Audi Maintenance Cost
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Last Updated: December 24, 2022
Audi is one of the few German luxury brands that combines luxury, comfort and practicality with performance. The image above is my brother's two Audi's; the 2017 RS7 and 2016 Audi A8L. After hearing how much he had spent on the repairs for his Audi cars, I thought that this article is needed.
If you have your eyes on an Audi, you might be concerned about its average maintenance cost. Audi is a luxurious brand that is more expensive to maintain than other vehicles. According to RepairPal, Audi maintenance can cost up to $987, nearly double the industry average for car repairs.
More than the manufacturer-recommended maintenance goes into keeping your Audis running on the road. This is because these luxury vehicles require some advanced and unique parts, which are difficult to maintain and repair once damaged. You can avoid and anticipate these costlier mechanical repairs associated with your Audis by purchasing an extended car warranty.
What makes an Audi so expensive to maintain? Please scroll down to learn about your Audi vehicles' potential maintenance and repair costs.
Audi Annual Maintenance Costs
When considering the cost of an Audi ownership, you must budget for more than just retail prices. It would help if you were prepared to pay for Audi's general maintenance and repairs. Audi's average annual maintenance cost can range between $900 and $987, but this cost may increase for used Audis. The average Audi maintenance costs entail different scheduled maintenance services such as water pump replacement and other mechanical repairs. But this price may fluctuate depending on your Audi vehicle's age, model, and mileage.
Audi General Maintenance Cost
The average Audi maintenance cost can range between $200 and $300 every 10,000 miles for routine maintenance tasks. For larger mileage intervals, your Audi requires more extensive maintenance services, costing up to $875.
Right under this paragraph there is a small table with data from Repair Pal which breaks down the annual repair cost for each of the Audis. Seems like there isn't much data on A7 or A5, but the rest had quite a few reports on Repair Pal website. Below the table, I have given some frequent repairs for the Audi A4, which can give you a clearer picture of Audi maintenance costs.
| Audi A3 | Audi A4 | Audi A5 | Audi A6 | Audi A8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Repair Cost | $741 | $739 | $798 | $913 | $731 |
| Reliability Rating on Repair Pal | 4/5 | 4/5 | NA | 4/5 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Number of Reviews | 9 | 20 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
Battery
Manufacturers recommend testing your Audi's battery every 30,000 miles for three months. Audi's battery can last for three years. After this period, you will start noticing your car's interior light dim. This sign may indicate that your vehicle needs a new battery for about $300.
Air Filter
Replace your Audi's air filter regularly between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. A well-maintained air filter keeps your car's engine free from debris. RepairPal says replacing Audi's air filter can cost between $90 and $130.
Tires
Worn-out tires will not only impact the efficiency of your Audis but can also create a real danger for you. Audi tires with low air pressure or little tread can cause potential security concerns. You can replace all four tires of your vehicle at an Audi ownership, which can cost between $180-$330 per tire.
Oil Change
An oil change is the most frequent maintenance task for your Audi vehicles. Modern Audis with synthetic oil need an oil change every 10,000 miles. If you drive more than the average, your Audi requires an oil change every 5,000 miles. A typical Audi oil change can cost between $130 and $145.
Brakes
Testing your Audi's brakes once a year is recommended. You should check your vehicle's brakes twice a year if your brakes take longer to stop. Replacing an Audi brake pad can go up to $400.
Audi Maintenance Service
The following table will give you a clearer idea about the general maintenance cost of the Audi A4. (Data is collected from RepairPal).
| Service | Audi A4 |
|---|---|
| Radiator Fan Motor Replacement | $1,417-$1,531 |
| Spark Plug Wire Replacement | $109-$135 |
| Steering Knuckle Replacement | $1,307-$1,369 |
| Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir Replacement | $276-$306 |
| Tire & Wheel Assembly Rotate & Balance | $99-$125 |
| Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement | $661-$705 |
| Automatic Trans Shift Cable Replacement | $586-$646 |
| Stabilizer Bushing Replacement | $234-$291 |
| Yaw Sensor Replacement | $936-$965 |
| Air Conditioning Expansion Valve Replacement | $375-$489 |
Regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of your Audi vehicles. You can check your owner's manual details to know the specific mileage for different maintenance services. For example, Audi recommends servicing your vehicle every 10,000 miles or once a year.
Common Audi Repairs and Average Costs
According to RepairPal, Audi ranked 28th out of 32 car brands for its reliability. But J.D. Power says that Audi vehicles rank in the top 10 car brands for their dependability. If maintained well, your Audi can retain its pristine for longer with only a few mechanical repairs. Certain parts of your Audis must be changed or maintained after a specific mileage interval. For example, your Audi can encounter the following common repairs;
Oil Leaks
An oil leak is a common mechanical repair for both new and used Audis. If you observe smoke under the hook or a smell of burning, you need to fix this problem as quickly as possible. Oil leak happens due to damaged gasket seals. Replacing the damaged Audi seals can cost from $135 to $260.
Exhaust Leaks
Leaking exhaust pipe is another common repair associated with the Audis. If this problem occurs, you often need to replace your vehicle's catalytic converter. This happens when ignition coils and spark plugs have failed. Your mechanic may charge $250 to $380 for replacing ignition coils and $170 to $220 for spark plugs.
Electrical Component Failure
The electrical component failure in your Audi can cause the tail light to go out. This problem occurs when the connection corrodes, or the electrical wiring wears out. Diagnosing your car's electrical system can cost up to $200, whereas replacing the faulty components can incur additional costs.
Comparison of Audi Maintenance Cost with other Brands
Here we will compare the maintenance prices of Audi vehicles with different similar levels of luxury brands over ten years.
| Brand Name | Avg. Maintenance Cost Over10 Years |
|---|---|
| Audi | $12,400 |
| BMW | $17,800 |
| Mercedes Benz | $12,900 |
| Lexus | $7,000 |
Audi Maintenance Schedule
Audi offers a specialized maintenance schedule for each model, like other reputable brands. This maintenance schedule will significantly determine how much you need to pay to maintain your Audi vehicles.
Audi categorizes its maintenance schedule into three classes: Minor, Standard, and Additional. The following table will help you determine what type of maintenance schedule your Audi requires.
| Audi Maintenance Schedule | Class Type | Services Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Every 10,000 miles | Minor | Tire check, multi-point inspection, oil change, and brake system check |
| Every 20,000 miles | Standard | All minor maintenance services plus specific system checks |
| Every 60,000 miles | Additional | Air filter replacement |
| Every 30,000 miles to 80,000 miles | Additional | Spark plug replacement |
Prepaid Audi Maintenance Plan
Audi offers a customized prepaid maintenance plan called Audi Care. This plan covers all the scheduled maintenance services for a specific mileage interval you choose. The Audi Care plans may vary depending on your model year. For example:
- 2010 to 2016 Audi models can get prepaid maintenance plans for up to 85,000 miles
- 2017 to 2019 Audi models can get a prepaid maintenance plan for up to 90,000 miles
- 2020 and newer Audi models can purchase a prepaid maintenance plan for up to 80,000 miles
Each Audi Care plan promises that certified and trained mechanics will complete the scheduled maintenance services using genuine Audi maintenance parts. The average cost of the Audi Care plan may range between $800 and $1,350, depending on the model you have.
Audi Manufacturer Warranty Coverage
To help drivers avoid expensive repair bills, Audi offers a factory warranty for new cars. This warranty covers only Audi replacements of repairs due to defective installation. The Audi's factory warranty can last 50,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first.
The Audi manufacturer warranty has bumper-to-bumper coverage that includes a limited range for corrosion perforation and free first-schedule maintenance service for 12 months. Above all, this plan offers roadside assistance for the duration of the factory warranty.
Extended Warranty
Budgeting for Audi's unexpected electrical and mechanical repairs can be stressful. However, you can cover these sudden breakdowns by purchasing an extended car warranty from the manufacturer or an independent warranty provider. In addition, vehicle service contracts can protect you from paying out of pocket to replace or repair the defective parts of your Audi vehicles.
With extended warranties, you only have to pay for deductibles and contract costs. As a result, it can help you make your Audi maintenance costs more affordable.
Audi's extended warranty plan offers three different methods extending up to 120,000 miles or ten years. Each project entails the following:
- The platinum plan is a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plan that covers nearly all electrical and mechanical components on your vehicle.
- Gold extended warranty plan covers the powertrain and some additional components, such as electric parts, fuel systems, and climate control.
- The powertrain is a fundamental warranty plan that covers your car's transmission, engine, transfer case, and drive axles.
If you want to avoid purchasing a manufacturer-extended warranty for your Audi, you can get it from a third-party warranty company. Our top recommendations for third-party extended warranties include the following:
The Bottom Line
Audi is a reliable and luxurious brand that is more expensive to maintain than the industry average. The sudden mechanical and electrical Audi repairs can result in a significant financial burden. However, you can save on your Audi maintenance cost by purchasing an extended warranty from manufacturers or independent service providers.
The Car Data Review Methodology
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and warranty plans to give you this rating.
- Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car warranty company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
- Customer Services: Trusted extended car warranty companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.
Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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