Audi Q7 TDI - Should you buy this Dieselgate SUV? 

If you'd like more information about the VW dieselgate scandal, these articles are very useful: www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/guide-to-the-volkswagen-dieselgate-emissions-recall- www.caranddriver.com/news/a15339250/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-vw-diesel-emissions-scandal/

So, the main question unanswered: reliability. What are the most common repairs for this TDI generation? What are the costs? I mean, the scary stuff that affects your wallet when you buy an old used car.

I’ve owned a 2010 Q7 TDI and currently own a 2014 Q5 TDI. It is absolutely the perfect engine for the way most people drive. It gets great fuel economy, it has a massive amount of torque and towing capacity, and the passing power on the highway is amazing. I was upset when I heard about the cheating, slightly embarrassed because I’d tell everyone who would listen about how great diesels are. I got some great compensation from VW, but the worst part of it is the death of passenger car diesels in the US.

I own one of these. Best car for touring I have ever owned.

I bought a 2014 Q7 TDI in Nov 18. I love the car, it fits the four kids when we take my car and gets 700 miles to the tank. For a family car that also is good for taking colleagues and customers out, it’s great.

Nice tutorial. The wife and I just bought a 2010 Q7 TDI used with 55,000 miles And love it! We are VW enthusiasts and really like the Touareg. I can say that the software update and cylinder sensors that were replaced for the compliance have no or minimal effect on torque and power. It moves well and outstanding mileage.

Great review. I really enjoyed it and this is yet another example of the outstanding amount of effort, editing, scripting and filming you put into your vid's. Love it! -Chris

I always enjoy how the reviews tie a certain landmark in with a vehicle, it's like a double feature

I own a 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI premium I’m getting about 580 on a tank or fuel and I owned a 2013 Volkswagen Passet TDI SEL which was getting me 826 mile on a tank of fuel. I love TDI’s I’m looking at the Audi Q7, and may become a owner of one soon.

I have the 2013 q7 TDI 29 MPG highway 7 seats, 4x4, after the "fix" before the fix we would get up to 31 mpg hwy. It is an AWESOME vehicle. I would rather drive it than the 2018 gas q7. (and i have tried it)

Great review! my family has owed two q7’s, the first a 2007 4.2 v8 the second an 2014 tdi. We got rid of our first one in 2014 when we upgraded to the tdi, the V8 gave us no problems except for regular maintenance which can be expensive but that comes with the Audi badge. The tdi hasn’t skipped a beat for us thus far in our ownership experience. As for my opinion on the tdi Q7 is that it is a gem of an suv that will never exist again. The gas motors will always be improved from generation to generation but the tdi won’t continue on. Yes the gas motors have better top end but the down low torque of the tdi is so useful in daily driving and the economy is crazy before the exhaust fix. We choose not to do the emissions fix on our Q7 as we like the economy and power it currently has. As for the emissions hurting the environment yes it’s not the best but I can stand behind the vehicle while it’s running and breath fine while being behind big diesel trucks I can not. Yes it is bad to not have the exhaust fixed but the 3500 Ram idling for 30 minutes in the cold before the owner goes to work is just as bad in my opinion.

Accidentally stumbled across this video. Great content. Awesome edit and camera work. Great info as well. You got my sub :)

I initially had a lease of a 2015 Q5 TDI. During my lease was when Dieselgate happened. Got some money from Audi & Bosch. Wanted to move up to the Q7, to accommodate a growing Great Dane puppy. Since by my lease end, all the noise about the existing TDIs had died down, I sent my Audi sales guy on a mission to secure a mothballed Q7 TDI, since the dealerships could finally sell off that inventory, since the TDI fix was applied. He found me a 2015 Q7 TDI Premium Plus, with 64 miles on it. Arranged a purchase at a huge discount, warranty starting in 2018, when I purchased, including maintenance program. While it gave me the extra room I needed, it lost some of the fun factor I had with the Q5 TDI, since it was the same engine in a much bigger vehicle. Again started an adventure with my Audi guy, to secure a fun car. After numerous test drives from everything from Mercedes SL's to even an older Porsche 911, eventually deciding on leasing a new S5 Cabriolet Prestige. Tons of tech and way more HP than necessary, but most certainly lots of fun. That is until having to replace the Extreme Performance Summer tires at 9k miles. The 2015 Q7 TDI was a refresh behind, design-wise relative to my Q5, but still very luxurious. When taking any kind of road trip, in excess of 50 miles, the Q7 is always my first choice, getting 28 mpg in such a big vehicle is great.

We bought the same Q7 last year. Love it. Chipped it and it gave it 35 more hp (275) and 74 ft lbs of torque (480). Pulls my boat way better the my Denali did and gets better mpg towing than the Denali empty. Got snow tires for the winter and with the Quattro it’s just about unstoppable. This is the best vehicle we have owned. Love it!!

Great video! Keep it up with the good content!!!

I have a 2011 Q7 V8 TDI - amazing SUV - great for towing our 2 tonne boat and amazing in icy and snow conditions

Trading our 2006 A4 Avant 2.0T with 535k kms (337000 miles) for a 2011 Q7 S-line TDI...this will be my 5th VW/Audi diesel and we COULDN’t be happier! Full size luxury SUV with serious towing grunt and decent fuel economy to boot...

While I don't have the diesel version, I do own the V6 (I wanted the V8 but settled)... and I absolutely love it!! As you said the gas mileage is pretty awesome considering... With the driving I do during the week, I can fill up and I won't need gas for another 10 to 14 days😮! Out on the open road I easily do 20+miles a gallon! From Los Angeles to Phoenix, no need to stop for gas! The ride IS luxurious and the handling is awesome on street, gravel, dirt, AND snow! It's roomy enough for us with all of their sports equipment and friends! Keep up with the maintenance and you're golden! The girls and I love the show, so keep up the good work 😁!!

I have the 2013 A3 TDI which I'll be giving back to Audi next week. I bought it used in Nov 2014 for 25k, and Audi is cutting me a check for almost 32k. It's the nicest car I've ever owned, drives smooth for having the sport suspension, seats are super comfortable, handling is excellent, the brakes are top notch, and the little 2.0 turbo diesel has enough juice to get up and go when you need it. The mpg numbers on this car are no lie either. Years ago when diesel was cheap, I did a road trip from LA, to Missoula, to Seattle, back to LA... best mpg per tank was 44mpg, and average was 39. The whole trip was just shy of 4000 miles only cost me $312 in gas. On average with fwy and city I get about 38mpg. I'm not sure what the numbers would be after the exhaust modification, but I don't plan on finding out. My experiences with 3 different Audi dealers has done enough damage to make me not buy another Audi or keep the one I have. Telling me I need service that's not in the maintenance schedule, telling me I need new brakes and rotors when I don't... just typical shady practices that I'm not gonna put up with just because I have a glorified Volkswagen. Plus, there's no way to do a proper alignment on the A3. If it pulls left, they have to adjust the subframe??? I had to bring it back 4 times and they kept telling me it was "tire pull" from new tires. Total nonsense. Transmission service is also $500.... to change fluid... five HUNDRED dollars. What I don't understand is, if my A3 gets 38mpg and emits twice the emissions as it's supposed to, how is that any worse than a super diesel Silverado or F350 that gets 12mpg? I don't see why anyone would get the exhaust mod and then sell the TDI, versus just selling it back to Audi... plus there's too much unknown about the exhaust mod and whether or not it'll affect other aspects of the car. Great cars, but I wouldn't try to buy one after the exhaust mod... if you own one already, take the money and run! My $0.02 Ethan, I'll see you at RADwood!

the trick to third row seats is to remove the middle row for great leg room

Also one of the Best SUV’s for the Winter .

I'm really glad to see all the positive reviews on the Q7. I have a 2013 TDI version and I love it but it has been in the shop pretty steadily since I got it. One repair cost over $13,000 for a blown piston. I'm coming to the end of my extended warranty and I'm terrified to keep it because of the cost of repairs. Also, since the diesel repair it has not been the same. Has trouble accelerating from a stop sometimes. I'm going to miss this car

my mom owns a 2014 q7 tdi as well. It’s a premium plus but it doesn’t have the air suspension or the bang&olufsen audio

Thanks for the video. I'm looking into buying one of these. Just been trying to do research on the reliability. I kind of got burned on the last 2 vehicles I bought used.

I have a 9L Touareg TDI. It’s definitely not as nice as the Q7 but I bought it for its off road capabilities and fuel mileage. It’s insane how a heavy suv can get better fuel mileage than my mark 7 GTI

I own a Q7 lol and that's the first thing that I actually tested was it's off-road capabilities in all terrains and conditions. And I for one was actually impressed for what it's capable of handling when it comes to off-road driving for it's class of SUV. The only time that I actually had trouble in and needed to be winched out. Was when I was driving on a mountain heavily snowed in iced road. And I had drove into a spot where a all wheel drive sedan had gotten stuck and the driver bottomed him or her self out on that car. Because who got me out of there said he helped them out of that exact spot. And by the time I drove my ass to that spot it had already frozen over and I couldn't get out no matter how much I deflated my tires.

I just bought a dieselgate "fix" 2013 Touareg Lux. Fantastic car, still good fuel mileage and power. plus, a REALLY good powertrain and emissions warranty. paid 13k for it at 95k miles.

I bought a dieselgate 2014 Jetta Sportwagen for $5,600 and I couldn’t be happier. Yeah the bumper has a few tiny scratches on it and the tires have slight dry rot from sitting but mechanically it’s amazing and very fun to drive. Plus getting 40+mpg is great!

Just bought a Q5 TDI 2015 what a vehicle drove 2100 miles first week and got 35.7 mpg on the highway over 650 mile range. Son in law also bought one power and quality recommend

Definitely!

My brother in law has a 2005 Jetta TDI with 200’000 miles and a 2008 VW cc gas and has never had any problems with his TDI. He’s already spent about $4,000 in repaired on his CC. I’m looking for a Q7 TDI for the wife and kids.

I bought a 2013 Q7 Diesel 3 months ago. Love it, and it is still under warranty for 2 years/ 30,000 kms. This covers all emission and fuel assemblies, all engine sensors, turbo and the computers for the engine and transmission.

Nice video! I enjoyed hearing about the coal plant history. The drone footage was cool. How did you get the drone to follow for the overhead shot? GPS follow-on?

Learned some good information on many levels. Not just a car review by any means! Really good job sir! Video quality superb also. I'm guessing a Canon 80D . . . no, my spider sense says something more

I own a 2012 audi Q7. Just watched the video. this is the best SUV ever the diesel before the update was amazing ive had a few problems with it since the update but well worth it. i could only imagine with a bigger turbo and some tasteful deletes how good it would be. Im keeping it stock amazing SUV is all i can say.

I’ve had mine for 8 years! Still is one of the best vehicles I have owed…I’ve owed 24 cars and trucks

Diesel is a great match for SUV's, that great low end torque is perfect for offroading and towing.

Hey! Do you guys have the same issue with your q7, I have a 2015 Audi Q7 the trunk can open from the remote button and the button from inside the car but it can’t close from either . Is this normal or something wrong with mine?

I love these diesels. I had a VW Jetta TDI new in 2011. I traded it in 2014 and made money just before the scandal broke. Kinda glad I did. I almost got a 2014 Q5, but decided to go a different direction. It’s a shame they aren’t offering diesels anymore.

We had one of these a few years ago also in the S-Line trim but with 20” rims which was a better ride. Awesome 7 seater but was overkill for our needs at the time so we replaced it with a VW Touareg

Yes I definitely would, a large vehicle for my family but need good fuel efficiency and since I live in the sub arctic hybrids are not viable because in the winter which is the majority of the year the fuel efficiency is cut in half if not more. And electric are out of the question because again the range is cut in half in the winter so I could never drive south because the closest charging station is 715kms away

Good sound.

They still looks badass today, I would get k e in a heartbeat, they hold their value super well, but they get great mpg for the size. In my opinion I think it looks better than the second generation Q7

Just bought a 2011 as a secondary vehicle for me and it needs tlc but is the first four door vehicle I’ve ever owned. I like it and understand it’s going to need a lot more up keep but I already own a vw so I’m aware lol.

Your production values are ridiculously good

Underrated

I would buy it in a heartbeat

Question. does it work when temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit?

That was an exceptionally factual and funny review. How do you get such great moving pictures. Have the 2015 Q7 S Line TDI with air suspension now 70k. No issues with this SUV. Cannot find a better ride. Tried the ugly newer model but prefer my TDI. Getting 30 mpg highway loaded with passengers and lots of cargo and going 80 mph most of the way between Cape Cop and Western Connecticut. Had the dieselgate fix. A bit slower off the mark and lost about 1 mile per gallon. Still love it more the the new Q7 especially the looks.

Things you notice after editing all night. D'oh, my shirt is ripped at 1:07. Tiny spider at 1:37!

Purchased a ‘15 Q7 TDI in ‘19 with only 2,000 miles on it. I now have 40,000 and it is my favorite car ever. My 1st car in ‘85 was a ‘79 VW Rabbit so diesels don’t scare me. I was so happy to finally get rid of the minivan (4 kids) and enjoy a cooler and faster car. Definitely worth it.

Do u have to use the ad def that they say is special or can you use another brand def

I am waiting for fully electric 3.0 V6 TDI. Anytime soon, Sir?

Very nice motor

Is there any way to know how much car has driven in real... If one is having doubt regarding kms on odometer in car?

Hmm ! So I have a 2007 Audi A6 c6 4f cu 3.0 wich has 233hp stock mapped and another few tricks and it has about 290hp it's got about 130000miles on the clock and it runs brilliant. Never had any problems with this beast of an engine . So now i'am thinking of something new like a8 at least 2011 ; a q7 at least same y ! Worst case scenario a6 V6 3.0 bitdi ! :-))

I recently purchased a 2014 Q7 TDI Premium plus and it has been a blast to drive and super on fuel. Personally i wish i would have found these sooner.

I've been driving a tainted TDI for a while now, 2015 golf, and it's been a great car. Even did a track day with it.

I’m looking around too I just wonder is reliability same as Volkswagen tdi suv or Passat or Jetta is Audi tdi as reliable ?

Hey 👋 guys !! I’ve just owned the Q7 2013 Quattro but I don’t know what is the perfect size of tires. Is it 275/40 or 275/45. I need help on this please !!

This has got to be one of the most accurate reviews I've seen lol.. I own a 2009 Q7 tdi s-line..

I own a Q7 s-line + love it very comfortable and smooth ride

a relatively modern vehicle that has already been produced will always be more environmentally beneficial than purchasing a new vehicle be it hybrid, CNG, gas, diesel or electric. The manufacturing cost alone will far surpass the tailpipe emissions of this vehicle. The real benefit will be using renewable's to produce vehicles but no factory has done that including tesla's manufacturing facilities. From this perspective using what you have until it is no longer cost effective or manageable to replace it is far better for the planet than replacing a vehicle with a new one.

Love my Q7 great drive

Love it. We have the non-diesel 3.0T model. Drives amazingly, and is packed with luxurious and cool features.

Proud owner of a 2014 A6 TDI. Thing moves and gets great gas mileage. No issues at all with mine. Runs like a champ.

I own two 2008 Q7's and these are great cars.

Women seem to go crazy for this car, maybe it’s the beefy, muscular looks. My wife is pushing for me to get one.

I was able to track down a 2012 TDI from someone who wasn't put off by Dieselgate and held on it until 2020. It's a fine car, lots of torque, great acceleration for its weight and under ideal conditions, around 600 miles per tank. The AWD is a bonus too.

I have one we live it 29 mpg on highway at 70mph

I actually just bought a 2015 like 6 hours ago. I love it!!!

Had the Q7 2014 v12 diesel for a while ever since 2016 it’s been 8 years and just recently I sold it and got a jeep grand Cherokee laredo 2015 , I miss my car so much regret it so much , it’s actually very practically especially with a family of 6

Looking at a 13 q7 with 120k miles for $15k. I would dpf delete and tune.

Yes I would own one, I'm in fact looking at reviews in order to buy one soon.. the thing with diesel and hybrid is that the governments will keep charging diesel and petrol users driving into cities and expanding those zones over time.. there is no escape, however, if an electric or hybrid version of this comes around, it wont be less than 60k or 70k.. and the charging networks are still lacking, so electrics have a long way to go to become affordable and common..

Soccer dad machine. 😂

I’m looking in to purchasing one of these but I don’t know what was changed from the 2012 to the 2013+ models regarding the mpg and hp rating. Stats show it’s the same motor, same transmission, and same gear ratios. Anyone know why the newer models get better mpg’s according to KBB.com compare?

I have a 14 Jetta sportswagen TDI and absolutely love it! I’m buying one of these next. While Electric is the future it could be decades before they master it and the lithium batteries they use are horrible for the environment.

I bought a 2015 Q5 3.0 TDI Premium Plus for my wife and she absolutely loves it, I think I have had 3 opportunity's, of coarse with her permission to drive it, oh yeah I forgot to mention, I got to drive it to Rudy's where they sell super premium diesel, although it does 32 miles mpg, it was well worth the driving experience, I really don't mind paying for it and not driving it, its also a pleasure in the passenger seat, if you get a chance test drive one especially if it has the Bang & Olufsen 16 Speaker Audio System, you might end up a lucky person like me !

Thinking about buying one of these or an A6 and doing a full delete + Stage 2 on it

Yes, I will drive Q7 TDI at $10k used, but I will remove the extra seats that I'll never use to lighten it up. Subaru outback gets 28-30mpg with gas engine but Q7 is much more luxurious with much higher tow rating, and less maintenance.

Thinking about owning one, someone tell me the pros & CONS

I want one

I had a A6 3,2 quattro with sline and Navi and first indulgement into the MMi and i could figure out everything. Unlike the one they have in BMW 540. When you say you cannot get to grips with the MMi in over a week of using...then either you are being sarcastic or you just don't like the brand, which brings the question; why are you talking about it anyway?

Yes.

We've been talking about a bigger car and I've been looking at a Durango 5,7 but just found out that the hemi got some major engine problems with the lifters. Since we're in Sweden the big v8 wouldn't be optimal and a xc90 is maybe the right choice but they're a little pricey and the same thing with the Q7 new model... Have you tried the 3rd row in the new Q7 model? We're a big family and we need the biggest car out there but not a bus. It's hard to find old reviews of the old Q7 model but I know the new model is way to small in the 3rd row. What is your take on it and have you tried the new model? I just love the looks of the old model and with those 21inch rims!

I just want a tdi and this is the way to do it! Love my Alh Jetta! I’d rather fix this then a duramax any day of the week. The issues are from people who don’t know anything about diesels and not properly maintaining them by taking them to stealerships who put the junk parts on to begin with. Cp3 swap, tune, delete and it will last a long time. This will be my first audi but I trust it more then any gas version lol

1st off nice to see a youtuber in my neck of the woods lol 2nd yes I would drive it but im more interested something more fuel efficient like a golf/jetta tdi with the 6spd standard

I traded my Rolls Royce for a 2014 Q5 3.0TDI that had just come out of storage for 3 years and got the fix. Absolutely love driving the car and average about 35 mpg. Just did a 2.5 hour trip with a/c on and got 42 mpg. I really like the way it handles and drives and great power. My partner enjoys riding in it and says it has more headroom than the RR.

I'm planning on buying one later this year a used 2015 mind you because the tdi is no longer an option

Man, our Q7 has been in the family since around 2012 and I’m just now finding out about the AC sync feature🤯 You’re a hero🫡

I've always been a Range Rover & Discovery fan and having decided to replace my vehicle, opted for a 2014 Q7 S Line Plus Sport- wow what a machine, certainly made the right choice and don't think I'd go back to Land Rover as they're too unreliable. Audi get the thumbs up!

Diesels just make sense for SUVs, sad that the latest gen X5 hasn't had a diesel power plant announced yet.

Lol at "nobody who owns a Q7 is taking it off road." Prob true! Good stuff Ethan!

I drive a Q5 TDI and getting 35MPG and 630 on a full tank it's the love of my life.

How much does cost To fill from empty to full

Didn’t see this car review going green new deal on me. Wanted a review on a Q7 TDI instead I got a lesson on a coal plant in Massachusetts

I would

I own one great car

Hey!! I am from Spain and im looking for buy an audi q7 2006 model the 3L diesel.. just wanted to say that i like this vehicle bucause of hes praticalety

So are these still a good buy even after the fix ?