Oil consumption on 2.0 TFSI petrols
Some 2.0 TFSI engines from about 2008 to 2012 (A4, A5, Q5) burn oil because of piston ring design. Ask how often the oil is topped up.
Used Audi inspection
Audi pre-purchase inspection
Audis hide their problems well behind good interiors and solid doors. The costly ones tend to be in the gearbox and engine: dual-clutch S tronic units, oil-hungry petrol engines and plastic cooling parts.
Our inspectors check used Audis from the A1 to the Q5 at dealers and private sellers, with a road test that shows how the gearbox really behaves.
Known problems
What goes wrong on a used Audi
Common on A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, Q3, Q5, TT. Not every car has these faults. They're what we look for.
Timing chain tensioners
Early versions of the same engine family had timing chain tensioner failures, which can cause serious engine damage. Listen for a rattle on start-up.
S tronic gearbox
Dual-clutch S tronic gearboxes can judder when pulling away, slip, or develop mechatronic unit faults. The seven-speed dry-clutch version in smaller models is the one to watch most.
Multitronic CVT
Older front-wheel-drive A4 and A6 automatics used the Multitronic CVT, which has a reputation for expensive failures. Check for judder and hesitation.
Water pump and thermostat housing leaks
Newer 2.0 TFSI engines use a plastic water pump and thermostat housing that can leak coolant.
Diesel emissions
2.0 TDI engines from about 2009 to 2015 were part of the emissions recall. Check the fix was done, and look for EGR and DPF problems.
Our inspection
What we check on every used Audi
On top of our standard checklist of up to 180 points.
- S tronic or automatic behaviour from a standstill, in traffic and when warm
- Cold start for timing chain noise
- Oil level and signs of oil burning
- Coolant leaks around the water pump
- OBD2 scan for engine and gearbox codes
- quattro and Haldex behaviour, and evidence of servicing
Prices
Audi inspection prices
Fixed prices, the same for every make and model.
Basic110-point · No road test£69.99
Full135-point · Road test up to 10 miles£99.99
Premium160-point · Road test up to 15 miles£139.99
Ultimate180-point · Road test up to 20 miles£169.99
Questions
Audi inspection FAQs
Is the S tronic gearbox reliable on a used Audi?
Many are fine, especially with gearbox oil changes on schedule. Judder pulling away, clunks or slow changes are warning signs. We test it from cold and when warm on the road test.
How do I know if a used Audi burns oil?
Ask the seller how often they top it up, look for low oil on the dipstick or display, and blue smoke on start-up. We check oil level and condition and note any smoke.
How much does a used Audi inspection cost?
From £69.99 for Basic up to £169.99 for Ultimate. The price is fixed, with no travel charge, in London.
Can you inspect a used Audi at the dealer or a private seller?
Yes. The inspector comes to wherever the car is, on a forecourt or at the seller’s home or workplace. You don’t need to be there.
RevXpress is an independent inspection company and isn't connected to Audi. Faults listed are common patterns reported for these cars, not a sign that any particular car has them.
Other makes