When estimating the cost of Audi ownership, drivers should budget for more than just their luxury car’s retail price – they should also be prepared to pay for scheduled maintenance services and repair costs. But how much does Audi maintenance cost on average?
This article will discuss the average annual Audi maintenance cost and the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. We’ll also show you how a prepaid maintenance plan or a service contract from one of the best extended car warranty providers can save you money and give you added peace of mind on the road.
See how much our top recommended warranty providers can save you on Audi maintenance costs by reaching out for a few free quotes.
Average Annual Audi Maintenance Cost
The average annual Audi maintenance cost is $987, according to RepairPal. This price accounts for scheduled maintenance services, like oil changes and air filter replacements, and mechanical repairs, like water pump replacements.
This price could quickly fluctuate depending on your Audi’s age, mileage, and location. Despite being manufactured by the same brand, different Audi models have other maintenance requirements.
For example, you can find reliability ratings and estimated annual maintenance costs for a few popular Audi models below.
Audi Model | Reliability Rating | Annual Audi Maintenance Cost |
---|---|---|
Audi A3 | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $741 |
Audi TT Quattro | 3.0 out of 5.0 | $924 |
Audi Q5 | 3.0 out of 5.0 | $928 |
Audi A6 | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $913 |
Audi A4 | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $739 |
To give you a better idea of where these prices come from, let’s take a closer look at the cost of standard maintenance services for the Audi A4:
Audi Maintenance Service | Audi Maintenance Cost* |
---|---|
Oil and filter change | $143 to $178 |
Tire rotation | $44 to $56 |
Air filter replacement | $72 to $101 |
Cabin air filter replacement | $83 to $133 |
Brake fluid replacement | $77 to $97 |
Coolant replacement | $137 to $190 |
*Data from RepairPal. |
Audi’s ownership costs are average compared to other luxury car brands. However, RepairPal ranked Audi 28th out of 32 car brands, giving it just a 3.0 out of 5.0 for its reliability.
Audi Recommended Maintenance Schedule
The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule will play a big part in determining your annual Audi maintenance cost. Like many luxury brands, Audi has highly specialized service schedules for each model. Audi categorizes vehicle maintenance requirements into three classes: Minor, Standard, and Additional.
Below, we’ve outlined the primary services required for most Audi models. However, read your owner’s manual to determine what maintenance your specific vehicle requires.
Audi Maintenance Schedule | Maintenance Type | Services Included |
---|---|---|
Every 10,000 miles | Minor | Brake system check, oil and filter change, multi-point inspection, tire check |
Every 20,000 miles | Standard | All minor maintenance services, as well as specific system checks and part replacements if needed |
Every 60,000 miles | Additional | Air filter replacement |
Every 2 years | Additional | Brake fluid change |
Every 30,000 to 80,000 miles* | Additional | Spark plug replacements |
Audi Prepaid Audi Maintenance Plan
Audi offers drivers a prepaid maintenance plan called Audi Care. The program covers your Audi’s scheduled maintenance services for the specific period or mileage you choose. Audi Care plans are based on your model year:
- 2020 and newer models can purchase prepaid maintenance up to 80,000 miles
- 2017 to 2019 models can purchase prepaid maintenance up to 90,000 miles
- 2010 to 2016 models can purchase prepaid maintenance up to 85,000 miles
Each Audi Care plan guarantees that factory-trained technicians will complete services using authentic Audi maintenance parts. According to Audi, these prepaid maintenance plans cost anywhere from $800 to $1,350, depending on the model you drive. This may seem like a high upfront cost, but it may save you money on Audi maintenance costs in the long run.
Vehicle Repairs and Audi Maintenance Cost
Unexpected repairs are another expense factoring into your yearly Audi maintenance cost. Using data from RepairPal, we outlined a few commonly reported Audi repairs below. That way, you can understand what a repair shop trip may cost.
Model | Repair | Audi Maintenance Cost |
---|---|---|
Audi A6 Quattro | Alternator replacement | $833 to $1,239 |
Audi A8 | Heater core replacement | $1,295 to $1,505 |
Audi A5 Quattro | Knock sensor replacement | $435 to $539 |
Audi SQ5 | Window regulator replacement | $300 to $333 |
Like scheduled maintenance costs, common Audi repairs are model-specific and may cost more or less depending on your vehicle. Because different Audis have different reliability ratings, some cars will be more prone to mechanical breakdowns than others.
How Can an Extended Warranty Offset Audi Maintenance Costs?
It can be easy to set aside money for maintenance check-ups and wear-and-tear part replacements because these needs can be anticipated. However, budgeting for unexpected mechanical and electrical repairs can be slightly more complicated and stressful. An extended warranty can give drivers peace of mind, knowing a sudden breakdown covers them.
Extended warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, protect drivers from paying out of pocket to repair or replace defective parts. With a warranty, you’ll pay a monthly or one-time premium and a deductible when you take your car in for covered repairs. This can help make the Audi maintenance cost more affordable.
To purchase an extended Audi warranty, you can either go through the manufacturer or a third-party provider.
Audi Manufacturer Extended Warranty
The manufacturer offers three extended Audi warranty plans: Powertrain, Gold, and Platinum. They can each extend up to 10 years or 120,000 miles. Here’s an overview of each plan:
- Powertrain: Covers the engine, transmission, transfer case or transaxle, drive axles, and some hybrid and electric components
- Gold: Covers all components listed in the Powertrain plan, as well as the suspension, climate control, fuel system, electrical, and additional hybrid, and electric parts
- Platinum: Acts as an exclusionary bumper-to-bumper extended warranty, covering nearly all mechanical and electrical vehicle components
Manufacturer-extended warranties tend to be more specialized, with the guarantee of factory-trained technicians and the use of authentic parts, but they’re also usually more expensive. These plans require drivers to go to Audi dealers for covered repairs, which can be limiting. You can learn more in our full Audi extended warranty review.
Third-Party Extended Warranties
Reputable extended car warranty companies can benefit drivers looking for more flexibility in their Audi coverage. Third-party vehicle service contracts often offer more coverage choices, additional repair facility options, and multiple payment plans. Depending on the provider, they can also extend up to 15 years and up to 250,000 miles, which is much longer than most manufacturers’ coverage plans.
Audi Maintenance Cost: Conclusion
In this review, we went over the cost of Audi Maintenance. Below you will see the best options for extended Audi protection:
Best Options for Extended Audi Protection
Our review team has looked at each significant third-party provider to find the best extended car warranty companies. Based on their coverage options, prices, and customer reviews, our top two third-party Audi warranty coverage picks are Endurance and CARCHEX.
Endurance
Endurance is the best provider for customers looking for direct coverage. Rather than working through an administrator or other middleman, Endurance covers customers directly. This means you’ll work with the same customer service team throughout the quotes and claims processes, and services can be handled more efficiently.
Here are a few other highlights of Endurance warranties:
- You can choose from six plan levels ranging from basic powertrain coverage to full bumper-to-bumper warranties.
- Endurance plans can extend up to 8 years or 200,000+ miles.
- You can purchase an Endurance extended warranty at any time in your vehicle’s life rather than having to opt-in at the time you buy your Audi.
- Endurance works with dealerships and authorized repair shops nationwide, giving drivers more options for covered repair work.
To better understand the provider, read our comprehensive Endurance warranty review. You can reach out to Endurance for a free, personalized quote below.
CARCHEX
CARCHEX is our top pick for drivers with old, high-mileage cars. So if your Audi has already seen a lot of asphalt, this may be your best provider. CARCHEX has been endorsed by major companies such as Kelley Blue Book, CARFAX, and Edmunds.com, and it has stellar customer reviews to boot.
Here are a few other reasons we recommend CARCHEX:
- You can choose from five coverage plans extending up to 10 years or 250,000 miles.
- CARCHEX received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- The provider offers sample contracts online for added transparency.
- CARCHEX is available in all 50 states.
For more information, read our full CARCHEX review.
How We Rate Warranty Providers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
- Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
- Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.
*Data accurate at time of publish.