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Are German SUV's a Bad Buy? | Audi SQ5 Buyer's Guide

HumbleMechanic

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ANTI CRASHOUT INCOMING!!! We finally got a really good example of a B9 Audi SQ5 that doesn’t have water leaking out of the bottom… thanks Schmo-part. BUT, there’s still a ton of things you need to watch out for before you go down the SUV route, especially if you’re buying your first German SUV from the likes of VW, Audi, and Porsche, which tend to have similar issues depending on the generation. From rocker failure to piston slap causing TOTAL ENGINE DESTRUCTION in some cases, these are problems that are easy to call out before they happen, so come with me as we diagnose a few of them together. Also, we’re gonna go over all things depreciation: Why does a $70,000 SUV get knocked all the way down to $20,000 on the secondary market, and what are some key factors that go into this, anyway? We go over all of the pitfalls and problems of buying used SUV’s, and see if it’s even worth it in the end to buy used. I also explain how you can easily avoid all of these traps and make out a Marketplace / Bring-a-Trailer winner in the end…

Filmed and edited by the best video dude in the biz, Ray Youman

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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

Timestamps:
0:00 Depreciation
0:38 Potential Problems
1:33 Problem #1
3:52 How many bolts?
5:01 Problem #2
5:50 How bad is piston slap?
7:28 Rocker issues
8:42 Fake tips?
10:04 Parts in store...
12:22 Under the car
15:49 Paul install lol
18:01 Classic Touareg problems
19:37 Clean your sunroof!
21:03 Final verdict

20 Comments

@MidnightMiata 23 hours ago

I remember hearing Matt Farah once say "You're not buying an $80k car for $20k. You're buying an $80k car that has been beaten down to $20k, and the maintenance still costs the same." It honestly rings true with pretty much everything

@jamesisaphotographer 1 day ago

We drive VAG cars - we know all about the internal juices, Charles.

@noodlesatf 23 hours ago

You speaking to the maintenance and repair costs is exactly why I've never jumped at a used Audi. I am afraid of everything being fine, and then one day the thing that goes costs me three grand.

@AB-jk7tw 22 hours ago

Having owned 4 Audi cars, I can’t believe how much the quality and reliability of these cars has deteriorated and the cost of parts and repairs is insane. Plus of course the absolutely horrendous depreciation. We will be going to a Japanese vehicle for our next car.

@hopingforthebest1.9 1 day ago

19:00 Just bought a mk4 golf with no sunroof, you have no idea how happy that makes me 😂

@erikthie2253 1 day ago

i had a 2020 audi sq5(bought new) and loved it. But, the one thing you learn is that you don't keep these past 5 years as they will nickel and dime you to death. Then we traded it in on a 2025 Audi Sq5. Same body style (B9.5) and still love it but this one we built with air ride. The air ride is awesome. Have fun Charles, you are the guy who can work on these without issue.

@Adeline-e7z 22 hours ago

I’ve been looking at Q7s recently and it’s crazy how cheap they get, especially for ones with misfires or other problems, I’ve seen several under 5k ......

@knsaber 22 hours ago

I went and bought a 2018 SQ5 with 34k miles (overpaid for it), without knowing anything about the car. It’s now at 120k miles with no issues other than replaced rear springs, and some $40 vacuum device. Other than maintenance this thing has been amazing to drive. Only after going on the internet does my anxiety and stress go up driving the car thinking about when the engine will explode.

@Mk5rabbit 1 day ago

Bought a b8 s4 my dream car. About to hit 140k bought it with 126k:
-ac pressure sensor
-solid engine mounts
-all fluids changed
-trans mount replaced and upgraded.
-rear diff inserts
-sway bar links
-valve cover

Just the maitnance ive done to stay on top not including the small mod list.

If I couldn't do it myself id be out a lot more then I am! But I enjoy working on my cars. Was a tech for over 4 years.

Can do everything but chains and clutch in my garage. But the the price i got it for. I can have my buddy to chains and clutch at the same time whenever that comes up.

@matwajda4269 1 day ago

So 4 years ago I searched far and wide for my Touareg - 2017, R Line, Execline, Reef Blue Metallic. There was 5 for sale in Canada, 2 weeks after I got mine there was none. Got it at 130k km, now at 265k and LOVE it. It tows my actual broken mk5 Jetta around all the time

@NickGhaa 1 day ago

I wanted one, but the cylinder scoring scares me away.

@jacksontint 1 day ago

I’ve been looking at Q7s recently and it’s crazy how cheap they get, especially for ones with misfires or other problems, I’ve seen several under 5k

@laalaa99stl 1 day ago

I hope the YouTube revenue makes up for all your grief from copart. If you're building it I assume they eventually made good on finding the registration paperwork.

@treythehardway 1 day ago

as others said, my 3.0 TDI Touareg has been brilliant. Seriously torque forever and insane MPG for a thing that can tow 7,700. Too bad it’s like $175 to fill right now 😢

@EddieRicks-i8v 22 hours ago

Warranty is key Some insurance companies have a policy that covers cars up to 100k but it’s extra money every month. I did it on my mk6 gti and they did pay 💰 5500 when stuff went bad. It’s worth looking into. I wish I was a mechanic because I spent huge sums of money owning used vw/audi cars over the years

@davethedogdude 11 hours ago (edited)

I have an S5 Cabrio, as I decided I was tired of VAG sunroofs, so now I have no roof lol. I love the thing even if it may explode to bits one day, I will likely keep it until it or I die a horrible death whichever comes first. It is like a little pickup truck with the roof down, and big dog is happy in the back seat, so practical enough for me.

FWIW, there is an 8 year 80k extension and software update for the piston slap on anything 2022-2025 (B9.5), and I think there is also a different TSB / similar one for older B9 ones also. But they are as of now only replacing the pistons, not the block, unless there is deep scoring. Just visual scoring (IE can't catch your fingernail in it) they just are doing pistons. There is also an ECM patch they are applying to at least the years I listed that shows up in their recall portal that bumps up oil pressure for [various scenarios]. If that helps mitigate the slap or is just there to try to get the cars past the extension window, IDK, the only thing I notice since it was applied is my turbo spooling faster and my engine getting up to temp faster and more burbles and also more pops and bangs for [unknown reasons].

If you tune it that doesn't matter anyway as the tune becomes the boss of that.

@murryclein6935 1 day ago

Waterpump in my VAG made engine started leaking under 20,000 miles. Fixed it under warranty and sold the car as soon as factoey warranty expired and went back to japanese brand

@matthewgaines10 1 day ago

The recent failings of GM, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Honda soften the blow a little regarding VAG pattern failires.

@jarnograper2133 1 day ago

I love the Paul bashing 🤣🤣

@IainB 1 day ago (edited)

I bought my '21 SQ5 new, still love it. It's lowered 3" on ABT HAS. The PCV failure happened to 034's own car. It literally burned down. They make an upgraded PCV valve kit.