Audi is one of the most beloved premium car brands and recently also one of the fastest-growing in the US. But are Audis expensive to maintain, and what can you expect in terms of costs?
Are Audis expensive to maintain? The maintenance of an Audi is expensive, and if you intend to buy one, you should expect to pay nearly $1000 per year. This is much higher than the national average of $650. This high cost is due to expensive specialty spare parts used for these premium vehicles.
The belief that German cars are costly when it comes to maintenance isn’t that far from the truth. However, if you plan to buy an Audi, you should not only expect a higher servicing expense but also not how to maintain your car regularly to avoid additional costs.
Are Audi’s Expensive to Maintain?
As with most German cars, an Audi will be costly to maintain and repair. An estimated cost for annual maintenance is around $990, which is much higher than the national average of $650. However, it is something you expect from a premium German brand that produces sporty luxury cars. Their newer models have brought the brand to the top as one of the most reliable European brands. Their score is high for many things, including design, innovation, and build quality.
It’s Best to Take Your Audi for Regular Servicing
As with any other car brand, regular servicing will keep your vehicle in top condition. It’s recommended that you take your Audi for checkups on certain marks, but you should also take it to a mechanic if there’s any need for repairs. The table below shows the expected costs of regular service.
| Service | Cost |
| 10,000 miles | From $110 to $140 |
| 20,000 miles | From $460 to $610 |
| 30,000 miles | From $110 to $140 |
| 40,000 miles | From $710 to $910 |
| 50,000 miles | From $110 to $140 |
| 60,000 miles | From $500 to $680 |
Schedule Regular Maintenance at Recommended Intervals
While the scheduled servicing may differ from one model to another, some general recommended services are the same for each Audi. At the 10,000 mile mark, you should do a minor service. This includes replacing engine oil and oil filter, checking the brake pad, multi-point inspection, and checking and recording the completeness of the tire repair kit.
At every 20,000 mile mark, you should take your vehicle for a standard maintenance service. Do a chassis, engine, lighting, and brake system inspection, check the levels for all fluids, change the oil along with the oil filter. Lubricate door hinge, check front and rear axle suspension and underbody, make an adjustment of headlights, run a multi-point and tire inspection. Additionally, you can replace the wiper blades if your mechanic thinks it’s necessary.
The Cost of Common Unexpected Problems
Taking your car for scheduled maintenance may not be enough to keep it in almost pristine condition, as you may face some unexpected issues. These common repair costs may include electrical issues that can range from $150 to $1,000, oil leaks, which can cost you from $150 to $300, or water pump replacement (from $600 to $800). Additionally, you may need to replace the airbag crash sensor replacement, which will cost you around $550, and the wheel speed sensor, which ranges from $550 to $1,000.
In the following video, you can hear the answers to 13 Questions with an Audi licensed technician.
Audi Is a Luxury Brand, so the Maintenance Costs Are High
Not all models of Audi are the same – they are of different build, and the maintenance will vary in costs. Looking at the prices for spark plug and ignition coil repair, electrical component repair, the replacement of the catalytic converter, and valve cover, you can expect the following:
- If you own an Audi A3, the aforementioned repair costs will be around $2,800,
- The repair costs for an Audi A4 will be around $3,000,
- While the Audi A6 will be the most costly of the three, reaching the price of $3,500.
It’s safe to say that the larger the size of your engine and car is, the more it will cost you to repair it.
Besides Regularly Changing Tires, Consider a Warranty for Your New Vehicle
Regular maintenance and taking care of your four-wheeler is the key to lowering the costs and keeping your car running for a long time. However, you can secure some of the costs through a warranty, so you don’t have to pay for each service out of your pocket. If you’re interested in a basic cover, you can choose the factory warranty. It comes with all new vehicles and will cover the necessary repairs that may emerge from issues in manufacturing. The factory, as well as third-party companies, will provide you with an extended warranty after the initial has expired. These warranties cover more problems than the basic one does.
Additionally, you may be interested in a prepaid maintenance plan offered by Audi. It’s called Audi Care, and it covers scheduled maintenance for a specific period or mile marks. This is an excellent solution if you want to be granted services by a factory-trained mechanic that uses authentic parts.
An Audi Is Still a Big Deal in the Automotive Industry
The famous brand started its story back in the 19th century and has over a century in the world of vehicle and engine manufacturing, motorcycle production and racecars. Even today, they stand at the forefront of automotive technology, with only nine factories producing their cars around the globe. Their four-ring logo is the representation of the union of the past companies from which the current one emerged. Today, they continue to stand strong beside other German brands, like Mercedes and BMW.
