Before car enthusiasts purchase their Audi, many wonder how expensive this luxury auto is to maintain and repair. Audi is an expensive European luxury brand, and as such, they are a bit more costly to maintain and repair. According to RepairPal, the average annual Audi repair cost is $987, compared to the $652 associated with repairing a non-luxury auto. Although Audi’s are more expensive to fix, with proper maintenance, you can avoid most of the common repair costs that can arise.
In this article, we’ll look at the most common maintenance and repair costs associated with owning an Audi, so you know what to budget before the unexpected happens.
Audi recommends that all Audi vehicles receive minor maintenance service every 10,000 miles and standard maintenance service every 20,000 miles. According to RepairPal, the average Audi maintenance cost for a 10,000-mile service is between $200 and $300 (oil changes, filters, inspection, etc.). The average cost for a 20,000-mile service is a bit more expensive, ranging from $700 to $800 (i.e., transmission services).
While the cost of general maintenance items in your Audi will be determined by your specific model, there are a few essential items you can expect to budget for every year to keep your Audi running in tip top shape.
Brakes are part of the normal wear and tear of your automobile. As such, we recommend checking your brakes at least once a year if you live in a rural setting or twice a year if you live in a city setting. Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 35,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you notice your brakes take longer to stop, you should have them inspected immediately.
Cost: Audi brake pads can cost anywhere between $150 per axle and $450 per axle, depending on the type of brake pad you need. In some cases, brake pads can cost more if the manufacturer requires a specific type of brake pad that is not commonly carried.
All cars need oil to operate effectively. Most new Audi vehicles use synthetic oil that lasts around 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, if you live in an area where you are starting and frequently stopping, such as a city, you may need to change your oil every 5,000 miles.
Cost: Audi oil changes generally cost between $140 and $170 per oil change. By comparison, most mass-market auto owners pay between $35 and $75 for an oil change.
When your tires are worn out, it impacts your vehicle’s performance and can also be very dangerous. Over time your tires can lose pressure, and their tread will wear down. When this happens, your tires will not function properly, making them unsafe on the road. For example, when your tires have little or no tread, they will not work as efficiently on wet pavement.
Cost: You can expect to pay $180 to $330 per tire for factory tires at an Audi dealership ($720 to $1,320 for all four tires). When you factor in installation costs, new factory tires cost between $775 and $1,450 per tire ($3,100 to $5,280 for all four tires). By comparison, the average cost of a complete set of tires for other vehicles is around $125 to $150 per tire ($500 to $600 for all four tires depending on your make and model).
Your air filter helps to keep dirt and debris from entering your engine. As such, you must change your air filter regularly as it becomes dirty and clogged. Most vehicles require their air filters to be replaced every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, and they are replaced during routine oil changes.
Cost: Audi air filters cost between $90 and $130 to replace. By comparison, mass-market vehicle owners can expect to pay between $15 and $25 to replace their air filters.
As with all auto batteries, we recommend checking your battery every 3,000 miles. Over time, your battery power will wear out and need to be replaced. Typically, car batteries need to be replaced every three years. If you notice your lights getting brighter when you rev your engine, it may be a sign you need to replace your battery.
Cost: Audi battery replacement costs around $300. By comparison, other battery replacements cost about \$45-\$250, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
While the cost of general Audi repairs will be determined by your specific model, there are a few basic repairs you can expect to budget as your Audi gets older.
Over time, the electoral wires in your Audi may wear out or become corroded. When this happens, it impacts the electrical components in your auto. Before this happens, you may notice that your dashboard or display lights will not come on or turn off unexpectedly. You may also notice your tail lights aren’t working. When this happens, it could be a sign that the electrical component in your Audi is failing.
Solution: A technician will conduct an electrical system inspection to determine if there is a problem and to replace any parts that are not working properly.
Cost: Electrical system diagnosis for an Audi will cost between $130 and $200, not including the cost of replacement parts. Depending on the specific problem, parts and labor can cost an additional $200 to $1,000.
One of the most common mechanical failures on an Audi is due to a failing spark plug, and a bad spark plug can lead to ignition failure. If you are experiencing ignition problems with your Audi and your spark plugs are new, you may need new ignition coils.
Solution: Replace your spark plugs or ignition coils.
Cost: Audi owners can expect to pay between $170 to $220 (including parts and labor). New ignition coils cost between $250 to $380 to replace (including parts and labor).
Unfortunately, Audi vehicles have a reputation for experiencing leaky exhaust pipes. The design of the Audi exhaust system causes the catalytic converter to bend and open the joint that’s connected to the exhaust pipe. This allows the exhaust to leak out. If you suspect a leaky exhaust, you may need to replace your catalytic converter.
Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
Cost: Audi owners can expect to pay between $2,731 and $2,820. However, this price range does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
Leaking oil can cause serious and expensive damage to your engine. If you notice the smell of burning oil, see smoke coming from under your hood, see an oil spot under your car, or see any other signs of an oil leak, you need to have your car looked at sooner than later.
Solution: Replace seals or covers.
Cost: The average cost for an Audi A4 engine leak inspection is between $110 and $139. If you need to replace your oil seals, you can expect to pay between $135 to $260 every time your seals need to be replaced.
While an Audi is more expensive to maintain and repair than other less expensive mainstream auto brands, the cost to maintain and repair an Audi is about the same as other comparable luxury brands, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. According to Clark.com, the average cost to maintain an Audi over ten years is about $12,400, while the average price to maintain a BMW is $17,800, a Mercedes-Benz is $12,900, and a Lexus is $7,000.
The best way to reduce Audi repair costs is to inspect your vehicle yearly and at the appropriate mileage times (such as the 10,000-mile and 20,000-mile servicing). While these maintenance costs can add up, they will help keep your Audi in optimal condition and stay ahead of any potentially costly repairs. Additionally, new Audi vehicles come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty covering some repairs during the allotted time frame.
A manufacturer warranty is designed to cover Audi repairs or replacements due to defective parts or installation. For new Audi vehicles, manufacturer warranties cover defects for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. After this warranty period expires, you can explore purchasing an extended warranty to help offset repair costs as your Audi gets older and reaches higher mileage.
If you are the proud owner of an Audi, you want to do everything you can to keep it running at maximum performance levels.
At Orange Auto, we understand the nuances of luxury autos, including Audi, BMW, Porsche, Lexus, and Mercedes. Our team of expert technicians has the experience and training to handle all your maintenance and repair concerns so you can return to the open road. Whether you suspect an oil leak, need to replace your spark plugs, or need to run an electrical system diagnostic, the experienced Audi technicians at Orange Auto can help.
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