's latest sitting centre-stage.

The Q5 was among the first models to use VW/Audi's new Modular Longitudinal Matrix platform which shared numerous components across various models and common aspects of design including the shape and dimensions of the firewall, pedal box and windscreen supports.

Australia saw three levels of Q5, all released together in early 2009. At the bottom end of the range and identically priced at $59,900 were the 125kW turbo-diesel and 155kW turbo-petrol versions. Both used seven-speed DSG automatic transmission – with no manual option – and mandatory all-wheel drive. Leather seat trim, 17-inch alloy wheels and a six-stack CD sound system headed the list of standard features, plus there was a long list of very pricey options.

The 2.0-litre diesel weighed a little more and could carry a little less in its cargo area (675kg against the petrol version's 705kg) but for those who wanted to tow, both were identical with a maximum of 2000kg (braked).

Want more power from your Q5 diesel? For an extra $12,000 Audi offered a 3.0-litre engine in place of the 2.0-litre; an increase of 51kW and around 40 per cent in torque. Helping offset the price jump were standard 18-inch wheels and uprated trim, but those wanting a sunroof still had to pay almost $3000 extra.

Climbing to the top of the petrol-powered Q5 tree would cost $2000 less than owning a V6 diesel and delivered a solid 199kW from the 3.2-litre, non-turbo V6.

2012 brought a new look and new range of engines. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel which had been a source of reliability problems was replaced by a newer design that weighed less and produced slightly more power. It wasn't without its issues either, but is preferable to pre-2012 versions.

Post-2012, the 2.0-litre petrol engine was joined by a supercharged 3.0-litre replacement for the old 3.2-litre V6. The new engine gained only 5kW but used its power well. Acceleration from 0-100km/h was a second faster and claimed average fuel consumption dropped below 9L/100km.

A new eight-speed paddle shift transmission with torque converter replaced the DSG ('s tronic' in Audi-speak) and there was an optional Drive Select system that worked to 'tighten' the drive-line and suspension when 'Sport' mode was selected.

The big seller remained the diesel V6, and to keep sales bubbling, Audi kept the price pegged at $75,500, despite the power increase to 180kW. Features included Hill Descent Assist, a reversing camera, power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers and Driver Attention Monitor to detect lane wandering.

Topping the range from late 2014 was an SQ5 version with 20-inch wheels, loads of extra features and external embellishments but a price tag of more than $90,000.

Looking at the Q5 from a buyer's viewpoint it isn't hard to see why people are happy paying close to half new-car prices for something that's five years old. People who owned them from new seem generally to have been pedantic and cars that show signs of mistreatment seem hard to find.

These were very much a car for the global market, with all of the compromises that involves. What worked in an often-icy North American market won't be much use on an Australian beach, so if the quest is for a dune-jumping, beach-fisher kind of car you're better off in a Prado.

As a supple, well-damped road-car with great brakes and loose-surface grip they are hard to beat. The smaller engines are deemed 'OK' by the market but for performance while maintaining decent fuel consumption, either V6 is outstanding. If you tow, carry full loads of people or regularly head to the snow, there isn't anywhere to look but at a 3.0-litre diesel.

In this form the Q5 weighs more than 1800kg and might feel a bit ponderous when pitted against the instantly-responsive petrol version with its twin superchargers. However the torque in slow going will make a big difference. You may also prefer to spend a little more on fuel and leave the irritating auto-start function switched off.

Diesel emission and consumption figures were subject to one of the auto industry's most outrageous fiddles, so don't expect anywhere near the 3.0-litre's claimed 6.8L/100km average. However, even the verifiable 9 or 10L/100km isn't bad for a car of this weight and quality, delivering the Q5's degree of grunt.

The dash layout is unremarkable but the display screen and controls are well-sited and functional. The gear selector looks beefy and is fun to use but after some familiarisation the paddles are faster and more convenient. Controls on the console activate the display screen; a much safer and more sensible choice than trying to hit the right touch sensor while driving one-handed on a bumpy road.

Those in the back – unless young or very short – might grizzle about the lack of legroom. However it is still a pretty sumptuous place to ride, especially with a rear-seat entertainment centre. Load space doesn't look massive but then if hauling large objects is a priority then there are bigger vehicles available.

A normal test-drive won't allow buyers to experience how any car like this tackles unsealed roads. Looking to overseas reviews it is easy to discover how well the Q5, even allowing for firmish suspension, low-profile rubber, deals with skaty roads. A glance under the mat where sits a skinny, 80km/h rated temporary spare will also discourage adventurous motoring.

That's the only safety downside to a car that achieves a Five-Star ANCAP rating for crash protection and includes all the electronics you will ever need to keep a Q5 upright and pointed where it needs to be going.

>> Early Q5s with diesel-power units suffered well-documented failures. Clogged filters and oil pump problems were the main issues, resulting sometimes in complete engines being replaced by a grudging Audi.

>> Even if they have been through all the approved repair procedures, the seven-speed transmission can display faults and avoidance is advisable. Danger signs, usually manifesting 50-70,000 kilometres into the life of a transmission, include gears holding for longer than normal before upshifting, transmission shudder when accelerating and reluctance to down-shift.

>> Turbo heat can 'cook' rubber and plastic components and the tightly-packed engine bay makes leaks or damage difficult to detect. If an engine smells strange or any wafts of smoke or steam appear after switching off when hot there are problems.

>> Specialists recommend replacing the cam-drive belt (where fitted) and water pump at 80,000 kilometres and absolutely before the odometer clicks over at 100,000km. A broken belt can cause major damage to valves and pistons. Petrol 2.0-litre cars and the V6s use chains but have accessory belts that need checking in case they are frayed.

>> At low speed in an empty carpark twirl the wheel from left to right lock and back again several times in succession, feeling for any binding or inconsistency in the power steering. If there is, look around the power unit for fluid leaks.

>> Inspect the inner edges of all the tyres for unusual wear and the rims for impact damage. Wear can be due to poor alignment but if a wheel has been 'kerbed' something expensive in the suspension may well be bent as well.

Used vehicle grading for Audi Q5
Design & Function: 13/20
Safety: 14/20
Practicality: 14/20
Value for Money: 12/20
Wow Factor: 12/20
Score: 65/100