Most luxury car enthusiasts have dreamed of owning an Audi car at least once in their life, and nobody who wants a luxury car would be willing to purchase one that breaks the bank through repairs and maintenance. However, that begs the question - are Audi's cars reliable? If so, how much does a reliable Audi cost? In their search for a reliable car, gearheads often worry about losing out on competence, and if they run after competence, they worry that the car might be too expensive for their budget.

In such a dilemma, the used cars' marketplace comes as a welcome surprise to them, as several reliable Audi models can be found on the used market for accessible prices. These time-tested luxury cars tend not to break the bank and still offer loads of fun, and with a little market research and some much-needed caution, one can find their dream ride. Here is a list of 10 such reliable Audi cars that you can buy on a budget of just $20,000.

All data related to reliability and pricing has been obtained from JD Power. All data related to specifications has been obtained from Edmunds. Any other sources have been linked in the article itself.

10 2007 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro

Used Price Range: $3,609 - $5,461

2007 Audi A6
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The 2007 Audi A6 is one of the most reliable used luxury cars on the used market, and anyone willing to forego the more modern technological features should consider investing into it. The timeless charm it carries with its exterior is one thing, but the elegantly detailed interior along with all-weather capability truly make the 2007 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro a capable daily driver. Its powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine competently generates 350 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $840 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,252 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 4 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2000 Audi A6 has several complaints regarding engine problems and is best avoided. (CarComplaints)

Since this is an older model, even the 4.2 Quattro trim is not out of reach for the average buyer, and people are paying anywhere from $3,609 to $5,461 for this car, according to JD Power. It gets a very impressive reliability score of 88 out of 100 on JD Power, making it one of the most reliable yet affordable used Audi sedans on the market.

RELATED: 10 Classic American Cars with the Most Timeless Designs

9 2010 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro

Used Price Range: $4,485 - $8,548

2010 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro
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The 2010 Audi A4 Avant is a luxury wagon from over a decade ago, and yet it comfortably positions itself on this list due to its rather accessible price point and impressive reliability score of 89 out of 100 on JD Power. The used market pricing ranges from $4,485 to $8,548 for a 2010 Audi A4 Avant, according to JD Power. It has absolutely no recalls in its name, but its accessible pricing stems not just from its age, but from its modest inline-4 engine that offers no more than 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $732 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,054 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2011 and 2013 model years of the Audi A4 have several complaints regarding engine problems, and are best avoided. (CarComplaints)

The 2010 Audi A4 asks for just $732 in average annual maintenance, so anyone looking to buy a family car from Audi that is cheap to maintain, should consider investing into it. It might not be as powerful as some more modern Audi cars, but it is definitely reliable and accessible for the average citizen.

8 2008 Audi Q7 3.6 Quattro

Used Price Range: $4,940 - $7,325

2008 Audi Q7 Quattro
Mecum Auctions

The Audi Q7 is one of the few Audi cars that has only gotten worse with time. More modern model years showcase poor reliability and do not live up to the luxury car status that Audi's models tend to have. The first few model years for the Audi Q7, though, were rather respectable in terms of reliability as well as competence, as the top trim came with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that had a generous power output of 350 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $879 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $12,489 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2017 Audi Q7 must be avoided as it has several reports of engine issues. (CarComplaints)

Competent and practical, the 2008 Audi Q7 3.6 Quattro offers a powerful engine and responsive handling to its buyers. It gets a reliability score of 75 out of 100, and according to JD Power, people are paying anywhere from $4,940 to $7,325 for this large SUV. Anyone looking to buy a large Audi SUV and are willing to compromise with some of the more modern technological features, should consider looking into the earlier models of the Q7.

7 2012 Audi TT Roadster

Used Price Range: $12,214 - $16,720

2012-Audi-TTS-Roadster
Audi

Ranking at second place in compact premium sporty car listings on JD Power, the 2012 Audi TT roadster is one of the most handsome Audi sports cars on the market that is also known for its reliability. Not only does the car have no known recalls, but it also requires just $824 in average yearly maintenance costs.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $824 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,644 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2004 and 2008 model years of the Audi TT can be troublesome to own, as they have potential for clutch and transmission problems. (CarComplaints)

The much loved Audi TT is known for its modifiability, as several of these models from the late '90s are utilized by tuners as project cars, and buyers are willing to pay anywhere from $12,214 to $16,720 for the 2012 model of the Audi TT. This is despite the modest inline-4 engine that comes fitted under its hood, generating a mere 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. There is a more expensive RS variant of the 2012 TT, that comes with an inline-5 engine, producing a massive 360 horsepower, and easily making a 0-60 mph sprint in less than 4 seconds.

RELATED: This Is Why The Audi TT Is The Perfect Sports Car For Driving Enthusiasts

6 2015 Audi Q3

Used Price Range: $12,914 - $16,414

Blue 2015 Audi Q3
Audi

The 2015 Audi Q3 was given a generously high reliability score of 85 out of 100 on JD Power, and with the current used price range standing at around $12,914 to $16,414, this model year is very accessible for a reliable luxury car. Stunning as it is to look at, the Q3 also offers a quiet and comfortable ride in its upscale interior, which has many luxury features that come as standard.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $885 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,843 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 2 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2016 model year of the Audi Q3 has many reports of fragile windshield, etc. (CarComplaints)

The 2015 Audi Q3 does not boast numbers of any significance, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that can deliver up to 200 horsepower to the driver, enough for the average city. However, it is one of the most trustworthy Audi cars on the market. This premium subcompact crossover vehicle can be the perfect family car for those that want a budget friendly yet reliable Audi.

5 2016 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro

Used Price Range: $13,608 - $18,028

2016 Audi A4
Audi

The 2016 Audi A4 offers a rather efficient 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that generates 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, similar to the A3. The car is significantly heavier, though, at over 3,600 lbs, which is due to the size difference of the cars. The Quattro obviously implies a solid AWD system being utilized in the car, that enables the 2016 A4 to run through high speed corners with ease and grace.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $748 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,054 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2011 and 2013 model years of the Audi A4 have several complaints regarding engine problems, and are best avoided. (CarComplaints)

The 2016 Audi A4 gets a respectable JD Power reliability score of 85 out of 100, and it asks for no more than $748 in average annual maintenance costs, which is quite acceptable for a luxury car. People are paying anywhere from $13,608 to $18,028 for this car, according to JD Power, and that is within the realm of reason considering this is a rather new car with loads of modern standard features, at least when compared to some of the other machines on this list.

4 2016 Audi A3

Used Price Range: $14,257 - $22,614

White Audi A3 hatchback parked
Audi

The 2016 Audi A3 offers a handsome exterior and a luxurious interior, and yet somehow manages to stay within the range of $14,257 to $22,614, according to JD Power's estimated pricing. Even the more fuel efficient engine options deliver an impressive performance, and the suspension is tuned well, as it manages corners and bumps without any trouble, even at factory settings.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $746 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,035 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 5 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2015 Audi A3 has several reports of engine problems and is best avoided. (CarComplaints)

While it does get a solid reliability score of 83 out of 100 on JD Power, the pre-recall models of the 2016 Audi A3 were notorious for having severe reliability issues. The 2016 Audi A3 is not known for its powerful engine, but its engine does generate around 220 horsepower, enough for its rather low curb weight of 3,175 lbs.

3 2016 Audi Q5 TDI

Used Price Range: $15,149 - $24,765

2016 Audi Q5 TDI
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The 2016 Audi Q5 TDI gets a JD Power reliability score of 80 out 100, and with prices ranging from $15,149 to $24,765, it is a surprise that this SUV boasts such a refined driving character and top-notch interior quality. The styling is subtle yet sleek, making the car look more polished yet not overly flashy, just as a family SUV should appear.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $867 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $12,068 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 5 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2014 Audi Q5 has potential for some troublesome engine issues, and is best avoided. (CarComplaints)

The 2016 Audi Q5 TDI comes with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that can generate a power output of 240 horsepower, but what is impressive is its torque, which stands at around 428 lb-ft. The Q5 TDI can perform just as well on any terrain, uphill or downhill, and in any weather, due to its superb AWD layout and massive torque generation.

RELATED: 10 Most Reliable Family SUVs For 2023

2 2016 Audi A6 3.0T

Used Price Range: $15,239 - $22,521

2016 Audi A6
Audi Media Center

The 2016 Audi A6 3.0T justifies its $1,002 average yearly maintenance costs by showcasing brilliance in performance. The 3.0-liter V6 generates around 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, leaving no room for complaints when it comes to competence. Despite the more powerful nature of this trim, it does not lack too far behind in fuel economy like some other cars, delivering a decent 24 MPG combined.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,002 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,252 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2000 Audi A6 has several complaints regarding engine problems and is best avoided. (CarComplaints)

An AWD system has its perks when it comes to high speed corner entry and exit, and the 2016 Audi A6 specializes in agility and responsiveness regardless of the terrain, though at the cost of more wear and tear on the tires. People are paying in the range of $15,239 to $22,521 for a 2016 Audi A6, according to JD Power, and considering the car's reliability score of 83 out of 100, it's a steal.

1 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Used Price Range: $19,810 - $22,217

2017 Audi A5 2-Door Cabriolet
Audi

The 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet is a modern classic, and an example of car with a simplistic yet elegant styling. The car is confident with its responsive and sporty handling, and anyone feeling doubts about its longevity can rest assured as it boasts a respectable reliability score of 86 out of 100 on JD Power.

Reliability

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $887 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,687 (CarEdge)
  • Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)
  • Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2018 Audi A5 has potential for some engine problems like excessive oil consumption, and is best avoided. (CarComplaints)

The 2017 Audi A5 is the final year of the first generation of this model, and Audi's dedication to keeping the personality of their cars intact, resulted in the Audi A5 remaining an inline-4 powered, 220 horsepower machine throughout its first generation. The 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet is a sporty luxury car that is affordable as well as reliable, making it a great choice for those who prefer the first generation design choices for the A5.