spirou

Hello,

I'm new to the forum. We are in the market for a new SUV, and after test driving a few new ones (CRV, Tiguan, Rogue, CX-5), we decided to look at used X3 and Q5 at the local Carmax (for ease of comparison). Both my wife and I liked the Q5 more than the X3. I then started researching the Q5 and learned that the second generation model came out in 2018. Now I'm not sure which model year would be better, is 2018 worth the higher price?

1. Get new Mazda CX-5 for about 26K - 28K
2. Get used 2016 Q5 Premiun Plus (want blindspot and parking sensors) for 26K - 30K
3. Get used 2018 Q5 Premiun Plus (want blindspot and parking sensors) for ??? 36K ???

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

shokhead

2018 Audi Q5 is all-new so it's different from the 16.
New CX5's are real nice.
You need to drive all of them.
Q5 is longer and wider and 500 more pounds. Pretty sure that CX will have more safety stuff and may ride a bit softer.

DTLV

Here is my recommendation - Purchase a 2016 Q5 with the 3.0 engine and then promptly add a stage 1 tune.

waninae39

Purchase a 2016 Q5 with the 3.0 engine with the supercharger
no 3l v6 for the new q5's

bigivn

Get the 2017 as that was the last year of that generation. Has better interior than 2018 in my opinion.

shokhead

I'd rather have a supercharger then a turbo Audi.

Dunes Dude

Mazda seems underpowered, not too bad looking though... But let's face it, a Mazda isn't an Audi in any regard.

'18 and newer Gen 2 Q5 is assembled in Mexico, and will cost much more that a used Gen 1

As others have said, go the German Built '13 to '17 with the 3.0 and you'll be very satisfied.. And save some money too.

spirou

Are you all saying that the 2018 upgrade is not really worth it? Just go for a 2016 or 2017 low mileage model? What about the X3, would BMW possibly have less mechanical problems?

shokhead

BMW and Audi are the same in JD powers, both above average. The 14 thru 17 Q5 and 98% same. Very little difference. I'd rather have a 14 SQ5 then a 2017 Q5 as an example but that's just me.

intenz888

If you live in one of the major metropolitan areas I suggest renting the Q5 at SilverCar owned by Audi. I was between the 16 and 18 for a purchase and I went with a 16 because the new 18 seats are really hard unless maybe you get the upgraded bucket version. I didn't have the money to get the higher end model. After about 1 hour of driving I was really starting to annoy me that the seats were that hard. A days rental really gets you an idea of how it drives and how the car really performs. If comfort isn't an issue for you the MMI, the new screen, carplay, and all the other creature comforts are great with the 18.