Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks.
Best Overall Provider
Endurance
Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
View Plans On Our Partner’s Website Or Call Our Partner Directly
Affordable Monthly Payment
CarShield
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Best Provider for Used Cars
Carchex
Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
View Plans On Our Partner’s Website Or Call Our Partner Directly
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated if you purchase the products mentioned in this article.
- Audi owners can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for regular maintenance.
- Some mileage intervals come with services that warrant a larger price, between $700 and $875.
- You can lower the cost of Audi ownership by purchasing an extended warranty to cover repair costs or a maintenance plan to cover regularly scheduled services.
If you own an Audi or have your eye on one, you might be concerned about maintenance and repair costs. This guide will take you through common Audi maintenance costs and repair costs for popular models and other luxury brands. There are options for keeping your Audi in good shape without clearing out your savings account – for example, an extended auto warranty from one of the best extended car warranty companies.
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Regular Audi Maintenance Cost
The average Audi maintenance cost is between $200 and $300 every 10,000 miles for minor maintenance services, including oil, filters, and inspection. Larger mileage intervals may require major maintenance services, such as transmission services, with costs jumping to between $700 and $875.
The key to extending the life of an Audi is proper routine maintenance. Your owner’s manual details the recommended mileage for specific services, such as having a timing belt replaced. For general vehicle maintenance, Audi recommends you have your car serviced once a year or every 10,000 miles.
Some services may need to be performed more often. Below are five common regular maintenance needs for your Audi, using Audi A4 maintenance cost as an example, courtesy of RepairPal.
1. Brakes
You should check your brakes for wear at least once a year – or twice a year if you drive in a city or notice your brakes take longer to stop. Brake pads generally need to be replaced every 35,000 to 60,000 miles.
Cost: Front brake pad replacement for an Audi runs between $365 and $400.
2. Oil Change
Most modern Audi vehicles with synthetic oil can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, if you do a lot of city driving – stopping and starting at stop signs, lights, and in traffic – you may need your oil changed every 5,000 miles.
Cost: A regular oil change for an Audi car runs between $130 and $145.
3. Tires
Not only is your car going to perform less efficiently with worn-out tires, but it’s also dangerous. Worn tires with little to no tread or low air pressure are a potential safety concern, especially if the pavement is wet.
Cost: To replace all four tires with factory tires at an Audi dealership, you can expect to pay $180 to $330 per tire. When you factor in installation costs, new factory tires cost between $775 and $1,450.
4. Air Filter
Air filters are regularly replaced between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. A clean air filter helps keep debris from your engine.
Cost: Air filter replacements cost between $90 and $130.
5. Battery
Test your Audi’s battery every three months or 3,000 miles. When batteries wear out – about every three years – you will start to notice your car’s interior lights dim. If you rev your engine and the lights brighten, it may be time for a new battery.
Cost: Battery replacement for an Audi costs just over $300.
Common Audi Repairs & Costs
According to J.D. Power, Audi ranks in the top 10 brands for dependability. If you treat it with care, your Audi should be a reliable car with few issues. However, parts wear down and need to be replaced with age and mileage.
Check out the most common problems and repairs for Audi vehicles.
Electrical Component Failure
If your Audi has electrical problems, you may notice your dashboard lights or central display lights suddenly do not come on. Some Audi electrical problems cause taillights to go out.
- Reason: Electrical wiring wears out or connections corrode.
- Solution: Electrical system diagnosis and replacement of faulty parts.
- Estimated cost: System diagnosis will cost between $130 and $200, plus the cost of the replacement part. Parts and labor may cost an additional $200 to $1,000.
Ignition Coil & Spark Plug Failure
A failing spark plug is the most common mechanical failure on Audi vehicles and can cause ignition failure. Ignition coils are also often culprits when you have spark plug problems.
- Reason: The spark plugs and ignition coils have failed.
- Solution: Replace spark plugs and ignition coils.
- Estimated cost: $170 to $220 for spark plugs and $250 to $380 for ignition coils.
Exhaust Leaks
Audis are known for leaking exhaust pipes. If your exhaust is leaking, you will likely need to have your mechanic replace your catalytic converter.
- Reason: The design of the Audi exhaust system makes the catalytic converter bend and opens the joint where it’s connected to the exhaust pipe. This allows exhaust to leak out.
- Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
- Estimated cost: $1,590 to $1,650.
Oil Leaks
Even newer Audis are known to leak oil. If you notice the smell of burning oil, smoke under the hood, or other signs of an oil leak, find and fix the problem right away. Leaking oil can cause serious damage to your engine.
- Reason: Leaking valve covers or gasket seals.
- Solution: Replace covers or seals.
- Estimated cost: $135 to $260 each time the seals need to be replaced.
What Are Audi Repair Costs for Different Models?
Different Audi vehicles have different repair costs. We’ve taken a look at the average Audi repair cost estimates for three top models: the 2017 A3, A4, and A6. These costs include repairing the electrical components, spark plug and ignition coils, catalytic converter, and valve covers.
- Audi A3 Repair Costs: $2,800
- Audi A4 Repair Costs: $3,000
- Audi A6 Repair Costs: $3,500
Audi Maintenance Cost vs. Other Luxury Brands
If you’re choosing between an Audi or a similar car, you may be wondering how Audi maintenance costs compare to other brands. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz cars offer similar levels of luxury and price points compared to Audi vehicles.
Over 10 years, you can expect to pay the most to maintain BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, according to Clark.com. The average Audi maintenance cost over 10 years is $12,400.
- BMW vs. Audi maintenance cost: These cars cost $17,800 to maintain, $5,400 more than Audi.
- Mercedes-Benz vs. Audi maintenance cost: Mercedes-Benz vehicles cost $12,900 to maintain, $500 more than Audi.
- Lexus vs. Audi maintenance cost: Lexus vehicles cost $7,000 to maintain, $5,400 less than Audi. Lexus is generally considered the least expensive luxury car to maintain.
How To Cover Audi Repair Costs
As an Audi owner, you might be worried about how to manage the cost of inevitable repairs. An extended warranty, which is really a vehicle service contract, can help you pay for repairs if components on your Audi wear out or fail.
There are many reasons why an extended car warranty can be worth it. Perhaps you just want the peace of mind you won’t be responsible for costly repairs if your Audi breaks down. Or, you may not want to deal with haggling at the repair shop. When your repair is covered by an extended warranty, you simply take your vehicle into the shop, and the mechanic will line up payment from your warranty provider.
Extended Warranty vs. Audi Manufacturer Warranty Coverage
Extended warranties are not the same as your Audi manufacturer warranty. Manufacturer warranties are only available for new cars and are included with your purchase. Manufacturer warranties, or factory warranties, are designed to only cover Audi repairs or replacements due to defective parts or installation.
An extended warranty, or vehicle protection plan, helps cover repair costs for breakdowns that happen due to the normal use of a vehicle. Manufacturer warranties won’t cover repairs for standard mechanical issues that happen as your vehicle ages.
- Audi factory warranty: The Audi factory warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This bumper-to-bumper warranty includes perks like a free first scheduled maintenance service at 10,000 miles or 12 months and limited coverage on corrosion perforation. Another benefit of the Audi warranty is roadside assistance for the duration of the factory warranty.
- Extended warranty: This service contract offers protection for your Audi vehicle after the factory warranty expires. Four years and 50,000 miles is a relatively short time when you consider it’s becoming commonplace to drive a car to 100,000 miles and beyond. Extended warranties cover Audi repair costs as the car ages and reaches higher mileage. Companies like CARCHEX offer a range of plans to protect your car from both minor and major repairs consistent withhigher mileage.
Choosing An Extended Warranty To Protect Your Audi
An extended automotive warranty is an excellent way to protect your Audi if you plan to keep it for many years. There are several reputable companies to getting your Audi repair costs covered under an extended warranty. You can choose to purchase an extended warranty from your dealership when you buy your Audi new, or you can choose to buy from a reputable car warranty company like Endurance or CARCHEX at any time.
Endurance: Best Overall
After much research, we’ve named Endurance the “Best Overall” third-party car warranty provider in the nation. Along with being one of the biggest names in the industry, Endurance is the 2019 Inc. 5000 honoree backed by an AM Best A-rated insurance company.
When you purchase a warranty from Endurance, you’ll gain access to a number of added perks to your chosen coverage plan. New members become an Endurance Elite member, free of charge for one year. The benefits include:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Tire repair replacement
- Key fob replacement
- ID theft protection
- Collision discount
- Total loss protection
- Endurance Protect app
If you’re interested in purchasing a plan from Endurance, our tools below can help you get started. But if you’re looking for more information on this provider, check out our full Endurance review.
Best Overall Provider
Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
View Plans (866) 990-3410
CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
Both dealership extended warranties and CARCHEX third-party warranties cover repair costs for your Audi. As a BBB-accredited company with an A+ rating, CARCHEX is known for its superior customer service. The company also boasts endorsements from major auto industry leaders like Edmunds, CARFAX, and Kelley Blue Book.
One benefit of CARCHEX is you’ll also be able to use one of the 30,000 certified repair shops most convenient for you instead of having to go to an Audi dealer. Other benefits of a CARCHEX protection plan include:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Transferable contracts
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Affordable contracts
- Direct payments for repairs
- Additional benefits
Choosing to protect your Audi with an Extended Vehicle Protection Plan from CARCHEX is a great way to keep yourself off the hook for costly repairs, and better manage the maintenance costs for your Audi. If you have trouble deciding between CARCHEX and Endurance, read our Endurance vs. CARCHEX review.
Best Provider for Used Cars
Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
View Plans (866) 950-7122
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
FAQs
What is the average cost of maintenance for an Audi? ›
Regular Audi Maintenance Cost. The average Audi maintenance cost is between $200 and $300 every 10,000 miles for minor maintenance services, including oil, filters, and inspection. Larger mileage intervals may require major maintenance services, such as transmission services, with costs jumping to between $700 and $875 ...
Is it worth getting Audi care? ›There are many benefits to purchasing the Audi Care Maintenance Plan. Audi recommends servicing your vehicle every year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. With maintenance visits costing anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to over six hundred, The Audi Care Maintenance Plan can save you a lot of money.
Does Audi offer free maintenance? ›Does Audi Offer Free Maintenance? No, Audi does not offer free maintenance. However, it offers prepaid Audi Car maintenance plans you can purchase with the vehicle.
How much is an oil change for an Audi? ›After you've purchased a new Audi at our dealership, you'll want to schedule regular Audi oil changes to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly on Beverly Hills roads. But, what does an Audi oil change cost? The price of an oil change for an Audi can range anywhere from $142 to $170, according to Repair Pal.
Is Audi cheaper to maintain than BMW? ›BMW models do tend to need oil changes more frequently, but this also depends on how you drive the car. When it comes to suspension and steering, Audi tends to be cheaper. However, Audi tends to be more costly for repairs to your gearbox. In general, Audi and BMW cars are somewhat more expensive cars to maintain.
What is an Audi major service? ›This includes things like an oil change and oil filter replacement, exhaust and suspension check, and a visual brake check.
Are Audi expensive to insure? ›The average cost to insure a 2022 Audi is $3,413 per year for a full-coverage policy, based on ValuePenguin research. But the price varies depending on which Audi model you're considering and the insurer you choose. The most affordable Audi to insure is the Q3 crossover SUV, which costs $2,768 per year.
How much is Audi 10 year maintenance? ›Audi Maintenance Costs
Audi models average around $13,222 for maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for luxury brands by $1,178. There is also a 30.46% chance that a Audi will require a major repair during that time.
The Audi A3 is considered an entry-level model, and thankfully it applies to its maintenance costs. The annual repair cost for the A3 is $741, lower than the average for luxury compact cars at $801.
How often do I need to service my Audi? ›How often should I get my Audi serviced? For most Audis, we recommend getting a full service every two years and then an interim service in the alternate years.
What is the Audi maintenance schedule? ›
You should bring your Audi in for service every 7,500 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first. Please note, however, that service due dates may vary by model. We recommend reviewing your owner's manual for more information on the recommended service schedule for your specific Audi vehicle.
What are the cons of owning an Audi? ›- Older technology. While luxury vehicles like Audi do feature forward-thinking technology for the year they're released, a 2004 used Audi won't have the same technology as a new 2017 Honda or Audi.
- More maintenance. ...
- Little to no warranty.
An oil change is one of the most dominant and basic services for your car. Rather than an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles, Audi typically recommends getting your 2020 Audi A4 oil changed every 10,000 miles or once a year.
Do Audis last long? ›Do Audi cars last long? Depending on the model, they can last anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. That should give you a significant amount of time with your vehicle.
How much is Audi tire rotation? ›The average cost for an Audi A4 Tire Rotation is between $44 and $56. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $56.
Why do Audi use so much oil? ›The base problem seems to relate to the piston rings, which allow small amounts of oil to leak round the pistons into the cylinders, where it burns and therefore leads to high oil consumption. The typical way drivers become aware of this is when the 'add one litre of oil' notice comes up on the dashboard.
Can you take an Audi to Jiffy Lube for an oil change? ›Jiffy lube wont even touch it. You need to go to a specialty shop. It doesn't have to be an Audi dealer, but definitely at the very least a Euro Indy shop.
Which is better Mercedes or Audi? ›Mercedes-Benz vs Audi: Design
Audi has the reputation for creating cars that are more eye-catching than Mercedes, with the R8 and the mold-breaking TT both being great examples of this. Mercedes have always relied on a more traditional design esthetic, especially for their large sedans.
Overall, the superior car brand will be the one that makes models that are most suited to your purpose. If you want luxury comfort, aim for Audi. If you want an exciting driving experience, BMW is the perfect option. For more information on these luxury brands, read up on how much is an Audi A4.
Do Audis or BMWS last longer? ›BMW also has the advantage over Audi when it comes to reliability. Every BMW recently received an above average predicted reliability rating. Its highest rated model was the popular 5 Series, but the 2 Series, 4 Series, X1 and X4 also scored impressively.
Are Audi's reliable cars? ›
Because of the complexity of its engines, transmission, and other components, Audi isn't among the most reliable vehicle manufacturers anymore – the dependability of its cars is average at best.
How long do Audi cars last? ›Do Audi cars last long? Depending on the model, they can last anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. That should give you a significant amount of time with your vehicle.
How often should an Audi be serviced? ›Audi service intervals
We typically recommend booking your Audi in for a service every 9,300 miles or every 12 months, or whichever occurs first.
- Oil leaks. Audi engines can be susceptible to oil leaks, which are the result of various issues such as a worn-out oil filter or broken gasket. ...
- Electrical component issues. ...
- Noisy or vibrating constant velocity axle boot (CV Boot) ...
- Damaged or failing spark plugs.
When it comes to performance, BMW's reputation is superior to Audi's. Yes, Audi's perform well, but BMW practically invented the sport sedan about 50 years ago. And its M3 and M5 models are global performance legends.
Which is the most reliable Audi? ›The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.
Is Audi safer than BMW? ›In fact, no fewer than 10 Audi models have received the coveted Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). BMW, by comparison, has received just three awards for their 2022 model lineup. It's clear that Audi vehicles offer superior crash protection.
What mileage is too high for a used Audi? ›Ideally, you'll want something with less than 75,000 miles. However, a cheap used car with 100,000 miles on it will likely last you 4 more years. Depending on your needs, that could be a great investment.
How long should you own an Audi? ›There are a lot of factors that can impact the lifespan of your car. If properly maintained, Audis can last for 10-13 years or as high as 20 years and can run about 1500,000-200,000 miles. They last even more based on the model and the way you handle them.
Do I have to use premium gas in my Audi? ›
For a model with a turbocharger, the recommended Audi gas type is premium fuel. However, you may sometimes run across Holmen gas stations that only have regular fuel instead of premium fuel. You can rest assured that putting regular fuel in your Audi vehicle won't damage your vehicle in any kind of way.
Do Audi break down often? ›How Reliable is Audi as a Manufacturer? As a manufacturer, Audi comes in at 34th/40 on the Reliability Index, indicating that it is Audi reliability is well below average. The other big German luxury car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, don't do much better, placing 30th and 31st respectively.
How long do Audi engines last? ›Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. It's why it isn't uncommon to see a 90s Audi on the road today.