How Long Do Audis Last?

Audis are expected to last an average of 150,000 to 200,000 miles as long as you keep up with regular maintenance.
Written by Lynell Spencer
Edited by Pat Roache
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You can expect a properly driven and maintained Audi to last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, or 10 to 13 years. 
  • Overall, Audi vehicles rank 28th in dependability out of 32 car brands. 
  • The Audi Q3, A4, and A6 are the most reliable Audi models to drive.
  • The Audi Q5 and fully electric Audi E-tron are the least reliable Audi models to own.

Audis have average lifespans

When driven responsibly and well-maintained, an Audi will give you 150,000 to 200,000 miles of high-performance luxury. Based on 15,000 miles driven a year, you can plan on having your Audi for 10 to 13 years.
For reference: The average lifespan for a commuter car in the USA is 11 years.
Of course, there are a lot of factors that impact the lifespan of your car:
  • Following a routine car maintenance schedule
  • Road conditions
  • Local climate
  • Your driving habits
  • The Audi model you drive

Audis have below-average reliability 

The reality of Audi reliability: Audi is assumed to be a very dependable brand because it is considered a high-performance luxury vehicle. Unfortunately, Audi vehicles rank 28th out of 32 major brands in the world when it comes to dependability. 
Dependability rankings take into account the frequency and cost of repairs for a brand, both for scheduled maintenance and unexpected break downs.
What Audi cars lack in longevity, they make up for in engineering and performance. Audi owners may spend more on
car repairs
, but their overall driving experience is still top-notch.

The most reliable Audi models

According to the 2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score, these are the Audis that top the list for reliability. If you’re looking to buy a reliable car or a used Audi, check out these models. 

Audi Q3

2021 starting price: $35,095
Five-year true cost to own: $58,297
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 77/100 (average)
The Audi Q3 boasts a 5/5 NHTSA crash test rating. It was named a 2020 Best Buy Award winner for subcompact luxury SUVs.

Audi A4

2021 starting price: $40,145
Five-year true cost to own: N/A ($63,277 for 2020 model)
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 74/100 (average)
The Audi A4 has been recognized with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” designation when equipped with available LED or Matrix-design LED headlights.

Audi A6

2021 starting price: $55,945
Five-year true cost to own: N/A ($77,600 for 2020 model)
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 69/100 (fair)
The Audi A6 received IIHS “Top Safety Pick+”, which is the highest rating awarded by the organization.

The least reliable Audi models

If your top priority is dependability, you may want to take these Audi models off your list of cars to buy.

Audi Q5 

2021 starting price: $44,395
Five-year true cost to own: N/A ($65,873 for 2020 model)
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 63/100 (fair)
According to Repair Pal’s 2022 ratings, an Audi Q5 has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 14 for luxury midsize SUVs. 
The average annual repair cost is $928, which means that upkeep will likely be higher than average.

Audi e-tron

2021 starting price: $66,995
Five-year true cost to own: N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 62/100 (fair)
Consumer Reports
gives the 2021 Audi e-Tron just a 1/5 for its predicted reliability. Although it has the lowest possible reliability score, the Audi e-Tron is still popular with consumers because of the great driving experience it offers.

How to make your Audi last longer

Quattro technology and luxury interiors make these German cars so fun to drive—and you’ll want to keep your Audi in the best shape to enjoy it as long as possible.
  • Stick to a regular maintenance schedule: When your car is running properly, it is easy to forget about routine maintenance—but this is the single most important thing you can do to keep your car in the best condition for the longest time. 
  • Don’t ignore issues: The
    check engine light
    is there for a reason. Getting the little things taken care of now means they don’t contribute to longer-term issues with your Audi.
  • Spring for quality oil: Oil really is the lifeblood of your car—spring for a fully synthetic oil the next time you perform an oil change.
  • Wash your car regularly: It may not seem that important, but keeping your whole car (including the undercarriage) clean prevents rust and other build-up on parts.
  • Cool down: Abruptly turning off a revved-up engine is hard on your bearings and other moving parts. This is especially true for turbocharged engines like the Audi A3.
  • Give it a workout: Take your Audi out on the open road and get your RPMs elevated. While you certainly shouldn’t do this all the time, doing it occasionally will help remove carbon deposits in your engine and improve the life of your car. 
  • Lighten the load: Time to clean out the trunk! Minimize the amount of weight your car is carrying to protect your suspension, get better gas mileage, and extend the life of your vehicle. 
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.
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FAQs

High mileage for an Audi would be considered 150,000 to 200,000 miles, but it’s also important to factor in the age of the car. Anything more than 15,000 miles a year is high mileage for an Audi.
Yes: Audis have an average repair cost of $987 per year. The average for all car brands combined is $652 per year.
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