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Is An Audi a Good First Car? Great car, but a little spendy!

A first car is a milestone that most people look forward to during their childhood years. For many, that car will be their first taste of freedom, but it will also be their first taste of responsibility. However, before you can cruise off into the sunset, you must first decide what car you want to take that journey in.

Audis are a great choice for someone who is looking for a luxury car with some of the most advanced technology and top safety features on the market. However, their higher-than-average maintenance and insurance prices might put them out of the price range for most first-time car buyers.

If you are in the market for a first car and are considering an Audi, read on to learn everything you will need to know before buying your first car.

Audi Q5

What You Should Know Before Buying Your First Car

Slipping behind the wheel of your first car is a moment you will never forget, but let’s make sure you remember it for all the right reasons. Understanding the following things can help make the experience less overwhelming.

  • What is your budget? Are you going to be financing the vehicle, or is someone else helping you buy it? Will you be buying new or used?
  • What type of car are you looking for?
  • What will you be using the vehicle for? What type of conditions will you be driving in?
  • Does the car you are looking at have a high reliability rating?
  • How much will it cost to register and insure the vehicle?
  • How much will it cost to keep the vehicle?
  • What are the most reported problems with this type of vehicle, and are those problems expensive to fix?
  • How long will this car last?
  • What is the average MPG for this type of vehicle?
  • Will the vehicle have a decent resale value when you decide to sell it?
  • Is the vehicle safe?

These are all important questions to ask when considering the purchase of any vehicle.

How Much do Audis Cost?

As Volkswagen’s leading luxury brand, Audi offers a full lineup of models to choose from in several price ranges. Below you will find Audi’s current lineup of cars, along with their starting price. The final price range may vary depending on your credit score, where you buy, sales tax, and added extra features. 

ModelStarting Price
Audi Q3$41,570 – $46,375
Audi Q5$50,640 – $57,215
Audi A5 Sportback$53,470
Audi Q5 Sportback$62,805
Audi S5 Coupe$59,820
Audi SQ7$97,870
Source: AudiUsa

Why are Audis So Expensive?

What pops into your mind when you see those four linked circles on the front of a vehicle? Style? Class? Sophistication? For most people, it’s hard not to think of these words when they see a sleek car toting the Audi symbol flying by, but why are people willing to pay so much for a car?

First, just like with everything in today’s day and age, you are paying for technology. Audi is not fooling around in this department. They pack their vehicles full of features that give users extra comfort, a smoother ride, and added security. With features like Audi Connect and Audi Exclusive, you’re not just buying a car, you’re buying a membership into an exclusive club. 

Additionally, the fact that Audi has been around since 1909 has given them an edge in the competition in terms of range and versatility. Audi offers models in several different markets, including sedans, SUVs, and supercars. This variety, combined with luxury, allows Audi to be more competitive with its pricing.

Finally, it never hurts to have one of the most photographed people in the world driving your car!

Are Audis Reliable?

Reliability is a major factor to consider when shopping for a first car, and Audi has struggled a bit with its reliability rating. According to RepairPal Audi has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 and ranks 28th out of 32 for all brands. The average cost to repair an Audi is $987 a year. That might sound like a lot, but it puts Audi at about average in terms of ownership costs. 

Although Audi may have hit a string of bad luck in the past, it appears they are trying hard to redeem their name. In fact, Audi won the J.D Power quality, dependability, and performance award in 2021, and has pending awards in all three areas again for 2022.

What Are the Most Common Problems with Audi Cars?

There are several things that one expects to wear out in a car over time, and then there are the big things. Those are the things you want to be aware of when looking at a particular car; what are the most common problems with that brand?

Timing chains

According to Audicomplaints.com the most common issues that Audi owners face are:

  • Busted timing chains
  • Vacuum leaks
  • Oxygen sensor failure
  • Takata airbag recalls
  • Sunroof leaks
  • Start-stop defects
  • Excessive oil consumption and oil sludge
  • Fuel pump flange leaking
  • DSG transmission shifting
  • Oil starved turbo chargers

Some of these problems are more common with certain models, so make sure you specifically research the model that you are looking to buy to ensure you know what problems to look for. Especially if you are buying a used car. Many times the probability of big problems occurring can be lowered by keeping up with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance.

How Much Do Audis Cost to Maintain?

According to Automoblog, the standard recommended maintenance can cost Audi owners anywhere from $200 to $300 every 10,000 miles. This content is owned by moc.sotuaytsur. This price includes oil changes, inspection, tire rotation, and other minor maintenance. However, that cost can quickly jump to upwards of $875 when you factor in bigger repairs such as transmission service.

Audi engine

One of the ways that people can cushion these costs is to buy a maintenance plan. Audi Care is another one of the features that Audi extends to its customers, and it allows users to buy a prepaid maintenance plan. The price of these plans varies with the model and year of your vehicle but getting one could help you save a bit of money in the long run by avoiding inflation costs.

Below you will find the average maintenance schedule and price for an Audi.

ServiceAudi Service Cost
10,000-mile service$118-$139
20,000-mile service $456-$606
30,000-mile service $118-$139
40,000-mile service $707-$909
50,000-mile service $118-$139
60,000-mile service $504-$677
Source: RepairPal

Are Audis Safe?

Safety should be a top priority when looking for a good first car. Especially if you do not have much experience being on the road.

When it comes to safety, Audi is unmatched. Audi has designed many of its vehicles specifically with the safety of its customers in mind. In fact, the Audi A6 is considered one of the top 10 safest cars on the market. With safety features like adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and Audi Pre Sense, it’s no wonder Audi had several models win Top Safety Pick awards in 2021.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an Audi?

Insurance costs depend on many factors such as the make, model, and year of the vehicle, along with individual factors such as your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving history. However, according to TheZebra the average price to insure an Audi is about $1606 a year, which is 36% more than ordinary. 

It may be possible to find a cheaper price, so shopping around is essential. You can shop for insurance before you buy a car by providing the company with the VIN number. Additionally, you can often compare multiple companies through one site, which will save you a ton of time.

It’s worth noting that one of the reasons that Audis have such a high insurance rating—besides their high repair costs—is because of their high theft rates. Apparently, Audis are one of the more commonly stolen vehicles, which makes you wonder, if a thief wants it, maybe you should too?

Before buying a used Audi or any used vehicle, it’s worth investing a few dollars to check the VIN number against the vehicle database. An audit with a company like VinAudit (links to VinAudit) will guard against Mileage fraud, Salvage rebuilds, Title washing, Vin cloning, and a ton of other uglies.

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