Best used Audis: Top 10
Audi is considered synonymous with innovation. The company has been improving its cars for decades, which has allowed it to become one of the most technologically advanced brands in the automotive industry. At the same time, Audi's design philosophy and style have not changed much over time. But the company spares no expense to improve the performance of its cars.
So, Audi rarely changes the design of its cars. Whether it's a sedan, hatchback or crossover, the only design changes are usually minor and add an extra edge to the cars. Therefore, fans of the brand have not lost their love for the German automaker's autos over time. Audi produces a huge range of models in different price categories, and a large number of dealers helps to maintain competitive prices. This allows buyers to choose cars without compromising on style or performance.
Let's understand which Audi is better to buy on the secondary market. In our rating the most popular cars of the German concern, which can become a profitable purchase.
Best Audi: top cars of the German brand
In our review of the best representatives of the Audi brand, which remain popular on the secondary market:
- Audi Q5 2016-2020 (2nd generation)
- Audi A3 2013-2020 (3rd generation)
- A4 2012-2016 (B8/8K (FL)
- Audi E-tron (2018-2024)
- Audi Q3 2014- 2018 (FL)
- TT 2014-2018 (8S)
- Audi A7 2014 - 2018 (4G8)
- Audi S5 2016 - 2019 (B9/F5)
- Audi Q8 2018-2024
Now let's look at the best used Audi to buy in more detail.
Audi Q5 2016-2020 (2nd generation)
Audi has successfully dominated the premium midsize crossover segment thanks to the Q5 model. However, when the second generation of this model was launched in 2016, the company faced much greater challenges in maintaining its leadership. This model set a new standard for vehicles in this class and eventually found more than 1.6 million buyers worldwide.
Its sales have continued to grow through eight years of production, especially in markets like China, where more Q5s are now bought than in Europe and the U.S. combined.
The MK2 is noticeably longer and slightly taller than its predecessor. It's slimmer, leaner and more refined - it's an SUV that inspires respect just by looking at it. Once inside, the interior quality and ergonomics are immediately apparent.
Anything not visible through the steering wheel is shown on the slim MMI display, which sits on top of the dashboard. This display is made in the style of a tablet and is touch sensitive. The standard size of the display is 7 inches and it supports smartphone connectivity via Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Audi A3 2013-2020 (3rd generation)
In 2014, the A3 was recognized as the car of the year in the world and so a review of "best Audi models" would be incomplete without it. The A3 leads its class thanks to its wide range of engines: from very economical to very powerful, practicality, economical operation and incredible exterior appeal.
Initially, the A3 was available in SE, Sport and S-line configurations. The base SE version features 16-inch alloy wheels, a 5.8-inch display, an audio system with eight speakers, Bluetooth, remote central locking and electrically adjustable mirrors. Also included are heated washer nozzles, multifunction steering wheel, power windows on the front doors (and rear in the Sportback version), and air conditioning.
The Sport configuration offered 17-inch wheels, sport seats and suspension (lower by 15 mm), and dual-zone climate control. The S-line version had 18-inch alloy wheels, partial leather trim, xenon headlights and sportier design elements both inside and outside the car.
The gasoline engine lineup includes a base 103 hp. 1.2-liter, 123 hp. 1.4-liter, 178 hp. 1.8-liter and 148 hp. 1.4-liter engine. Among the diesels available: units with 103 hp. 1.6 TDI, as well as versions 2.0 TDI with 148 and 181 hp.
Audi A4 2012-2016 (B8/8K (FL)
The Audi A4 codenamed B8 is one of the most popular cars on the aftermarket. It has a lot of advantages: beautiful interior, still modern appearance, attractive price and excellent Quattro all-wheel drive system.
This version of the A4 has many interior improvements over the previous model. There are different versions of the MMI multimedia system, and there is more space in the rear seats. The quality of materials has improved, as has practicality. For example, the door pockets have been enlarged, sound insulation has become just perfect, as has the build quality.
As for the standard equipment, it remained quite modest. This also applies to ergonomics. Optional features in the interior significantly improve it, so alternative equipment should be prioritized.
Audi E-tron (2018-2024)
And this is the best Audi yet, but with an electric powertrain. It took more than three years before the Audi E-tron SUV went into production. During this time, the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X entered the market, which created serious competition for the first mass-produced electric car from Ingolstadt.
There were many expectations for the new electric SUV, including those related to Audi's reputation in this segment. The E-tron features all the traditional Audi design elements. With a length of 4,900 mm, width of 1,940 mm and height of 1,620 mm, it is 237 mm longer, 48 mm wider and 39 mm lower than the second-generation Audi Q5 and offers similar interior space as the Audi Q7.
The 2018 model accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. The car draws power from a 95 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 95 kWh, mounted low in the floor. In total, the battery weighs 700 kg, a significant portion of the car's curb weight of 2,490 kg.
The battery can be charged using a 150 kW fast charger, with a charging time of only 30 minutes to 80% capacity. For home charging, a standard 11 kW charger is available, which charges the battery in 8.5 hours.
Inside, the car is not as luxurious as more expensive Audi models, but the quality is top-notch. The design of the dashboard is rich in angles and transitions - it has a large multimedia system screen and no less large instrument display.
The interior is very spacious, especially for rear seat passengers. The trunk volume is 520 liters, which is more than most people need, although less than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq.
The Audi Q4 E-tron handles well, handles bumps well, and the smooth electric motors make the ride extremely comfortable. Rear visibility in the city is a little limited, and the 21-inch alloy wheels on the top-end configuration make the ride on broken roads a little harsh, but you're unlikely to notice this.
Audi Q3 2014- 2018 (FL)
Since the Q3 was released in 2011, there have been many new versions of the ever-popular Q5 and Q7, and a smaller Q2 was introduced to meet the demand for compact crossovers. But that doesn't mean the Q3 is obsolete, although given the growing competition, it did have to contend with models like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and MINI Countryman.
Q3 buyers appreciate the wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, from the 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline engine with cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency to the powerful 2.0-liter turbodiesel, which is also used in cars like the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon.
Six-speed manual gearboxes and S-tronic automatic transmissions with six or seven speeds are available in different variants, depending on the engine with which they are mated. Quattro all-wheel drive is available for the most powerful 2.0 TFSI gasoline model and for any diesel variants.
Audi TT 2014-2018 (8S)
The third-generation Audi TT coupe is externally not much different from its predecessors. But it is a completely different car in terms of driving and everyday operation. The company strived to create a flawless car that would be the embodiment of the philosophy "forward through technology".
The original Audi TT MK1 went into production in 1998 and was a true style symbol for those who wanted a small sports coupe or roadster. It was a concept car that you could actually buy. However, when the driver got behind the wheel, it turned out that its handling was no match for its refined looks.
Building off of this, Audi tried to take revenge in 2006 with a second-generation model that was lighter and had more precise handling. The TT's turbocharged engine lineup is fairly straightforward. Initially, the vehicle was available with gasoline engines: a 1.8 TFSI with 178 hp, a 2.0 TFSI with 227 hp (306 hp in the TTS version), a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine exclusive to the TT RS with 395 hp, and a diesel 2.0 TDI with 181 hp with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The powertrain lineup update is for 2019.
Standard models are available in Sport or Sport S-line. The Sport version has air conditioning, Alcantara seats, Xenon headlights, Bluetooth and DAB radio. LED headlights are added to the S-line. Optional extras may include climate control, front parking sensors or navigation, as these were optional when buying a new car.
Audi A7 2014 - 2018 (4G8)
Maybe this is the best Audi model, but tastes, as you know, do not argue. Few cars can boast such a sleek appearance as the ever-young Audi four-door fastback. With the A7, you'll have an exceptional experience both in the city and on the track. It is equipped with many standard features and has a hatchback body with a large luggage compartment that is unique in its class. The interior, made of high-quality materials, is the epitome of refinement.
The standard engine is a 340-horsepower V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive for a real driving experience. There's still a 450 hp version of the S7 powerplant or the RS7 with up to 605 hp. However, even the standard version of the A7 should satisfy most buyers.
The A7 hasn't changed much in 2018. It has more standard features from now on. Audi has also made the more powerful 340-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine standard, up from 333 horsepower. The Competition package still includes sporty exterior and interior features, S-line bumpers, a stiff but comfortable suspension, and a sporty Quattro differential. The Premium Plus version now has full LED interior lighting as standard, while the Prestige package includes a standard cornering camera.
Audi S5 2016 - 2019 (B9/F5)
The ninth generation (B9) of the Audi S5 model appeared on the local market in early 2017, giving dynamism to cars previously equipped with compressor "sixes" and atmospheric V8s. This model occupies an intermediate position between the relatively conventional "A" and extreme "RS" versions.
The B9 proved to be an excellent generation for the S5 and remains so in the updated version. Powered by a single-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is a better replacement for the previous dual-clutch gearbox. And it all works in tandem with the company's signature Quattro all-wheel drive. The S5 is based on the best chassis in its premium segment.
The interior features soft-touch, expensive-looking materials. The interior is characterized by high build quality and ergonomic design. The driver and front passenger can enjoy comfortable and spacious power seats, while the rear seat passengers get a minimum of space for a comfortable ride.
Those who need more space in the rear seats should consider the four-door S5 Sportback. This version has a longer wheelbase and more space for rear passengers. The S5's interior starts with a conservative but modern dashboard design assembled with jewel-like precision. The S5 has luxuries like heated front seats with massage function, tri-zone climate control and push-button engine start.
Audi Q8 2018-2024
Rounding out our "best Audi cars" ranking is the sleekly designed and smooth-riding two-row Audi Q8, which is a boxy three-row version of the Q7 SUV. Both share the same solid underpinnings, including a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
The Q8's chassis and dynamics are impressive, but this luxury SUV is a heavy fuel consumer. Like other sporty SUVs, such as the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Q8 puts comfort first. It has a luxurious interior and high-tech equipment. For those who like "something more powerful", the 500-horsepower SQ8, which reaches speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, and the even more powerful 591-horsepower RS Q8 are available.
Inside the Q8, the ambience is exquisite. All materials are premium. And though in the base version there are no such luxurious functions as four-zone climate control and leather dashboard with contrast stitching, there is something to please the user in the standard equipment. These are heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The top model has massaging front seats, improved leather surfaces and double glazing. There is also a projection display and background lighting in the interior.
Germany
Italy
France
Poland
USA
South Korea
Belgium
Netherlands
Spain