Audis are known for their excellent performance and superior engineering. But like other vehicles, they can’t last forever. Get the lowdown on how long a well-maintained Audi can last, how to make the most of your Audi’s mileage, and more.
How Many Miles Does an Audi Last?
Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they’re properly maintained. It’s why it isn’t uncommon to see a 90s Audi on the road today.
Are Audis Reliable?
Audi vehicles are fairly reliable. RepairPal ranks the automaker 28th out of 32 car brands in terms of reliability, while Consumer Reports states that it’s within the top 10 when it comes to new car brand reliability.
Reviews about the most recent Audi models attest to their dependability. For example, J.D. Power gave the 2022 Audi A3 a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100, which is an average rating. Meanwhile, many consumers at Edmunds gave the same model four out of five and five out of five stars for reliability.
As for Audi’s 2024 reliability ratings, RepairPal gave the automaker a 3.0 out of 5.0, placing it at 28th place out of 32 car brands.
Average annual repair costs for Audi models are significantly higher than other vehicles, but ownership costs are still considered average.
Audi models have an annual repair cost of $987 while scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs for other car brands are priced at about $652.
Audi owners also visit repair shops more often than others, specifically 0.8 times a year. Meanwhile, other car owners only visit repair shops 0.4 times annually.
Why Are Audis Popular?
Audis are perfect for people who want a ride to enjoy the driving experience in style rather than just a way to get from point A to B. Here are some of the reasons why many people prefer an Audi vehicle:
Quattro All-Wheel-Drive System
Most Audis have a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It distributes power to all four wheels, which improves grip when accelerating and cornering. This makes towing and off-roading easier and safer, especially on muddy and icy terrains.
There are several types of Quattro setups. For example, the Quattro system in an A3 almost exclusively powers the front wheels until they lose grip, and then a multi-plate clutch diverts power to the rear wheels. Meanwhile, the Audi R8’system sends 85 percent of its engine power to the rear wheels during normal conditions and shifts it to the front wheels when required.
The term “Quattro” became popular because of the Audi Quattro cars in the 80s.
Superb Safety Ratings
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many Audi models have superb safety ratings. The 2022 Audi A6, for example, has an overall safety rating of five over five stars. Older models, like the 2015 Audi A3, also got five over five stars.
Various government safety groups and auto agencies conduct tests to assess how the safety of vehicles. Some of the things they determine are the model’s ability to avoid a crash and how well the different car systems work together to make it safe to drive.
Great Resale Value
Audi is visible in almost every segment of the automotive market, from premium hatchbacks to gas-guzzling supercars and high-end electric vehicles, so there’s an Audi for everyone.
If you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, buying an Audi is also a good choice. Audi luxury vehicles have fine materials, such as premium wood trim, and ergonomic but stylish details. They also have powerful engines that are built to last.
The Most Reliable Audi Models In the Market
Audi cars are generally reliable, but there are a couple of handpicked models that stand out from the rest in terms of overall dependability.
Audi A3
The Audi is a luxury compact car that ranks fourth out of 17 cars in its class and has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which is considered above average.
Total annual repair and maintenance costs for the A3 usually amount to $741, which is $60 less than other luxury compact cars.
Major issues are also uncommon for the A3 with owners visiting repair shops at an annual average of 0.5 times. Meanwhile, many owners of other luxury cars tend to bring in their vehicles for unscheduled repairs and maintenance 0.2 times more than A3 drivers.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, placing 14th out of 31 luxury midsize cars.
The A4 has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $739, which is similar to other cars in its class.
In terms of frequency, Audi A4 owners only visit repair shops for unscheduled repair and maintenance at an average of 0.4 times a year unlike other brands at 0.6 times annually.
How to Extend the Life of Your Audi
Keep your Audi in good shape to maximize its mileage by following these tips.
Use your Owner’s Manual
Prevent issues down the line by following the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. It also has step-by-step instructions for various upkeep tasks, such as how to refill your windshield wiper fluid and motor oil, that you can follow.
If you’ve misplaced your owner’s manual, you can find its digital version online, which is usually available on the automaker’s website. If it’s not, you can search for a manual in search engines.
Clean Your Vehicle Inside Out
Two major risks to a vehicle’s long-term health and resale value are rust and filth. The great news is that washing your Audi regularly goes a long way in preventing rust, dirt, salt, and debris buildup.
Dirt and grime can also increase the risk of accidents on the road. For example, if they’re blocking parts of your windows and mirrors, they can reduce your view of your surroundings and reduce your reaction time while driving.
Meanwhile, a dirty engine can decrease your fuel efficiency by approximately 2 gallons. Regular engine cleanups can prevent that.
Check Your Car’s Fluids
Spot leaks sooner rather than later by checking your Audi’s fluids regularly. Doing so will also let you determine whether they need topping up or replacement, which will prevent problems down the line.
Keep an eye on your dashboard’s fluid indicator as well. Refill your reservoir if it lights up. If it stays illuminated, it could be a sign of a car issue, so take your Audi to an auto repair shop for a proper diagnosis.
Protect Your Car from the Sun
Park in shaded areas or covered garages to keep your Audi safe from the sun. UV rays can break down the molecules in your car’s paint, making it appear dull. The heat can also cause your dashboard to crack, turning it into a total eyesore.
Moreover, excessive sun exposure can also cause engine fluids and the water in the engine bay to evaporate. In rare cases, it can even cause air bubbles that can cause the tank to crack due to intense pressure.
Check Your Tires
The state of its tires has a huge impact on your Audi. Underinflated tires, for example, can put a lot of stress on your engine and affect your ride’s brake performance and steering. So make a habit of inspecting your tires before driving. Check tire pressure at least once a month as well.
Drive Properly
Bad driving habits can reduce your Audi’s service life. For example, speeding over speed bumps and potholes can affect your wheel’s alignment, while riding your brakes can cause brake overheating.
So slow down when driving over speed bumps and avoid potholes. Maintain a steady speed, accelerate gradually, and coast to decelerate. Keep every good driving practice you’ve learned in mind while driving.
Where to Get Audi Parts for Your Ride
Don’t let your Audi gather dust in the garage due to faulty or damaged parts. Make more memories with your daily driver by getting top-notch Audi replacement parts from CarParts.com.
We have a wide selection of Audi parts sourced from the best brands in the industry. All our parts come with a low price guarantee, so you won’t have to break the bank just to repair or breathe new life into your Audi.
Our website makes it easy for car owners like you to find the right parts for your ride. After entering your Audi’s specifications into our vehicle selector, use the search filters to find the parts that match your preferred brand, price, and features.
All our Audi parts passed the highest quality control standards from industry professionals, so you can be sure you’re choosing from the best possible options for your ride.
Take a look at our selection now and order your Audi parts today!
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
I have and had numerous Audi’s over the years. All have been reliable and a fun car to drive. I currently own two Audi A6’s and very happy with both. Past Audi’s I had served me well as one had 280,000 miles on it and the other 275,000 miles, (in which my brother purchased for his kids). Key is to do the maintenance and they will serve you well.