When you hear the name “Audi” you think of a stylish high-end luxury vehicle. For some people that means impressing their friends, for others, it might be a way to elevate their social status or maybe you’re just looking for the most reliable vehicle for your family to enjoy. No matter the reason, it could mean a price tag your pocket isn’t ready for.
Buying a used Audi can be a tricky business, sure you might get a usually expensive vehicle for a more, agreeable price but is that deal really as good as seems? You may want to consult this list of the pros and cons of buying a used Audi.
Pros to buy old Audi Car
Mary Poppins did say that a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, so we’ll start with the pros!
Price
People will often sell their used cars for a lot less than you would have to pay to get it brand new. This price drop can be a lifesaver for your bank account!
Dealership Perks
With a name like Audi, there are perks connected. If you pick up your new-to-you used Audi from an official Audi dealership then you gain access to all kinds of perks! Things you otherwise wouldn’t get like access to a courtesy car during extended service calls and even warranty checks!
Less Depreciation
Everyone knows the saying “The vehicle loses value the second you drive it off the forecourt” it’s an old saying but it’s also true. In fact, your shiny new vehicle loses as much as 11% of its value as soon as you drive out of the forecourt. That might not sound like much but it can equal out to a lot of your hard earned money. Especially with the higher priced luxury models. When you buy pre-owned, you’re spending less out of the gate so you lose less overall if you decide to sell it later on.
Quality
When it comes to a luxury vehicle like a used Audi, even a pre-owned one has the same beautiful quality, as it’s a shiny new predecessor. Even if you choose an older model, you can still enjoy all the details you could only find in an Audi, like their hand-sewed leather interiors and tech-forward consoles!
Bragging Rights
Okay, this one doesn’t have as much to do with new or pre-owned as it does the name. Audi is one of three huge names a luxury vehicle and owning one (new or not) grants you some serious bragging rights.
Cons of Buying an Old Audi Car
Okay, we’ve finished the sugar and now it’s time for that medicine! Whether we want it or not, it’s a necessary evil that’s for the best in the long run so here it is, the cons.
Older technology
This might not seem like a big deal but the older the model, even with a used Audi, the less likely it is to have the technology you’ve likely grown accustomed to. An example of this is if you buy a used Audi from 2010 it may not have built-in Bluetooth. This means you wouldn’t be able to hook your mobile phone to your new car for hands-free calling, which is something that may be a major deal breaker.
Mileage
When you buy a used Audi (or any used vehicle) something you should always check first is the mileage. A vehicle is made of moving parts, the more mileage there is, and the more moving those parts have done which causes wear and tear. Buying pre-owned you always run the risk that those miles have damaged something you might not notice until it’s too late and repairs can be costly.
Warranties
When you buy a shiny new vehicle, one of the things you get with it is a full-service warranty. These wonderful warranties cover oil changes, engine and power train checkups based on mileage, mechanical issues, that may arise and cost you nothing. A used Audi doesn’t have these so anything you might need to do to get it back up and running would come right out of your pocket.
Lemons
Even with a luxury vehicle, there’s a chance (however slim) of running into a lemon. If someone is selling a used Audi there’s always the chance that you’ll be purchasing someone else’s problems. Before you buy to make sure you ask a ton of questions about its mechanical history and don’t be afraid to take a closer look.
Check under the bonnet for things like belts and hoses. You want them to be in good shape but if everything is brand new that can be a red flag. Brand-new can mean that it failed recently and was replaced or it could mean that the current owner is trying to hide a mechanical issue they don’t want you to see. If you have a friend or family member that knows a thing or two about cars it would likely be a good idea to bring them along! Or better yet pay for a full inspection from a licensed specialist.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to everything. If you’re dreaming of owning a luxury vehicle like an Audi, then you know it’s a major financial investment. Hopefully, this list will give you some things to think about and help you in your journey to purchase the perfect used Audi.