The Audi Q7 was Audi’s first SUV and imported to Australia in 2006.
Unlike an ever-increasing number of other vehicles in this field it was designed as a reasonably serious 4WD, not simply a people mover dressed up to look Tuff.
So good was that first Audi Q7 that it lasted for close to a decade, with the second generation not being released in Europe until 2015.
However, the second-generation Audi Q7 leans more in the direction of family wagon, rather than conquering the great Aussie bush and our seemingly endless deserts.
But it still retained good off-road traction using the hi-tech electronics that decide which wheels can handle the most drive and juggling between them.
Interestingly, Q7 is available as a five-, six- or seven-seater. The six-seat version was ignored by most and a large percentage of new car buyers went for the seven seaters.
Interior space is good, though as is usually the way the third row is best left for the junior travellers.
Initially, Q7 was available in Australia with a choice of a 171kW 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, or a 257kW 4.2-litre petrol V8.
A 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine developing 206kW was added to the range a few weeks after the diesels.
In September, 2010 the 3.6 V6 petrol was replaced by a V6 supercharged unit displacing 3.0 litres and producing 245kW.
The V8 petrol was also discontinued at this time.
If you think that too much grunt isn’t enough, you may care to buy a 6.0-litre V12 turbo-diesel with a 1000Nm – yes, 1000Nm – of torque!
It went on sale here November, 2009. With a price tag of over a quarter of a million dollars, these weren’t big sellers and it dropped off the import list midway through 2012.
Engines were mated to a six-speed tiptronic automatic until the 2010 makeover, when an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission was installed.
Both automatics have Tiptronic manual shifts for those who prefer to select their own gears.
The hot variant, the Audi SQ7 is powered by 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine with two variable- geometry turbochargers that can produce up to 2.4 bar of boost pressure.
It uses an electrically powered compressor (EPC) to blow air into one of the diesel turbochargers to reduce turbo lag.
The 48-Volt EPC spins up to its full 70,000 rpm within a quarter of a second and helps the exhaust powered compressor up to speed with the added air.
A petrol-powered 55 TFSI S Line was introduced early in 2021.
There are quite a few Audi dealers in Australia.
Most are in metro regions but dealers are increasing in numbers in major country cities as well as some large country towns.
These are complex vehicles and we suggest owners only tackle the most basic of repair and servicing work themselves.
It makes sense to use only professionals with training by Audi.
Insurance premiums are about average for an upmarket European model and there is seldom a great deal of difference in charges from one company to another.
If shopping around for the best insurance deal make sure you understand the exact comparisons from company to company.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A full-service record showing everything was done on time or by distance travelled, whichever comes first, is important.
Make sure the engine starts quickly and idles smoothly even when it’s cold. If possible, do this after the engine has been stopped overnight.
Ask if you can take it for a reasonably long test drive, not just a quick drive around the block.
If warning lights come on and off there could be major problems – pull over when it’s safe and ring the seller.
Better still, have the sales person or the owner sitting beside you during your test drive.
Check the transmission doesn’t hunt up and down through the gears when it should be holding onto a single gear.
People movers that do heavy-duty work carting kids can get seriously knocked about.
It’s smart to do the initial stages of your pre-purchase inspection by checking out the area behind the front seats.
Look at the boot floor and sides as well as the backs of the rearmost seats for damage.
Uneven front tyre wear probably means a Q7 has been the subject of some hard driving by an over enthusiastic driver.
More seriously, it may also mean one of the wheels is out of alignment caused by a hard thump against a kerb.
Or, still worse, that it’s done some heavy-duty off-road work.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on spending from $71,600 – $86,550 for a 2024 Audi Q7 45 TDI Auto quattro; $61,000 – $74,700 for 2021 55 TFSI S line; $34,950 – $45,750 for a 2018 50 TDI Black Edition; $28,350 – $37,950 for a 2017 plug-in hybrid e-tron; $12,400 – $18,500 for a 2015 Audi Q7 TDI Sport Auto quattro; while you can pickup the sledge hammer 2012 6.0-litre V12 turbo-diesel for as little as $20,200 these days — a car that was $257,700 new and could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.5 secs.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
BE SURE TO CHECKOUT OUR OTHER USED CAR REPORTS