The Audi Q7 is the brand’s largest SUV and perhaps the most interesting of the lot, aside from the sportier Q8. It was Audi’s first attempt at making a 7-seater AWD, packing luxury, performance, and practicality all in one. And the good news is that the price of one of these in the secondhand market is pretty intriguing for a premium family SUV.
Thus, if you’re considering buying a used Audi Q7 of any generation, stick around as I’ll try to help you decide whether it’s worth it. I’ll also tell you everything you need to consider when seeking one and why it’s probably a good idea to get an Audi Q7 manual if you plan to keep maintenance costs on the lower side.
So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
Model Overview
The Audi Q7 has been around for a while now. Its first generation entered the US market in 2007 as a solid player in the full-sized SUV market. Eight years later, Audi launched the slightly lighter and more compact second generation, which is still one of the largest SUVs on the market, measuring over 5 meters long to make room for those third-row seats.
First Generation (2007-2015)
When Audi initially released the first-gen model in the US, it didn’t sell as well as its rivals like the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz M/GLE-Class. Nonetheless, over 130,000 Q7s were sold on American soil, which is not a small feat considering how competitive the segment is.
Although rather big and heavy, the first-gen Q7 was no slouch performance-wise. Available with the 3.6-liter VR6 (276 hp) and 4.2-liter V8 (345 hp), the SUV was quick enough for a family vehicle. Soon, the facelifted model arrived in 2011, replacing those power units with two 3.0-liter supercharged V6s. The standard variant produced 268 hp, while the S-Line provided significantly more punch at 328 hp. There was also a fuel-sipping 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel option with 237 hp and 406 lb-ft, catering to torque seekers.
However, what made the Q7 attractive was its fixed third-row seats, which, despite not being that roomy, could accommodate two adults while leaving more than enough trunk space. Meanwhile, other luxury SUVs in its class were, for the most part, five-seaters-only; some did offer toddler-sized third-row seats as optional extras, yet they’d eat almost the whole cargo space.
Moreover, while the Q7 performed well on tarmac, the Quattro AWD system and adaptive air suspension made it a confident off-roader. And sure, the exterior look might’ve created a love/hate controversy, but there was no arguing about the top-notch interior quality.
Interestingly, you could find deals on these used first-gen models at a very affordable price now. Even a 2007 V8 Premium model could set you back only $4,000 if you are lucky! Still, if you decide to get one of these early batch units, I would highly recommend getting a 2007 Audi Q7 manual as well. No idea where to find one? Have a look at eManualOnline — they carry manuals for any Q7 model, and they cost less than a single oil change.
Indeed, since you’ll be driving a rather aging premium SUV, it’s smart to invest in a handbook that can help you with maintenance and repairs. Experienced Audi technicians will charge a fortune to maintain your Q7, which doesn’t make that much sense if you paid your truck less than 5 grand. All you need is a bit of elbow grease, basic tools, and a couple of Sunday afternoons — everything else is inside the manual.
Second Generation (2016-Present)
The second-gen Q7 received a total makeover, following the rest of the more modern Audis, with bold lines and squared elements. Available since 2016, the new Q7 looks posher and more refined. And while it now looks to have been through a serious diet with its much more athletic silhouette, the Q7’s class-leading wheelbase and rich overhangs still make the wagon-ish SUV as practical as ever.
The engine options were also renewed, now sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 249 hp on the base variant, while Audi kept the last-gen 3.0-liter supercharged V6 reserved for the higher trim.
Shortly after, the facelifted 2020 model replaced the supercharged V6 unit with a 335-hp turbocharged mill while simultaneously introducing the performance SQ7 variant, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 churning out a pretty mean 500 hp.
In addition, the second-gen Q7 carried everything nice from the first-gen and improved upon them in many ways. It was a better SUV overall, quickly reflected by much better sales numbers in the US, selling over 140,000 units during the first four years of production (before the Covid pandemic finally brought that to a halt ).
Put simply, if you’re seeking a used model and can stretch your budget a bit, this is by far the best Q7 generation.
Things to Consider When Getting a Used Audi Q7
Price
Like any other German luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 suffers a heavy depreciation rate. According to CarEdge, a Q7 could lose as much as 47% of its initial value after the first five years or even 74% after ten. However, that fact should work in your favor since you’re hunting a used model after all — just keep in mind that it might not be the best model to flip.
If you’re after the first-gen model, you’ll find plenty of deals well under $10,000. But assuming you’d like a younger model with under 100,000 miles on the counter (much recommended), you’ll find those within the $20,000-30,000 price range.
Meanwhile, if you fancy the second-gen model, prices could range from $25,000-70,000 depending on the year, mileage, trim, and overall condition. My tip is to go for a certified pre-owned (CPO) model with an extended warranty since the added peace of mind is where the real value lies.
Reliability and Maintenance Cost
In general, the Audi Q7 is a fairly reliable SUV with no significant recurring issues to report. It has a 2.5/5.0 RepairPal reliability rating, with problems commonly occurring due to aging and high mileage.
That said, as expected from an imported luxury vehicle, the Q7’s maintenance-related expenses can be pretty taxing. CarEdge claims an Audi Q7 could cost as much as $12,489 for repairs and maintenance during its first 10-year run. That value aligns with RepairPal’s study, stating the average maintenance cost of the Q7 could reach $1,185 annually.
Luckily, an easy way to avoid paying those pricey repair bills is to do your own repairs and maintenance, and there’s no better companion to accomplish that than your trusted Audi Q7 repair manual. It’ll help you learn everything you need to know about your SUV and provide instructions to replace pretty much anything, potentially saving you from regular visits to the repair shop and thousands in the long run.
Common Problems
The most common maintenance-related expenses faced by Audi Q7 owners are usually predictable and fairly easy to do on your own. For instance, besides the regular oil changes, you can expect tire rotations required every 5,000-10,000 miles, worn-out steel brakes every 20,000-50,000 miles, and a high appetite for gas. And if you’re interested in getting a unit with a mileage of over 55,000 miles, you should be prepared to replace its air filter and serpentine belt.
Also, it’s worth noting that the Q7 may have its fair share of annoying electrical issues over time, like a faulty knock sensor, blower motor, intermittent lighting system, and more. Fortunately, with the help of a dependable repair manual containing every wiring diagram and troubleshooting chart provided by the manufacturer, there’s really nothing you can’t fix.
So, Is a Used Audi Q7 Worth Buying?
Overall, a used Audi Q7 is definitely worth buying, especially considering the price they’re being offered on the market now. Still, be aware of its higher-than-average running and maintenance costs. If you do decide to make go forward and get the luxury truck of your dreams, get an Audi Q7 service manual. It’s all you’ll ever need to nail those DIY fixes on your own and keep repair costs low — trust me, you’ll thank me later!
