Audi Pre-Purchase Inspection
Used Audis offer a lot of car for the money, but some engines and gearboxes have well-known faults that turn a bargain into a bill. Our Audi pre-purchase inspection checks the whole car and focuses on the S tronic gearbox, the TFSI engine, oil consumption and cooling.
From AED 299Plans from AED 299; Standard (AED 399) adds the scan and road testConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- About 45-60 minutes at the car
- Can be done at your location
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
How we do audi pre-purchase inspection
- 1
Book with the engine code if you have it
Send the model, year and engine. The engine size and gearbox type tell us which known issues to look for on that car.
- 2
Cold start and leak check
Where the seller allows, we start the engine from cold, then inspect for oil and coolant leaks and check fluid levels and condition.
- 3
Scan and test drive
On Standard and Comprehensive plans, every module is scanned and the car is driven to check the gearbox, brakes and steering under load.
- 4
Findings explained
We send a written report and can talk you through it, so you understand which issues are expensive and which are routine.
Why check a used Audi first
- The car hesitates or judders when pulling away in traffic
- The seller tops up oil between services
- There is a rattle for a second or two on a cold start
- A coolant smell or pink crust appears around the front of the engine
- You are looking at an A4, A6, Q5 or Q7 with high mileage
- The MMI screen or some electronics behave oddly
What usually causes it
S tronic dual-clutch gearbox
Some S tronic gearboxes develop clutch judder or mechatronic unit faults. We feel for judder at low speed, check reverse engagement and read gearbox codes.
TFSI timing chain tensioner and oil use
Some earlier 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines, roughly 2008 to 2012, are known for timing chain tensioner wear and high oil consumption. We listen on start-up and ask about oil top-ups.
Water pump and thermostat housing leaks
Plastic water pump and thermostat housings on many Audi petrol engines can crack or seep. We look for coolant residue and check the level and coolant condition.
quattro drivetrain and suspension
quattro cars carry extra drivetrain parts that wear. We listen for drivetrain noise and check suspension bushes and control arms, which take a hammering on speed bumps.
By make and model
Audi A3, A4 and Q5
Gearbox behaviour, timing chain noise on older TFSI engines and coolant leaks are the usual findings.
Audi A6, A8 and Q7
On larger Audis we also look closely at air suspension where fitted, electronics and the cost of brake and tyre wear.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Plastic cooling parts, gearbox fluid and engine oil all age faster in the UAE heat, and stop-start traffic is tough on dual-clutch gearboxes. An Audi that has done mostly short city trips is exactly the type of car that benefits from an independent check.
Questions about audi pre-purchase inspection
Can you tell if the S tronic gearbox is healthy?
We check how it drives, read its fault memory and note any judder or delay. That shows most gearboxes that are already in trouble.
Do you inspect RS and S models?
Yes, with extra attention to brakes, tyres and signs of hard driving or tuning.
How long does an Audi inspection take?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes at the car, and you get the written report afterwards.
Can you repair the faults after I buy?
Yes. We give you a written quote, and repairs are done at our workshop with pickup and delivery.
Last updated
Get a written quote
Tell us about your car. You get an itemised quote before any work starts, and you choose OEM, aftermarket or used parts.