I know this probably has been mentioned before, but can anyone share some info on the reliability of these motors? I am looking to buy one with 50k miles, and am wondering whether or not 100k miles is a lot or not for this motor. My brother had a 2012 A6 that drove solid until 120k until it started dranking a lot of oil. Any input appreciated.

Thanks,

 

I just picked up a 2018 Allroad with 52k miles on it. You wouldn't know it has that many miles. Every shop I've talked to has said that 50k is low for these engines and I should expect at least 150k out of the car before I need anything huge done. One shop also said that the current A4/5 engines are the most reliable coming out of Germany in recent years and that is, allegedly, the option of the whole shop.

Take that with a grain of salt, for sure, but I picked mine up without hesitation and am not worried one bit.

 

I'm at 40K miles and feels like I'm driving a brand new car still. Hope that helps!

 

I have been a member of Audi forums for many years while owning an S6, two A6’s and now to A4’s. When forums are young and the cars have not been on the market long you do not see many problem posts. Once the car has been in the field for a few years you can get a very good idea of the problem areas by watching the problem related posts. This forum has surprisingly few compared to the older S6 and A6 forums. Considering that a) many of the 2017 and 2018 cars are now well over 50 k miles, b) there are very few reliability issues on this forum (and remember, people with problems flock to forums) I think it is safe to say that the B9 models are one of the most reliable in Audi’s history.

If you are concerned about the cost of repairs buy an extended warranty BUT with all of the Audi’s I have owned there is not one where the $2000-$3000 cost of the warranty would have paid for itself in the 50k-100k mileage range. I have never had expensive problems (more than $1000) during that time. Considering these cars seem to be more reliable than your average Audi, I would not hesitate to buy just out of warranty if it was maintained at a dealership, preferably under AudiCare so you know that the owner did not skip any recommended maintenance.. I would recommend that you have a dealer or your favorite shop check out the one possible problem related to the thermostat housing. If that was repaired under warranty or is a later model 2018 you have little to worry about.

Do be aware that maintenance is more expensive than domestic or Japanese cars. You can reduce these costs by doing things like brakes yourself or find a good independent mechanic.

These are great cars that are comfortable and fun to drive!

 

That is the deal-maker for me, thanks! I already do brakes, oil, and general maintenance myself so that isn't an issue

 

My own opinion here. When this car has 50,000 miles on it it will feel completely different (better) than when many other cars have 50,000 miles on it. It will feel close to new. I sold my 2010 A5 to a private party in February to buy my 2017 A4. That car was 10 years old and had 75k miles. I was the second owner and it was well cared for. It was expensive to maintain (regular service, oil changes, the occasional check engine light or control arm repair over 10 years). But it was quiet, powerful, relatively fuel efficient, and a blast to drive. I didn't go in with the expectation that it would be cheap to maintain, and I was generally ok with paying the independent shop to do the necessary stuff that happens as a car ages. I have a good friend that has 180k miles on a 2007 A3. The engine is unlikely to be the thing that goes, if it's well maintained. Again - there are lemons out there, for sure. But the two Audis I have owned have been fun to drive, well engineered machines. And I've enjoyed every minute behind the wheel. I can't say that about the Japanese and American cars I've had, which have been cheaper to maintain.

 

The motor should be reliable. I was afraid too about oil consumption, but mine appears to not do that yet at 29k miles (fingers crossed). The one thing that might come up, which is not related to the motor per se, is the thermostat leak/coolant loss.

 

Every Audi dealer says the same ****. I am on my 3rd audi. had a b7,b8 and now b9. The B7 was the worst engine made. You name it I had problems with it. i traded it in at 200k miles
The b8 was a much better car. The engine never had problems. The check engine light never went off. Never did major work on it. I was going through a quart of oil every week at the end though. Now the B9. less than20k miles, oil leak. WTF...

 

Not a dealer, an independent shop. Of course dealer's say stuff like that, that's to be expected :-)

 

Oil leak? From where?