When it comes to luxury cars, few brands carry the cachet and engineering pedigree of Audi. Known for its sleek designs, advanced technology, and the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, Audi has long been a symbol of refined performance and understated sophistication.
But owning a luxury vehicle often comes with a reputation for high maintenance costs and reliability concerns, especially when buying used. That’s where careful selection becomes essential. For buyers looking to balance prestige, performance, and long-term dependability, choosing the right used Audi can make all the difference.
In this guide, we dive into the 10 most reliable used Audis to buy today, focusing on models that have proven their durability, minimized common issues, and delivered a rewarding ownership experience.
From compact sedans and sporty coupes to versatile SUVs, these Audis combine everyday practicality with the thrill of German engineering, making them smart choices for both enthusiasts and pragmatic buyers.
Whether you’re hunting for a performance-oriented A4 or a rugged Q5, our list highlights vehicles that offer the perfect mix of quality, reliability, and value, ensuring your next used Audi is a source of enjoyment rather than headaches.
1. 2010 Audi A6 (C6)
The 2010 Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan that balances power, comfort, and durability. Its V6 engine delivers smooth acceleration and can comfortably handle daily commuting and highway driving. The interior features premium leather, a well-laid-out dashboard, and a spacious cabin that rivals larger sedans.
With proper maintenance, the 3.0L supercharged V6 or naturally aspirated V6 engines are extremely durable, making the A6 one of the most reliable older Audis.
Owners praise its solid handling and ride comfort, while the all-wheel-drive Quattro system adds confidence in wet or slick conditions. Minor issues may include electrical quirks or air suspension components if equipped, but these are avoidable with careful pre-purchase inspection.
2. 2013 Audi A4 (B8)
The 2013 Audi A4 remains one of the most balanced and reliable luxury sedans from Audi. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides good power without being overly stressed, and its fuel efficiency is competitive.
The B8 generation features a high-quality interior with user-friendly MMI infotainment, supportive seats, and solid build quality. Common reliability concerns, such as oil consumption or timing chain tensioners, are generally minor if the car has a documented service history.
The A4’s nimble handling, precise steering, and Quattro AWD option make it a practical choice for daily commuting in all weather conditions.
Audi has long been synonymous with precision engineering, understated luxury, and sophisticated design. While the brand’s flagship models often grab the headlines, its entry-level luxury vehicles. such as the A4, A3, and Q5, deliver a compelling mix of comfort, technology, and performance without the flagship price tag.
These models are ideal for buyers who want the prestige and refinement of an Audi but also need reliability and practicality in daily driving.
For the used-car market, this balance is particularly important. Luxury vehicles can come with high maintenance costs if reliability is inconsistent, so identifying models with proven longevity is key.
From sporty sedans to versatile SUVs, Audi has several offerings that have stood the test of time, delivering strong performance, advanced features, and Quattro all-wheel-drive capability while minimizing common issues.
In this guide, we highlight the 10 most reliable used Audis to buy today, focusing on models that combine quality engineering, solid ownership history, and enduring appeal.
Whether you’re searching for a nimble A4 sedan, a practical Q5 SUV, or a compact A3, these cars represent some of the smartest investments in the luxury segment, offering an exceptional blend of style, comfort, and dependability.
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3. 2013 Audi A5
The 2013 Audi A5 coupe or convertible shares much of its engineering with the A4 but adds a sportier edge. Its lightweight body and turbocharged 2.0L engine offer a responsive and fun driving experience without sacrificing reliability.
The interior is driver-focused with high-quality materials and tech, including MMI navigation and premium sound options. Owners report fewer drivetrain issues than older models, making it a strong choice for those who want performance and style. AWD versions provide excellent traction in rain or light snow, adding peace of mind for year-round driving.
Audi has earned a reputation for blending sporty performance with refined luxury, and the A5 exemplifies this balance. Since its debut, the A5 has been celebrated for its sleek, timeless design, confident handling, and comfortable, well-appointed cabin.
Even after mid-cycle updates, such as the 2013 model’s subtle exterior refinements and interior upgrades, including enhanced infotainment with Audi Connect, the A5 remains a standout in the compact luxury segment.
Under the hood, the A5’s turbocharged four-cylinder delivers a responsive driving experience that rivals larger engines in the class, while offering commendable fuel efficiency.
For those seeking even more performance, the S5 and RS 5 provide upgraded powertrains and sharper handling, but the standard A5 strikes a perfect balance between everyday usability and spirited driving. Convertible enthusiasts also appreciate that the A5 Cabriolet maintains refinement without compromising cargo space or comfort.
For buyers exploring the used luxury market, the A5 represents an appealing combination of style, performance, and proven reliability. With its well-engineered drivetrain, durable interior materials, and all-wheel-drive Quattro system, it’s an Audi that continues to impress on both the road and in ownership experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 most reliable used Audis to buy today, highlighting models that offer long-term dependability, low maintenance costs, and enduring appeal across sedans, coupes, and SUVs.
4. 2018 Audi A4 (B9)
The 2018 Audi A4 represents the newer B9 generation, with improved build quality, refined engines, and updated electronics. The 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine offers excellent efficiency and strong reliability, while the cabin features a modern digital instrument cluster, high-quality materials, and driver-assist technologies.
The car feels more spacious than previous generations and is well insulated against road noise. This generation has fewer reported issues with electronics and drivetrain components, making it one of the safest bets for a used luxury sedan today.
5. 2012 Audi A3
The 2012 Audi A3 is a compact luxury hatchback that offers both sporty handling and manageable maintenance costs. Its 1.8L or 2.0L turbo engines are robust when properly maintained, and the smaller body makes city parking easier.
The interior feels upscale despite the compact size, with comfortable seating and intuitive controls. Many owners highlight its low ownership costs compared to larger Audis, and it benefits from a simple drivetrain compared to the more complex larger models. Quattro versions provide reliable all-weather capability.
Since its debut, the Audi A5 has consistently stood out as one of the most visually appealing coupes on the road. To ensure it retained this status, the 2013 A5 underwent a modest refresh. Fortunately, the exterior’s sleek and flowing lines remain largely unchanged, with only minor refinements applied to enhance its presence.
The most noticeable updates appear in the headlights and grille, which were redesigned to align with Audi’s evolving angular design language.
Inside, changes are more subtle, limited to minor tweaks in the steering wheel, instrument gauges, and interior illumination. More impactful, however, is the introduction of Audi Connect, which adds expanded Web functionality to the navigation system and also provides a WiFi hotspot.
This gentle makeover underscores just how well-designed the Audi A5 was from the start. Beyond its striking appearance, the A5 delivers a smooth, comfortable ride, poised handling, a cabin that is both elegant and understated, and commendable fuel efficiency.
For those who enjoy open-air driving, the A5 convertible meets expectations without compromising refinement or sacrificing cargo space.
When it comes to performance, the A5’s turbocharged four-cylinder might appear modest compared to the six-cylinder engines found in some competitors. In practice, however, it is only slightly slower during full-throttle acceleration. For those seeking greater power and sharper handling, the Audi S5 and RS 5 provide both.
The A5 caters to a wide range of drivers. Even when measured against the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Audi remains an enticing option, offering the sporty feel of the BMW and Infiniti while delivering the refined luxury of the Mercedes. The 2013 Audi A5 proves it is far more than just a handsome exterior.
The 2013 Audi A5 is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Coupe models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, while A5 Cabriolets feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive as standard.
All-wheel drive is optional on the Cabriolet and, when chosen, pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is also available on all-wheel-drive coupes.
Also Read: Top 10 Used Audi Models With the Strongest Long-Term Dependability
6. 2015 Audi Q3
The 2015 Q3 is a small luxury SUV ideal for those who want AWD performance in a compact package. Its turbocharged 2.0L engine is smooth and durable, while the cabin is well-appointed with high-quality plastics, leather options, and ample cargo space for a compact SUV.
The Q3 offers a higher driving position and solid road manners, making it versatile for city driving and highway commuting alike. While some earlier Q3s had minor electrical or infotainment glitches, the 2015 model generally ranks high in reliability.
7. 2016 Audi A7
The 2016 Audi A7 is a larger luxury hatchback that combines coupe-like styling with sedan practicality. Its 3.0L supercharged V6 provides effortless acceleration, while the Quattro AWD system ensures confident handling in all conditions.
The interior is luxurious, with spacious seating, high-quality leather, and advanced technology including MMI navigation, Bang & Olufsen sound, and semi-autonomous safety features. When maintained regularly, the A7 is surprisingly reliable for a full-size luxury car, though repair costs can be higher if neglect occurs.
The 2016 Audi A7 received a mid-cycle refresh that brings revised exterior styling, highlighted by new LED headlights, a redesigned grille, updated bumpers, and trapezoidal tailpipes.
Two of the gasoline engines also see a boost in output: the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 now produces 333 horsepower, up 23 hp from the previous model, while the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 increases to 450 hp, up from 420 hp.
Positioned as a midsize luxury hatchback, the 2016 Audi A7 slots between the full-size A8 sedan above it and the mid-size A6 below, which shares its platform. Buyers can choose between gasoline and diesel powertrains, and all-wheel drive comes standard across the entire lineup.
For improved handling, buyers can opt for the S line Sport Package, which adds a sport-tuned suspension and seven-spoke 19-inch wheels. The package can be paired with the Black Optic package, which upgrades to 20-inch wheels and a gloss black grille.
On the S7, the Black Optic package is available with 20- or 21-inch wheels with summer tires instead of the A7’s all-season tires. An additional Sport package for the S7 adds dynamic steering, a rear differential for torque vectoring, and a sport exhaust system.
The RS 7 represents the pinnacle of the A7 lineup. The Dynamic package elevates driving performance further by adding a sport exhaust, a sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control, and an even more aggressive chassis to complement the potent 560-hp twin-turbo V-8.
The combination of more power and a well-built interior makes the 2016 A7 a well-rounded vehicle, offering practicality, performance, handling, and comfort in a single, elegant package.
We noted that “while the revised supercharged V-6 has made the A7 more fuel efficient, it hasn’t detracted from its performance, offering visceral acceleration for a large car with an as-tested 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds.” The cabin is typical Audi, tasteful, well-crafted, and packed with modern infotainment, making it one of the best in its class.
The S7 enhances driving enjoyment with its torque-rich twin-turbo V-8 and seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, delivering strong acceleration and impressive dynamics. Even before its power increase to 450 hp from 420 hp during the mid-cycle refresh, the S7 already impressed.
In a comparison test including the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4Matic and BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, the S7 finished second due to its engaging power delivery, though steering feel remained numb in Comfort mode and overboosted in Dynamic mode.
The RS 7 builds on the S7’s strengths with a more aggressive chassis, a higher-output engine, and an eight-speed automatic.
In a head-to-head comparison with the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S, the RS 7 placed second, earning praise for its “visceral acceleration that allows it to feel like a rocket” in a straight line, though it fell short of the Panamera Turbo due to understeer at the handling limits, particularly on the track.
8. Audi TT (Third Generation, 2015+)
The third-generation Audi TT is a sporty two-door coupe or roadster with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine or higher-performance TTS variant. It’s known for responsive steering, agile handling, and solid construction. Interiors are driver-focused, with a virtual cockpit and high-quality finishes.
Properly maintained TT models have strong reliability, and their smaller, simpler engines avoid many of the pitfalls of larger, more complex Audis. Owners also report long-lasting transmissions when serviced correctly.
9. Audi Q5 (2013-2016)
The Q5 compact luxury SUV offers a comfortable ride, versatile cargo space, and Quattro AWD capability. Its 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 3.2L V6 engines are known for durability when serviced properly.
The cabin features premium materials, supportive seating, and modern infotainment options. The Q5 combines practicality and style with relatively low maintenance needs compared to other luxury SUVs, making it a solid choice for used buyers looking for reliability in a family or commuter SUV.
In most SUVs, there’s often a trade-off between performance and practicality, or, more specifically, spirited acceleration versus fuel efficiency. The 2013 Audi Q5, however, manages to challenge that norm by delivering both attributes through its lineup of potent yet efficient powertrains.
Whether you choose the base turbocharged four-cylinder, the newly introduced supercharged V6, or the hybrid variant, the Q5 offers lively acceleration alongside commendable fuel economy, with the hybrid achieving up to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Built on the same platform as the A4 sport sedan, the Q5 benefits from relatively athletic handling and a driver-focused feel that makes it one of the most engaging SUVs in its segment. This, combined with the responsive engines, ensures the Q5 is as enjoyable behind the wheel as it is practical.
In addition, the 2013 Q5 provides a spacious cabin and generous cargo room, enhancing both comfort and utility. The well-crafted interior, widely regarded as among the best in its class, further strengthens the Q5’s appeal, making it a favorite for active singles and small families alike.
Of course, there are alternatives in the small luxury crossover segment. For those prioritizing interior space and family-friendly features, the 2013 Volvo XC60 may be an even roomier choice. Performance enthusiasts may prefer the 2013 BMW X3, which closely matches the Q5 in handling and acceleration.
If style is the priority, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque stands out as the most visually striking of the group. Nevertheless, for a balanced package that combines performance, practicality, and refinement, the 2013 Q5 remains a top contender in its class.
The 2013 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
The Q5 3.0T is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and automatic stop-start system, which shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel, come standard.
The Q5 Hybrid combines the 2.0T engine with an electric motor and battery pack to produce a combined output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Audi estimates a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, while EPA ratings suggest fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
10. Audi A3 (2019-2020)
Later-generation Audi A3 models offer compact luxury with modern reliability improvements. The 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers solid power and efficiency, while the interior is refined with updated technology, digital displays, and safety features.
With 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Audi A3 delivers plenty of power for purposeful acceleration while still offering commendable fuel efficiency. The car’s handling is particularly notable, combining a direct steering feel with cornering dynamics that are both engaging and confidence-inspiring.
From a standstill, the A3 shows a slight hesitation, but once underway, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine impresses with lively thrust. The car reaches 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, and the all-wheel-drive system provides ample grip, keeping acceleration smooth and composed.
The braking performance is excellent around town, with natural pedal feel and easy modulation. Even in emergency stops, the car tracks straight with minimal nosedive. In testing, the A3 needed 118 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is above average for the class, and this performance remained consistent across multiple runs.
Steering effort is light, which makes low-speed maneuvers, like parking, effortless. Yet the system still delivers precise feedback to the driver. On twisty roads, the steering remains predictably accurate, reinforcing the sense of control and confidence behind the wheel.
The A3 feels agile and athletic in corners. Its all-wheel-drive system maximizes traction, and the well-tuned suspension ensures a balanced, reassuring ride, making curves and tight turns enjoyable without sacrificing composure.
Front-seat comfort is impressive and comparable to larger, more expensive sedans. The seats remain comfortable even after extended drives, though they lack significant side bolstering. Rear seating is more limited, offering space suitable primarily for smaller passengers, but this is consistent with other vehicles in the segment.
The A3 provides a compliant ride that smooths over most road imperfections. Larger bumps or uneven surfaces can cause a bit of jostling, but the ride remains composed and comfortable.
Highway road and wind noise are noticeable but not intrusive. Engine noise at startup can be somewhat clattery, but the idle settles quickly, and cabin noise remains well-controlled, even on rough pavement.
Low mileage, recent service, and improved electronics make these later A3s highly dependable, offering a balance of luxury, performance, and daily usability without many of the older Audi headaches.
