Hello there, I'm planning on getting a A7, getting rid of my 2010 Nissan Altima. A7 is a beautiful car. My friend had one and i was so into the car that I used it every weekend lol. But I want to know do I need to be concerned about any mechanical issues. I'm looking into a 2013 A7, has about 91k miles on it. I don't want to purchase a vehicle and go through a lot of headaches.

 

I'll chime in here with my insights as I recently bought a 2013 A7. I have had my A7 only a couple months but learned a few things already.
First thing I would suggest is getting the service records from Audi or whatever shop they used. If the owner followed the maintenance service schedule from Audi, then it may save you the headache of an expensive trip to a shop for maintenance. My cars' "brake pads" alert come up and the brake light is lite up on the dash on the first week of ownership. The next scheduled service isn't bad but at 50K the supercharger belt is supposed to be replaced and that service, at Audi, is $785.
Check the paint very closely and even bring a friend who can spot paint defects. Again, I missed some deep scratches on the paint that I would have caught had I not been mesmerized by the body lines. :-)
Be sure tires are new or near new as they are not the least expensive wear part to replace.
Check the windshield for cracks chips. Again, mine had one I didn't see.

These things are usually the first things I check and are common sense but dangit if the A7 is a nice car and it is easy to miss the obvious.

This forum has alot of information that will help with mechaical/maintenance issues as well.

 

Ditto to the previous answer. It's easy to be seduced by the beauty of the car, and not carefully inspect for scratches, gouges, etc. Not that it really impacts the car's performance or anything. This car comes with a LOT of bells and whistles though. Test them all out, including the airfoil at speed. The car naturally has a few software bugs, even with the latest MMI update, so be prepared for a 99.9% perfect experience. Make sure that all vents open and close correctly, including back seat, and make sure air is flowing.

Definitely get the service records of the car. You're looking to buy one that was owned by someone that respects higher-end cars, not a young punk that tortured it through a lease. Bear in mind that any engine alerts or car warnings on the dash can be suppressed for up to 60 miles before showing again, and an OBDII or VAG-COM won't detect them during that time either. It's unethical for the seller to suppress them, but if the car has problems and they want to unload it, I wouldn't put it past them.

These cars are designed to run a very long time, and have an excellent durability rating. The car itself can last a long time as long as it was properly maintained. If the seller won't furnish the maintenance records (for whatever nonsense excuse they may have), buyer beware. It may still be a great buy, but be prepared for issues the moment you buy it (and cross your fingers).

 

Hi, this thread has value to me as well. I've had A4, A6, and now buying a 2012 A7 with just 48,000 miles. maintenance records are impeccable, and car looks very well cared for. (you'd think it was brand new by looking at exterior and interior). my A6 had oil leak issues that were pretty pricey to fix. I had the belt shred. I had the A/C compressor go on me, not to mention the MMI unit as well as some other issues. despite, I love the car and as you can see I'm buying another. after all my A6 has 157,000 miles on it so you have to expect repairs with cars.
my dilemma is i'm now faced with ...Do I purchase the warranty from the dealer for $3,600 or forgo it and just take my chances as the warranty is strictly powertrain? all items I mentioned were not powertrain issues with exception to the oil leaks but $3,600 can be put to use elsewhere. the cars are meant to be durable and run if maintained, and as stated, thus far, this one has been.
what do you guys think?

 

I put the money I could have used on an extended warranty in the bank. If I need it for repairs, it's there. I was looking at a bumper to bumper warranty up to 75k miles.

 

That's what I'm leaning towards. If it was all in bumper to bumper then I'd go forward w warranty but thinking hold my $.
Complete warranty all in would be north of $7,000 added.
Thanks for the input.

 

Extended warranties are a tricky thing. So many exceptions in fine print, and then you usually have to co-pay on anything that is covered, after exhaustingly proving that it wasn't pre-existing damage. It's a sucker bet in my opinion. I'd avoid it.

 

If I bought it brand new, then I would get the 75K bumper to bumper warranty but that's just me. My cost was 3k with zero deductible so I thought that was reasonable. For $7K, nope, never. Way too much to fork out for something I may or may not use.