Can anyone tell me the reliability of this engine? i'm looking to buy a c8 2019 audi a7 3.0 diesel.

will it do badly in a mix of motorway and town driving?

lots of country roads near me, but also have to do motorway trips a couple of times a week. (50 mile round trips)

are there frequent problems with this engine? i've never driven a diesel before!

buying from an audi main dealer, full service history, it has 30,000 miles on the clock.

any checks i need to do ?

Edited October 18, 2025Oct 18 by quattrorally
more info

Hello ? ( could you please amend your profile to include your name. We like to address members by name).
First points first:- 

I’m surprised an Audi dealer is retailing this 6/7 year old vehicle, since they normally operate on trading anything over 5 year old.

Have you done a DVLA Vehicle Check on this to see when the last V5 was issued? This will point to possible short term ownership - perhaps returned under issue? 
MOT history check? Requested the seller e-mails you a copy of the service history? 
Please bear in mind that the car has covered a mere c5k/a - very low for a diesel - and they generally don’t like short runs. 
Perhaps you could comeback to us with some answers.

Regards,

Gareth.

Quote

I’m surprised an Audi dealer is retailing this 6/7 year old vehicle, since they normally operate on trading anything over 5 year old.

I think those days are long gone. I'm seeing lots of 18 plates even from Audi dealers! 

the dealer told me it's had 2 owners in total.

The MOT History looks good, with 1 advisory. "Engine cover and undertray obscuring view".

Date of last V5C (logbook) issued is 29 September 2025 -

what does this mean?

Thank you Gary,

Last V5 issued 29/9/25, could mean that the vehicle had a change of owner less than a month ago! 
I might just mean that it was on a cherished plate until then, but….

You will obviously need to find out if it was a ‘rejected within 30 days’ vehicle. No good asking the salesman! 
It’s not my money, but if it was, I would be moving forward very carefully, and knowledgeable that salesmen always tell you what you want to hear

Again, have you had sight of the service history rather than accepting that you have been told it has it? This should give you a history of parts replaced as well as routine servicing. 
When you do have sight of it, and hopefully it stacks up  well, I would be spending £9.99 on a VCheck history of the vehicle. This will give you mileage confirmation, any instances where it’s gone through auction, changes of ownership - with dates. Always well worth a tenner.  

1 hour ago, Magnet said:

Thank you Gary,

Last V5 issued 29/9/25, could mean that the vehicle had a change of owner less than a month ago! 
I might just mean that it was on a cherished plate until then, but….

You will obviously need to find out if it was a ‘rejected within 30 days’ vehicle. No good asking the salesman! 
It’s not my money, but if it was, I would be moving forward very carefully, and knowledgeable that salesmen always tell you what you want to hear

Again, have you had sight of the service history rather than accepting that you have been told it has it? This should give you a history of parts replaced as well as routine servicing. 
When you do have sight of it, and hopefully it stacks up  well, I would be spending £9.99 on a VCheck history of the vehicle. This will give you mileage confirmation, any instances where it’s gone through auction, changes of ownership - with dates. Always well worth a tenner.  

waiting to receive service history.

just did the vcheck. 2 owners. last owner only had it 6 months and 3 days

Um! 6months?? Always worth spending £9.99.

Solid engine, will be paired with 8-speed Tiptronic. If this has mild hybrid 48v they can be a nightmare to repair. 3.0TDI has lots of low end torque.

Diesels don’t like town driving, so if mainly country driving and motorways, that’s fine.

You’ll also find these Euro 6 diesels have DPF, EGR, AdBlue, etc. That’s fine as long as engine gets to temperature and decent runs 30 mins or more. I add Forte anti-crystal to every AdBlue top up and run premium diesel only. Fuel filter needs changed every 20k miles. I also change oil every 5-6k miles. I’m spanner handy, but this will be my last diesel, so I don’t want any crippling bills.

If you’re buying with Audi finance you can usually get 2 year warranty, or 12 months if cash only. Maybe Audi have changed their sale proposition, but that’s my experience.

If the car has only had 2 oil changes in its life, not unusual on long service intervals of 15-18k miles, I’d look elsewhere to be honest, irrespective of the mileage.

Edited October 18, 2025Oct 18 by spartacus 68

6 hours ago, quattrorally said:

waiting to receive service history.

just did the vcheck. 2 owners. last owner only had it 6 months and 3 days

Have you got the reg number handy ? 

8 hours ago, Magnet said:

Um! 6months?? Always worth spending £9.99.

yeah 6 months.... bit strange.

but also thinking hey...i have a 30 day right to reject in the uk right? what's the worst that could happen? that coupled with a year warranty, should provide some peace of mind, right?

7 hours ago, spartacus 68 said:

Solid engine, will be paired with 8-speed Tiptronic. If this has mild hybrid 48v they can be a nightmare to repair. 3.0TDI has lots of low end torque.

Diesels don’t like town driving, so if mainly country driving and motorways, that’s fine.

You’ll also find these Euro 6 diesels have DPF, EGR, AdBlue, etc. That’s fine as long as engine gets to temperature and decent runs 30 mins or more. I add Forte anti-crystal to every AdBlue top up and run premium diesel only. Fuel filter needs changed every 20k miles. I also change oil every 5-6k miles. I’m spanner handy, but this will be my last diesel, so I don’t want any crippling bills.

If you’re buying with Audi finance you can usually get 2 year warranty, or 12 months if cash only. Maybe Audi have changed their sale proposition, but that’s my experience.

If the car has only had 2 oil changes in its life, not unusual on long service intervals of 15-18k miles, I’d look elsewhere to be honest, irrespective of the mileage.

since you're done with diesel, what are you going for next?

i'll have to wait to receive service history before answering the other questions. i imagine it probably has had only 2 changes...most people just do whatever the garage tells them to do i guess?

in the meantime, i test drove a Model Y today, and that's really thrown a spanner in the works. i loved it. 

35 minutes ago, quattrorally said:

since you're done with diesel, what are you going for next?

I’m hanging on to my A4 Allroad 3.0TDI (272) time-being. You can’t buy them now, and to be honest the technology that’s managing Euro 6 engines will throw up expensive issues down the line.

My wife has a BMW i3 REx, which keeps my hands full. It’s either running sweet as a nut or it’s thrown it’s teddy out of the pram.

To be honest, if I had the cash I’d consider a Kia given their 8 year warranty. I’m done with garages.

Your call of course Gary, and yes 30 day right to reject, and warranty, but rejecting = unwanted hassle, as does trying to argue warranty claims with the so many wear and tear clauses. As has been said before, low mileage isn’t always a bonus, and indeed can become a handicap, particularly with diesels. 

@Audisq524 Thanks Bob, but we tend not to ask such questions on here, in preference to pointing members to the systems they need to do their own checking - as in this case. If a member does want to reveal the reg. no. then they are welcome to do so, but generally they don’t.

Regards,

Gareth. 

10 hours ago, quattrorally said:

yeah 6 months.... bit strange.

but also thinking hey...i have a 30 day right to reject in the uk right? what's the worst that could happen? that coupled with a year warranty, should provide some peace of mind, right?

since you're done with diesel, what are you going for next?

i'll have to wait to receive service history before answering the other questions. i imagine it probably has had only 2 changes...most people just do whatever the garage tells them to do i guess?

in the meantime, i test drove a Model Y today, and that's really thrown a spanner in the works. i loved it. 

Hi I can vouch on the Telsa Model Y been driving the dual motor long range for 3 years, absolutely lovely to drive, the power is ridiculous in standard, the chill mode is more than enough, no issues what so ever in 3 years of driving I only changed the set of tyres!! Only thing I found was comparing to my A7 the build quality seemed tinny in places. 
Just got my A7 back from a having the Coolant Change Over valve, Water Pump, etc at £1800 mind you that’s including £400 for TRW discs & pads plus MOT which passed with no issues!

3 hours ago, NJP10 said:

Hi I can vouch on the Telsa Model Y been driving the dual motor long range for 3 years, absolutely lovely to drive, the power is ridiculous in standard, the chill mode is more than enough, no issues what so ever in 3 years of driving I only changed the set of tyres!! Only thing I found was comparing to my A7 the build quality seemed tinny in places. 
Just got my A7 back from a having the Coolant Change Over valve, Water Pump, etc at £1800 mind you that’s including £400 for TRW discs & pads plus MOT which passed with no issues!

how is the ride quality? i test drove the new model Y, which is not what i'm in budget for, hoping the older one isn't uncomfortable?

I'm coming from a B9 Audi S5, which was unfortunately written off.

I'm finding the process of finding an adequate replacement such a pain in the !Removed!.

God knows why people spec 2.5 ton cars with 2 litre engines!

Because of the simplicity of driving, i.e. the one pedal control makes life so much easier. The ride is very smooth on  local roads and on the motorway it seems to feel light weight, nothing like the A7 which hugs the road. Also the technology on the Tesla is very advanced, the lane assist literally sticks to the middle of the road, unlike the A7 which tends to drift side to side between the white lines. Space wise it is very roomy, generous boot and the front boot or frunk can fit a carry on case with ease.

59 minutes ago, NJP10 said:

Because of the simplicity of driving, i.e. the one pedal control makes life so much easier. The ride is very smooth on  local roads and on the motorway it seems to feel light weight, nothing like the A7 which hugs the road. Also the technology on the Tesla is very advanced, the lane assist literally sticks to the middle of the road, unlike the A7 which tends to drift side to side between the white lines. Space wise it is very roomy, generous boot and the front boot or frunk can fit a carry on case with ease.

 

thank you. that's helpful.

I think A7 vs Model Y is a tough question, but the options specc'd on the A7 + wifes preferences tipped me. The biggest one for me being the adaptive air suspension + b+o and sunroof. full spec listed at the end of my post below. 

i've put a deposit down on the A7 in question.

it's had at least 5 oil changes according to the official audi service history on top of the regular brake fluid changes.
it's a distance sale, so if for whatever reason, i don't like it, i have 14 days to send it back for a refund.

I noticed the "Service History Certificate" that was sent to me by the salesman shows a service plan that started in April this year(when the last owner bought it), and expires in 2029. it has a policy number next to it, and is labelled "VWFS". Can i assume this is transferable to me? it appears under a section called "Vehicle Policies".

Panoramic glass sunroof | Comfort and Sound Pack | B&O Premium Sound System | Full Leather package | Adaptive cruise control | Lane change assist | Keyless Entry | Adaptive air suspension | Privacy glass | 360 cameras | Parking Assistance Pack | Extend LED Interior Light Pack | Storage Package | MMI nav plus | Audi phone box with wireless charging | Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors | Rear view camera

The only option i'll really miss from my S5 is the flat bottom wheel. am i right in thinking that might have something to do with the Lane Change Assist ? does anyone know what that actually does? also curious about the parking assistance pack.

thanks all

1 hour ago, quattrorally said:

 

thank you. that's helpful.

I think A7 vs Model Y is a tough question, but the options specc'd on the A7 + wifes preferences tipped me. The biggest one for me being the adaptive air suspension + b+o and sunroof. full spec listed at the end of my post below. 

i've put a deposit down on the A7 in question.

it's had at least 5 oil changes according to the official audi service history on top of the regular brake fluid changes.
it's a distance sale, so if for whatever reason, i don't like it, i have 14 days to send it back for a refund.

I noticed the "Service History Certificate" that was sent to me by the salesman shows a service plan that started in April this year(when the last owner bought it), and expires in 2029. it has a policy number next to it, and is labelled "VWFS". Can i assume this is transferable to me? it appears under a section called "Vehicle Policies".

Panoramic glass sunroof | Comfort and Sound Pack | B&O Premium Sound System | Full Leather package | Adaptive cruise control | Lane change assist | Keyless Entry | Adaptive air suspension | Privacy glass | 360 cameras | Parking Assistance Pack | Extend LED Interior Light Pack | Storage Package | MMI nav plus | Audi phone box with wireless charging | Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors | Rear view camera

The only option i'll really miss from my S5 is the flat bottom wheel. am i right in thinking that might have something to do with the Lane Change Assist ? does anyone know what that actually does? also curious about the parking assistance pack.

thanks all

oh crap, just realised, electrically folding mirrors is an option that isn't listed! madness.

2 hours ago, quattrorally said:

oh crap, just realised, electrically folding mirrors is an option that isn't listed! madness.

Retrofit them. Audi are as tight as a gnat’s chuff on specification options as standard.

8 minutes ago, spartacus 68 said:

Retrofit them. Audi are as tight as a gnat’s chuff on specification options as standard.

yeah, i'm not even annoyed at Audi. more annoyed at the first owner who didn't tick the £150 folding mirror option!  😅

i'm pretty naff with doing things myself, i imagine getting a professional to retrofit folding mirrors will cost a couple of thousand?

First owner may have been a company who had it on lease, and such things were not important - whereas price was. 

11 hours ago, quattrorally said:

yeah, i'm not even annoyed at Audi. more annoyed at the first owner who didn't tick the £150 folding mirror option!  😅

i'm pretty naff with doing things myself, i imagine getting a professional to retrofit folding mirrors will cost a couple of thousand?

I had the same issue when I got my Q5, which I was able to solve with this -https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006391047654.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.14b61802PFLsnL

Not 100% factory as it uses the existing mirror control switch, but for a couple of hours work I'm happy with them.

Not sure what the Lane Change Assist is about, I have Lane Assist which keeps you in the lane as long as there is 2 white lines either side. Also intrigued what the Parking Assistance involves - Does it park the car for you? &  the Storage Pack ?

Big shame about no folding mirrors that's unheard of! hope they are heated?

My A7 came with 1 Audi Service which I used up @ Audi Leicester and they recommended a 2 year Oil Change (Flexible) depending on mileage 18,500 or 2 years

3 hours ago, Magnet said:

First owner may have been a company who had it on lease, and such things were not important - whereas price was. 

true, but the car has lots of other things that are expensive!

i had no idea there was a difference between B&O and B&O 3D, took it for granted that my b9 s5 had the 3d system.

59 minutes ago, NJP10 said:

Not sure what the Lane Change Assist is about, I have Lane Assist which keeps you in the lane as long as there is 2 white lines either side. Also intrigued what the Parking Assistance involves - Does it park the car for you? &  the Storage Pack ?

Big shame about no folding mirrors that's unheard of! hope they are heated?

My A7 came with 1 Audi Service which I used up @ Audi Leicester and they recommended a 2 year Oil Change (Flexible) depending on mileage 18,500 or 2 years

which engine do you have?

parking assist and storage pack as described by the official audi documentation:

Quote

Searches for suitable parking spaces along the road by means of ultrasonic sensors, calculates the ideal parking path and performs the
steering action virtually automatically. The system can support the driver with: • Parallel parking in reverse • Exiting a parallel parking
space, driving forwards • Bay parking, both in reverse and forwards
Steering is performed by the vehicle, with the driver responsible for acceleration, gear changes and application of brakes.

Storage Pack
Includes the following items: • 2 cupholders in the rear centre armrest • Luggage compartment net for securing on the lashing points
on the luggage compartment floor • 2 rear 12V sockets

unfortunately, i think folding and heated mirrors come together as a £150 option which the dealer didnt mention to me.

link here: https://press.audi.co.uk/assets/documents/original/5688-AudiA7SportbackPricelistJune2018.pdf

i really dislike the wheels im getting.

they are "20’’ x 8.5J ‘5-twin-spoke V’ design cast aluminium alloy wheels with 255/40 R20 tyres"

does anyone know what i need to do when finding replacements? i just want a different design, don't need 21's.

i've never swapped wheels before, let alone on a car with adaptive suspension, any tips?

50 minutes ago, quattrorally said:

which engine do you have?

parking assist and storage pack as described by the official audi documentation:

unfortunately, i think folding and heated mirrors come together as a £150 option which the dealer didnt mention to me.

link here: https://press.audi.co.uk/assets/documents/original/5688-AudiA7SportbackPricelistJune2018.pdf

I have 3.0TDi (Not Quattro) Fully loaded apart from not parking itself, didn't come with Door handle sensors or boot sensor - And Night Vision Assistant