Are you in the market for a new car? If you’re considering an Audi Q7, you might be wondering if it’s worth your money. Indeed, many car experts rank Audi near the top of the list in terms of quality and desirability. After all, they are German engineered and reputed for being solidly built and quite durable. Unfortunately, this also means that they can be expensive to own once they are out of warranty.
Still, this is the car you want, right? You’ve read all about the specs in the Audi Q7 manual, test-driven it, and loved how it handled. The engine is fast and peppy, and you can’t get over how good it looks.
The only thing holding you back now is its cons — and at the top of that list is its price tag. You know that an Audi will set you back a pretty penny.
So, before we jump to conclusions, let’s dig a little deeper.
Diesel vs. Gas Q7 in Performance and Fuel Economy
When talking about the Audi Q7, there is a considerable debate between diesel and gas. Many people swear only by the diesel variant because of the superior torque and fuel efficiency, while others love gas for the pure performance.
Indeed, the Q7 TDI produces 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the Q7 3.0T churns out 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. And in terms of towing capacity, they fair exactly the same at 5,500 pounds.
As for the mpg, the diesel is better — the Q7 TDI gets 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the 3.0T gets 16mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
In short, if you are looking strictly at performance and fuel economy, diesel is better than gas.
How Reliable is the VW/Audi 3.0-liter TDI Engine?
Volkswagen and Audi are two car manufacturers known for their reliability. However, there are mixed reviews when it comes to the 3.0 TDI engine. In fact, some drivers report that their engine lasts for 200,000 miles or more, while others have reported issues after just 100,000 miles. As a result, with these engines, regular maintenance is critical — most of them run into difficulties within a few years if not maintained correctly.
As a result, there’s no need to mention that keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure your 3.0 TDI engine lasts for many miles, including regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other necessary services.
Overall, the 3.0 TDI engine is relatively reliable. But as with any engine, there will always be some issues. So if you’re considering purchasing a car with a VW/Audi 3.0-liter TDI engine, including the 2015 Audi Q7 TDI, do your research (but you are already doing that, right?) and make sure you’re comfortable with the risks involved.
Is the Audi Q7 a Practical Family SUV?
If you have a large family, the Q7 is a great option, thanks to its spacious interior and impressive on-road presence. Moreover, it’s packed with features families will love, including a panoramic sunroof, heated front and rear seats, and a rear entertainment system.
It also offers plenty of storage space, with a large cargo area and an optional third row of seating — everything you need for a fun weekend in the woods with the kids! And when it comes to safety, the Q7 has you covered with airbags, stability control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Whether you’re carpooling to soccer practice or going on a road trip for summer vacation, the Q7 is excellent for families.
5 Tips to Maintain a 2015 Audi Q7 TDI
If you decide to take the plunge and purchase a 2015 Audi Q7 TDI, it’s essential to make sure you take good care of it. Here are 6 tips to help you keep your Q7 TDI running like new:
- Get regular oil changes and tune-ups
Regular fluid and filter changes will help ensure your engine is running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
- Check the tire pressure and tread regularly
Properly inflated tires can significantly improve fuel economy and extend the life of your tires. Moreover, always rotate your tires according to the schedule found in your owner’s manual to prevent uneven and premature wear.
- Keep an eye on the coolant level
If the coolant level gets too low, it can cause your engine to overheat and seize in a very short amount of time. However, the cooling system in your vehicle is a closed circuit and the level shouldn’t lower with time. If it is, take a look in your 2015 Audi Q7 repair manual — you’ll find everything you need to identify and fix the problem in there.
Note: If you aren’t sure where to find a repair manual for your Q7, head over to eManualOnline. Their manuals are the same used by professional technicians and cost a lot less than having your cooling system tested at the repair shop.
- Read your 2015 Audi Q7 manual religiously
Following on the previous tip, this one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your Q7 TDI and how it works. Don’t wait for a problem to occur to read your manual, or at least skim through it. You might not need all that information right now, but once you do, you’ll be back on the road much faster if you already know where to start.
Better safe than sorry, right?
- Avoid potholes and other road hazards
No need to mention that potholes can cause severe damage to your tires, suspension, and alignment. Moreover, the 2015 Q7 comes with a pretty neat set of mag wheels but replacement ones cost an arm and a leg.
Unsurprisingly, we would suggest avoiding potholes as much as possible.
Last Words
Overall, the Q7 TDI is an excellent choice for an SUV. It’s got good performance and fuel economy, and it’s reliable too. If you’re looking for a practical family vehicle that can handle off-road adventures and long weekend getaways, the Audi Q7 TDI is definitely worth considering.
So what are you waiting for? Test drive one today, and YES, don’t forget to read the 2015 Audi Q7 manual for better insights — an informed buyer is a happy buyer!