Used Q7 - Should I?

[C0ffin D0dger]

Really can't make up my mind what to buy. My 5 series has decided to initiate some sort of self destruct sequence recently so has to go.

I want something good for towing (caravan - sorry), four wheel drive, enjoyable to drive but not necessarily for speed and handling just motorway / long distance cruising. Finally having the option of 7 seats would be quite handy?

I had thought of a Touareg but to get seven seats would need to be looking to it's bigger brother the Q7. Got about £18k to spend, maybe up to £19k if it was the right car, the lower the mileage and the later it is the better something 2012 on and >70k miles would be good but possibly asking a lot.

Are they any good? Reliability okay?

Thanks.

[PhilboSE]

They make an excellent tow car - I pull a car trailer regularly with a Q7 (old model and now the new one) and it is almost as if the trailer isn't there. Distinctly less noticeable compared with the A6 Avant I used previously to tow. Aftermarket tow bars aren't well integrated so you'll need to find one with the official Audi removable bar or pay about £1200 to have one retrofitted.

Cruising on motorways is what they're best at, though you'll only see 30mpg with an extremely light right foot from either the 3.0tdi or the 4.2tdi. I would recommend the 4.2tdi if you can get one, makes the car much more driveable especially when heavily loaded.

I expect you would be able to get a well specced facelift car for your budget. I would go for one with few owners if you can find one - many families held on to these for a long time. There's no reason not to go for a Q7 if you think it fits your needs, there's plenty out there so take your time.

[rsbmw]

Ditch the caravan then you won't need to drive a Q7 - Win/win!

[AudiSport]

We purchased one recently. 08, with 47k miles and all the right options in a dark metallic blue. We absolutely love it, although it feels like the team bus with the kids and all their friends being transported round the country in it to various sports events. But, I guess, that’s what it does well - provide comfort and effortless driving. It feels plenty fast enough too with the 3.0TDI engine. Averages 40mpg on a run and was cheap to ensure too. Road tax, tyres and bill bills I believe is where they get expensive - but we are prepared, and enjoying the out right purchase with a war chest for bills.

I know it’s not for everyone, but we, and my wife in particular - love it.

[C0ffin D0dger]

Thanks folks, sounds good. I'll keep scanning Autotrader etc. for something suitable. Also noted re. the towbar.

It's either go for an older one of these or a newer / lower mileage Kia / Hyundai. Upon reading around sounds like the Korean jobbies have more quality issues than VAG cars do so maybe the older Audi is a better bet. Suspect it will be a lot nicer to drive anyway.

Ruled out Landrovers (too expensive for the reliable ones) and Volvos (XC90) due to gearbox flakiness and other issues.