Audi begs to differ with the theory that the crossover mania will kill out the automobile. Their selection of sedans, coupes, and convertibles has been growing.
There is still a lot to appreciate about Audi’s non-SUV lineup, as evidenced by the stylish and athletic S5 Sportback. Similar to the crossover lineup mentioned above, the sedan lineup is very simple to understand.
Therefore, whether you choose the two-seat TT and R8 or the A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8 (with their S and RS performance variants), you’ll receive a terrific balance of luxury and performance.
In This Article...
Audi A3, S3 & RS 3
The Audi A3, the brand’s smallest vehicle, is one of the more affordable ways to enter the market for luxury sedans. The little “3’s subcompact layout can accommodate five people, but it will be a little cramped.
Still, the A3 and its performance variants (S3 and RS3) are an excellent alternative to look at on the used market if you’re seeking for a real luxury car interior in a tiny car.
Even convertible versions are available, which is really cool. The current third-generation automobile has a lot to admire, but a new iteration is expected to arrive around 2022.
The base FWD 2015 A3 model has a turbocharged 1.8L engine with 170 horsepower, or you may choose the AWD 2.0L model with 220 horsepower.
The Audi S3 has a 292 horsepower 2.0L engine if you require even more power. The A3 costs between $14,545 and $27,982, and the S3 costs between $20,473 and $24,062.
Audi A3, S3 & RS 3: Tracking the Changes
- In 2016, the A3 received new standard features like parking sensors and a rearview camera. There is now a new “Black Optic Performance optional package.” Starting with the 1.8T Premium and moving up to the Prestige, depending on your needs. The A3 and S3 have price ranges of $18,457 to $32,812 and $24,644 to $28,258, respectively.
- 2017: Audi updated the A3 with a number of optional upgrades, including the new Virtual Cockpit instrument panel. A 400 horsepower 2.5L five-cylinder RS 3 was added to the lineup, while the S3’s front end appearance was modified. Prices for the A3, S3, and RS 3 vary from $24,388 to $37,174, $31,874 to $35,272, and $38,930 to $42,755 respectively.
- 2018: The A3 now comes standard with heated front seats and extra USB connections. Choose from the A3 trims, starting with the base Premium and going all the way up to the Tech Premium. The RS 3 receives no notable upgrades, while the S3 gains a new S Sport package option. Prices for the A3, S3, and RS 3 vary from $25,869 to $37,157, $32,712 to $37,182, and $46,125 to $50,584 respectively.
- 2019: Audi updated the RS3 with revised packages that provide consumers more technology and performance options, the S3 received a range of interior trim improvements, and the A3 received full LED illumination. The A3, S3, and RS 3 have price ranges between $28,562 and $45,825, $39,164 and $44,832, and $51,684 and $55,855 respectively.
- 2020: Audi updated nearly every package with new features and options, however the convertible model was cancelled. The A3, S3, and RS 3 all have MSRPs between $33,300 and $36500, $43,000 and higher, and $56,200 and above, respectively.
Audi A3, S3 & RS 3: Reliability
The Audi A3 ranks fourth out of 17 luxury small cars with a Repair Pal dependability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0. With an average annual repair cost of $741, it is rated as “average” in terms of ownership costs.
Major faults are not that frequent for the A3 due to the low severity of repairs and average frequency of those problems. Repair Pal did not rank the S3 or RS3.
Audi A3, S3 & RS 3: The One to Buy…
We’ve had a chance to drive the RS 3, and the turbocharged 2.5L five-cylinder engine is a real delight.
Look at the 2018 Audi S3, which has an average cost of $34,947. Even the lowest Premium Plus trim comes with some nice features. The 292 horsepower engine is more than adequate to move the 3461-pound car along rather nicely, making it a lot of car for the money.
Audi A4, S4 & RS 4
Although the Audi A4 and its performance versions are classified as “small executive sedans,” they have grown in size over time. The A4 received its most recent modification in 2016 and now has an 188 horsepower turbo-four and a seven-speed automated transmission.
Alternatively, a 252 horsepower variant is available. Although the A4 is most frequently purchased in sedan configuration, it is also offered in Avant wagon and Allroad lifted-wagon configurations.
For newer 2018 models, prices range from $26,336 to $37,069, making them a good alternative in the luxury car market. Look at the S4 if you need additional power.
A powerful 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine with 354 horsepower is standard on vehicles made in 2017 and beyond. The price range for the 2018 model is between $40,677 and $48,810.
The Audi RS 4 has the most power. You’ll have to look back at earlier versions; for instance, the 4.2L V8 with 420 horsepower was available in the 2008 model year.
If you’re courageous enough to take on a 13-year-old performance automobile, prices range from $18,988 to $24,667.
Audi A4, S4 & RS 4: Tracking the Changes
- 2017: The 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine in the 2017 A4 produced 252 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque. It was a brand-new vehicle. For 2017, there was no S4; prices for the A4 ranged from $22,964 to $31,724.
- 2018: Audi introduced the “Black Optics performance-themed package, and the entry-level Premium trim now comes standard with heated front seats. When the performance-oriented S4 was introduced, it had a bigger 3.0L V6 engine with 354 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The A4 costs between $26,336 and $37,069, while the S4 costs between $40,677 and $48,910.
- In 2019, Audi revised the exhaust system, the Sport package, and the Convenience package for the A4, and made the front and rear bumpers from the S line package standard. The A4 costs $30,030-$43,472 while the S4 costs $39,470-$53,370.
- 2020: A mid-cycle makeover by Audi changed the exterior and interior style once more. All variants now come standard with LED headlights and taillights, and the infotainment system was completely redesigned with a larger screen. The A4 has an MSRP between $37,400 and $40,900, while the S4 has an MSRP starting at $49,900.
Audi A4, S4 & RS 4: Reliability
The Audi A4 is ranked 14th out of 31 luxury midsize automobiles, with a Repair Palreliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, similar to the A3. They continue by pointing out that the typical yearly repair cost is $739, indicating that it has “average costs of ownership.
Both the regularity and seriousness of repairs are assessed as “Compared to all other vehicles, average.
The S4 receives a 2.0 out of 5.0 Repair Pal dependability rating, with frequency and severity noted as being higher than normal.
Audi A4, S4, & RS 4: The One to Buy…
The 2018 model is where the Audi A4 shines on the used car market. It’s useful, cozy, and upscale with new standard features like heated seats.
Additionally, with a used average price of just over $31,700, it’s a wonderful place to start for your demands in terms of a luxury sedan or wagon.
Audi A5, S5 & RS 5
The two-door coupe and convertible body styles that were first introduced for the Audi A5, S5, and RS 6 are still in use today. The first generation was in power for a remarkable nine years (20072017).
The base engine for the 2017 A5 was a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 220 horsepower. Alternatively, you may choose a wild 2.9L twin-turbo V6 with an astonishing 450 horsepower in the top-spec RS 5 (2018+) or an S5’s 3.0L turbo V6 with 333 horsepower.
Audi A5, S5 & RS 5: Tracking the Changes
- 2018: With a fantastic combination of features and possibilities, the “5-Series” was completely new for 2018. The base engine for the A5 had 252 horsepower, the S5 had a 3.0L engine with 354 horsepower, and the 2018 Audi RS 5 had 450 horsepower. In 2018, the formerly exclusive to the European market Sportback was introduced, adding two extra doors while maintaining the coupe style. Prices for the A5, S5, and RS 5 vary from $31,237 to $42,970, $43,688 to $53,724, and $61,990 to $66,675 respectively.
- In 2019, the A5 gains new Black Optic sport package, more available driving assistance technologies, and additional package, trim, and style options. Prices for the A5 range from $36,450 to $53 839, the S5 from $44,759 to $61 678, and the RS 5 from $73,790-$79 091.
- 2020: All versions receive upgraded infotainment with a 10.1-inch touchscreen along with improved external styling. The A5 costs $42,900 and above, while the S5 costs $51,900 and up.
Audi A5, S5 & RS 5: Reliability
The majority of the similarly sized Audi vehicles share their engines, but the A5 does not have a Repair Pal rating. Unfortunately, the Audi S5 only receives a reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0, placing it 30th out of 31 premium midsize automobiles.
It has “low ownership expenses,” as seen by the $1,164 average yearly repair cost. Repairs are needed more frequently and with more severity than on a typical vehicle. The RS 5 wasn’t given a rating.
Audi A5, S5 & RS 5: The One to Buy…
Once more, a fantastic place to start is with the 2018 A5 model. There is something for everyone in the wonderful variety of layouts, which includes coupe, convertible, and (the new for 2018) four-door Sportback.
Additionally, there is something for everyone with A5 models priced between $31,237 and $42,970, S5 models priced between $43,688 and $53,724, and the hefty $61,990-$66,675 for the RS 5. There’s a reason it’s at the top of our list of the “Best Audi Cars!”
Audi A6 & S6
A midsize “executive automobile” from the middle of the 1990s is the Audi A6. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower or the optional 3.0L supercharged V6 with 340 horsepower power the fourth generation (20112018). (standard on the Prestige trim for 2018).
The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 used in the fourth-generation (20122018) S6 produced a potent 450 horsepower and 406 lb.ft. of torque.
There is also an RS 6, however buyers in the US are actually limited to the 2003 model (which costs between $9,223 and $10,984) or the brand-new six-figure 2021 wagon variant.
Audi A6 & S6: Tracking the Change
- 2018 saw the installation of new base equipment. Premium trim features the newest Audi MMI system with navigation as well as keyless entry and start. The A6 costs between $29,465 and $43,391, and the S6 costs between $48,662 and $56,991.
- 2019: The all-new A6 was introduced with a hybrid 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque in addition to the conventional 248 horsepower four-cylinder turbo engine. A new multimedia system from Audi features two touchscreens. The trim levels Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige are available. There was no S6 in the lineup, and the A6 costs between $46,534 and $54,977.
- 2020: The A6 received lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, heated, auto-dimming, and power-folding side mirrors as standard equipment. The S6 returned for the 2020 model year with a new 2.9L V6 and 48-volt electrical system, producing a combined 444 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft of torque. The average MSRPs for the A6 and S6 vary from $54,900 to $59,800 and $73,900 and higher, respectively.
Audi A6 & S6: Reliability
The Repair Pal reliability rating for the Audi A6 is 3.5 out of 5.0, which places it 8th out of 30 luxury full-size automobiles. However, they continued to remark that the average yearly repair cost is $913, which is ranked as a moderate cost “very expensive to own.
Noteworthy is that the degree of repairs is “Major repairs are less prevalent for the A6 than average, and major troubles are less frequent than average.
Audi A6 & S6: The One to Buy…
If you have the money, acquire the 2019 and newer A6 because it has many fantastic improvements. It’s quite remarkable, with a wide range of engines, features, and options.
It’s not cheap, though, with an average used price of $50,755.50. Consequently, the 20172018 A6 model years are nevertheless fantastic to think about and include all you would anticipate in a large Audi car.
Audi A7, S7 & RS 7
Check out the Audi A7, S7, and RS 7 if you want the stylish coupe-like profile but require a larger midsize premium vehicle. The Volkswagen Group MLB platform underpins the A7, which is also known as a sportback and was initially envisioned as the “fastback variant of the Audi A6.”
Which pre-owned Audis are most trustworthy?
Since the 2017 generation upgrade, the A4, arguably the most well-known model, has become more dependable. Ratings for models dated before 2017 are very low.
Mid-sized car and useful commuting vehicle, the Audi A4. 2012-2013 models are without a doubt the most dependable years. The Audi A4 was ranked as the best small sedan for 2012 by U.S. News, despite being free of some mechanical problems like excessive oil consumption and engine breakdowns.
Is a used Audi a trustworthy vehicle?
Audi’s reliability as a manufacturer ranks 34th out of 40 on the Reliability Index, which shows that it is significantly below average. Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the other two significant German luxury automakers, do not much better, coming in at 30th and 31st, respectively.
On the other end of the scale are the dependable Japanese automakers Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, as well as the Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia. These automakers demonstrate their trust in the strength of their vehicles by providing warranties that are substantially longer, lasting 5 or 7 years.
The J.D. Power 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Study, which evaluates manufacturers by “issues per 100 vehicles,” supports this subpar performance. They compiled feedback from 11,530 owners of newly registered vehicles between November 2015 and January 2018 and counted the problems they encountered between 12 and 36 months after buying the car. With 167 faults per 100 vehicles compared to an industry average of 119, Audi ranks 22nd out of 24 manufacturers. Peugeot takes first place with just a 77.
Consumer Reports presents a significantly more favorable picture. Audi has dropped three spots to seventh place in the 2019 Consumer Reports manufacturer dependability rankings, with an average reliability score of 60% and its most and least reliable models being the Audi Q5 and Audi A3 Saloon, respectively. Even if this study only takes into account 29 manufacturers, some of which are American (thought to be the polar opposite of “German engineering!”) this is still a much better outcome than in other studies.
These contradictory statistics make it impossible to determine whether or not Audi is one of the least dependable automakers. It’s probably more helpful to consider the typical issues that Audi vehicles experience as well as the cost of repairs.