My mom is thinking of getting a Q5, a Q3, or an X1, in the future (let's just focus on the Q5). Which engine is more reliable, I know that the 3.2 is pretty strong, but the TDI is pretty good too, but I'm just concerned that if something does go wrong, like with the emissions garbage, is it going to be expensive?
Is there a lack of drama in your life that you are considering only endless money pit vehicles?
How about a Lexus crossover/SUV instead?
If it has to be a luxury German, lease a new one and get it out of your system.
"Lack of drama in your life" lol. I agree, those are moneypits and should only be leased if you really want one.
+1
If you are looking for something that will be very exciting because you don't ever know when the engine will lock up or when the steering function of a steering wheel will fail, then get the oldest Q5 tdi with the most miles you can find.
loL those are the most garbage stationary piles of junk out there. Especially in the US they are endless money pits. The TDI systmes have all that emission junk and the gasoline ones just lock up one day and there goes the 40 thousand dollar SUV. They generally fall apart only a few years old. If you really really have to get one, lease it.
If you insist on buying one, they will all be bad the TDI might be better in short term but both the gas and diesels are junk in US. I have to admit the diesel engines themselves are good so in Europe you could consider it but in USA there is emission stuff so they fall apart. Transmissions are really bad on the newer ones too. Do you really want to do this to your mom?
Honestly at least the BMW should be pretty trouble free for 4 5 years while the VW (Audi) will fall apart immediatly.
If you want to have the time of your life making new friends and learning about the cost of new engines, than get a used Q5 with 50k miles and do just that!