Considering a Used Audi Q2: Pros and Cons? AUDI Q2 (GAB) (06.2016 - ...)

When considering a used 2018 Audi Q2, here are the key pros, cons, and common issues to be aware of:

Pros
- Compact SUV ideal for city driving with a stylish design and premium feel.
- Engines: The 1.4 TFSI petrol engine (later 1.5 TFSI known as 35 TFSI) is praised for punchy performance, smooth running, and good fuel economy. The 1.6 TDI diesel is recommended for those doing high mileage due to lower running costs.
- Interior: Nicely put together with soft-touch plastics, a user-friendly infotainment system with a rotary dial and physical buttons (in pre-2024 models), and a configurable digital driver display option.
- Safety: Comes with six airbags, Isofix child-seat mounts, automatic emergency braking, hill-hold assist, traffic-sign recognition, and lane-departure warning as standard.
- Warranty: Originally came with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, extendable up to five years or 90,000 miles.

Cons and Common Issues
- Electrical gremlins: Owners report warning lights appearing unexpectedly, infotainment system glitches such as freezing, lagging, and restarts, and sensor issues. These problems sometimes require multiple dealer visits and can be costly to fix.
- Engine issues: Some 1.5 TFSI engines have experienced hesitation during acceleration and occasional stalling. There are also reports of excessive oil consumption, misfires, and cooling system problems that need expert attention.
- Transmission: No widespread specific transmission faults reported, but general maintenance is advised.
- Suspension and steering: Common complaints include suspension noise (clunks or squeaks), harsh ride due to sporty suspension setup, control arm problems causing uneven tire wear, and power steering leaks that make steering stiff and noisy.
- Interior and comfort: Limited rear headroom due to sloping roofline, small cargo space, and some complaints about seatbelt malfunctions and Bluetooth connectivity issues.

- Recalls: Three recalls affecting rear wheel bearing housings, park brake software, and rear backrest head restraint mountings have been issued and should be checked with the dealer.
- Air conditioning: Some owners report costly air conditioning evaporator failures, which can be expensive to repair.

Recommendations
- Opt for a Sport trim with 17-inch wheels for a good balance of ride comfort and features like sat-nav, auto lights, and cruise control. Avoid the S line trim if you want to save money, as it mostly adds styling tweaks.
- Check for any outstanding recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for electrical warnings, suspension noises, and test the infotainment system.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs, especially for electrical and air conditioning issues, as maintenance and repair costs for Audi can be high compared to non-premium brands.

In summary, the 2018 Audi Q2 is a stylish and well-equipped compact SUV with good engine options but watch out for electrical and suspension issues, and be prepared for potentially high maintenance costs. It is well-suited for city driving and those valuing premium features in a small SUV.