Hi everyone, I've been reading these forums for awhile and have been seriously considering getting a used A7. I have been looking at several 2013-2014 models that have pretty high mileage, about 100k or so and priced at about 20k and was hoping to hear about owner's experiences their A7s going past that. I saw the thread about the one guy with 200k+ and it definitely inspired some confidence in me. Some of the service records on the ones I'm looking at are a bit incomplete and wondered how much of a deterrent that should be. However, I'm wondering if paying the extra money for a lower mileage one might be worth it in the long term and have less mechanical issues. I was also wondering if anyone has had luck with getting apple carplay into this generation of A7s. Thanks!

 

If going for one with higher mileage, check to see if the timing chain/guides and/or the engine mounts have been serviced before; if not, then you should negotiate a lower price.
The 3.0 supercharged engine is notorious for needing attention to the timing chain/tensioner/guides area and engine mounts. Problems can start to manifest as soon as 50k miles in severe cases, but plan for those services to be needed every 100k miles. Unless you're handy with a wrench, expect $3000+ mechanic charge.
Other than that, the A7 is pretty well put together. You should also consider a 3.0 TDI engine if you do alot of highway driving.

 

Service records are almost always NEVER complete on Carfax. If the vehicle was dealer maintained then you can maybe see what the dealer did to it but if the owner ever had it to an independent shop it will never show up as to what has actually been done.

As mentioned already the engine might have problems with the upper cam tensioners getting weak and creating a cold start rattle which could eventually advance to a warm engine rattle. The chain tensioners are hydraulic and have a spring in them to help keep them pushed out to maintain chain tension. Eventually the hydraulic action will fall away which will allow the chain to have a touch of slack at start up. Best case is that the engine never develops this, better case is that its only a start up noise, worst case is the engine develops enough of a problem that it will throw timing related engine codes and you will have to get it repaired. You can maybe get by with just doing the upper tensioners which can be done with the engine still in the car. A shop will charge maybe $2,000 for this. Now if you have to have the entire timing chain set replaced then this is no simple tasks. Over $5,000 typically from an independent shop or as much as $7,500 from a dealer. Engine has to get removed to perform this work.

A few other potential problems are the PCV system, water pump, and thermostat. Some think that motor mounts can go bad early in life but I think that kind of depends on how much the car gets beat on. We bought used and it seems the previous owner somewhat babied the car. My mounts were still in tact and original at 205,000 miles when I did my chains.

As far as price, depends on the cars condition and history but in checking on Cars.com for 2013 - 2014 A7s with 95,000 - 100,000 the prices range from $19,000 to $28,000. Based on the market the price is reasonable. At present, April to May 2021, the market seems to be impacted a bit by the new car shortage due to the lack of computer chips. This shortage is making the used market prices rise a bit.