Audi vehicles have been a common sight on UK roads since their introduction to Blighty in 1965. They regularly reach the top 10 sales charts, with the most recent being the Audi A3 in 2024.  

But you don’t need to pay new car prices to experience the combination of German engineering and style that Audi provides. The used market is a wash with great deals, from small city cars to SUVs,  but which of those are the most reliable? 

The Most Reliable Used Audi 

Audi A3 2.0 TDI 2013 - 2020

This generation A3 is known as the 8V, and is the third generation in the series. It was offered not only in the commonly seen hatchback version, but also in a saloon and convertible body style.

Engine offerings include the 1.5 and 2.0 TFSI (petrol) as well as the 2.0 TDI engine. The latter is our pick, as used in many VW, Audi and Skoda vehicles with great reliability scores. We’d recommend looking at 2015-era cars that generally sell for around £5,500. 

We consider this to be the most reliable Audi as it has the perfect combination of a tried and tested engine, without as many of the complexities of the larger more luxurious models, helping with overall reliability. 

Most Reliable Audi Saloon 

Audi A5 3.0 TDI 2007 - 2024

The Audi A5 uses the same platform as the A4 saloon and estate (Avant) but is available with a larger 3.0 TDi engine. Whilst not suitable for everyone, this larger powerplant has a great track record for reliability if serviced correctly. 

What's more, the A5 gives that little bit more space than the A3, carrying 4 adults with a relatively large boot too. A 2016 A5 can be bought for around £9,000, a car of this age will be ULEZ compliant. 

Audi A6 3.0 TDI 2011 - 2018

If you need even more space or just prefer the luxury of a larger more plus vehicle, the A6 Saloon may be just what you need. Available with the same 3.0 TDI engine the A5 received, it uses an even larger platform offering far more space inside.  

From 2011 to 2018 they were known as the C7 A6 and racked up good reliability figures. One reason might be that because the car costs at least £54,000 when new, owners are more likely to have kept up with the regular servicing. 

A6s offer great value, as despite their high sticker price when new, secondhand ones can be picked up for around £6,500.  

Most Reliable Used Audi Estate Cars 

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 2008 - 2016

The A4 Avant is the smallest estate car Audi makes. The generation from 2008 to 2016 is known as the BK variant. Coming optioned with all the usual engine choices, from the 2.0 TFSI petrol to the 2.0 or 3.0 Diesel engine.  

Values have held relatively strong compared to the larger saloon models, partly due to the lesser number of Avants made, but a good condition 2015 car can still be bought for £7,500.  

If you’re looking for a more stylish vehicle, the black edition comes with larger wheels and no chrome trim, making it look a lot more modern, even though many of them are over 10 years old! 

Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 2011 - 2018

From the front the A6 Avant looks just like the A6 saloon, but it offers that bit more passenger space over the A4, and substantially more boot capacity for carrying luggage, sports equipment or your pets.  

Available with both the 2.0 and 3.0 TDI engines, we think the 3.0 is the best bet, in part because the Avant weighs another 230kg more than the already chunky A6. With the smooth and powerful diesel engine, motorway journeys are refined and swift, with ample overtaking torque.  

Most Reliable Audi SUVs 

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI - 2018 +

Launched in 2008, the Q5 was the smaller brother to Audi's first SUV, the Q7. It was sold with multiple engine options including petrol and diesel variants ranging from 2.0 to 3.2 Litre, with the sporty SQ5 having a 3.0 Litre supercharged unit.  

Offering a higher driving position and extra comfort over the lower A5 saloon, the Q5 is aimed specifically at the luxury end of the SUV market. Prices when new were well over £45,000, but 6-year-old models can be found for £13,000. 

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI -  2010 - 2015

The Q7 was Audi’s first SUV, debuting in 2005 it shared many of its components with the VW Toureg, itself a burly substantial SUV. Over time the Q7 has developed into a luxury SUV, featuring a plush leather interior and huge amounts of tech. 

Thanks to the large engine bay, the engine options range beyond the 3.0 TDI of the Q5, and some models came with a 6.0 Litre V12 Diesel. If you’re at all concerned about MPG or servicing costs, we would not recommend that version! Instead, the 3.0TDI V6 gives a good compromise between reliability and efficiency.  

As the first-generation cars are becoming a little long in the tooth now, we’d suggest getting a facelift model from 2010 to 2015 for a compromise between age, reliability and style. A 2012 car can be purchased for around £7,500.  

Most Reliable Sporty Used Audis 

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 2006 - 2014

An icon of early 2000s car styling, the first Audi TT was a great combination of German reliability and sophistication, with the fun and dynamism of a 2 door sports car. Whilst the first generation “Type 8N” cars make great modern classics, we’d recommend a 2nd generation, made from 2006 to 2014.  

As we’re focussing on reliability, we’ve tended to suggest diesel engines so far in this list, but a diesel engine (although available from 2008) isn’t the best fit for a sports car. As such we’d recommend the fizzy 2.0 petrol turbo, as found in the hot Audi S3 and VW Golf GTI. 

Audi and VW term this engine the TFSI, meaning “Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection”. While these are generally a strong engine, they can be known to have issues with timing chains, so aim for lower mileage cars or ensure the timing chain has been replaced recently.  

Budget around £4-5,000 for a 2010-era car with under 90.000 miles. As they’re bought mainly for leisure, TTs of this age retain their value well.  

Audi S3 2.0 TFSI 2006 - 2012

Using the same engine as the aforementioned Audi TT, the S3 is a hot hatch version of the A3, boasting impressive 0-60 and power figures for what was a small hatchback. The suspension is tweaked too from the original A3, with the car riding lower, wider and with bigger brakes.  

Engine reliability is very much the same as the Audi TT, with the 2.0 TFSI being relatively strong aside from a few common issues pertaining to timing chains and turbos. A well-maintained example though should see many miles of use. 

A 2010 car, a second generation “8P” S3 will set you back around £5,500. As with the TT, make sure to check the timing chain status and listen carefully for any rattles.  

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