My First Brush with Audi Care

When I bought my Audi Q5, the finance manager at the dealership sat me down and started talking about Audi Care. He said it would save me money and keep my car running like new. I was skeptical. Was this just an upsell? I decided to dig deeper.

I called other Audi dealers, read my owner’s manual, and checked out what other Audi owners were saying online. What I found was that Audi Care is a solid option for some drivers, but it’s not for everyone. Let me share what I learned so you can decide if it fits your needs.

Table of Contents

What Is Audi Care, Anyway?

Audi Care is a prepaid maintenance plan for Audi vehicles. It covers scheduled maintenance services at specific mileage intervals, usually every 10,000 miles or 12 months. The idea is simple: you pay upfront for routine maintenance, like oil changes and inspections, and it’s done by Audi-trained technicians using genuine Audi parts. It’s like a subscription for your car’s upkeep, designed to keep it in top shape.

For my Q5, the dealer offered a plan covering services at 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 miles. I could roll the cost into my car payment, which made it tempting. The plan is available for new and certified pre-owned (CPO) Audis, and you can buy it at purchase or later, as long as your car meets age and mileage requirements.

What Does Audi Care Cover?

One of the first things I wanted to know was what I’d get with Audi Care. Here’s what I found out about the services included:

Oil and Filter Changes

Every Audi Care visit includes an oil change and a new oil filter. This keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly. For my Q5, the 10,000-mile service was mostly an oil change, plus a quick check of other systems.

Brake System Inspections

Technicians check your brakes for wear and tear. They look at brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. I noticed my dealer caught a slightly worn brake pad during a 20,000-mile service, which saved me from bigger issues later.

Multi-Point Inspections

Each visit includes a thorough inspection of your car’s systems—tires, lights, fluids, and more. They check everything from wiper blades to battery health. I liked that this caught small problems, like a loose hose, before they became expensive repairs.

Cabin and Air Filter Replacements

Audi Care replaces cabin and engine air filters at certain intervals. This keeps your air clean and your engine breathing easily. My Q5’s cabin filter was swapped at 20,000 miles, and the air felt fresher inside.

Spark Plug Replacement

For some models, Audi Care includes spark plug changes, usually at 40,000 miles. This was a big deal for a friend’s A4, as spark plugs alone can cost $200–$300 if paid separately.

Brake Fluid Flush

Brake fluid is flushed every two years or 20,000 miles. This keeps your brakes responsive. I paid for this out of pocket once before getting Audi Care, and it was about $150.

AdBlue Refill (Diesel Models)

If you have a diesel Audi, like a Q7 TDI, Audi Care covers AdBlue fluid refills. This is a nice perk, as AdBlue can be pricey.

Here’s a quick table of common Audi Care services:

Service	When It Happens	Why It Matters
Oil and Filter Change	Every 10,000 miles	Keeps engine lubricated, improves fuel economy
Brake System Inspection	Every 10,000 miles	Ensures safe braking, catches wear early
Multi-Point Inspection	Every 10,000 miles	Spots small issues before they grow
Cabin/Air Filter	20,000 miles or as needed	Improves air quality, engine performance
Spark Plugs	40,000 miles (model-dependent)	Ensures smooth engine operation
Brake Fluid Flush	Every 20,000 miles or 2 years	Maintains brake performance
AdBlue Refill (Diesel)	As needed	Keeps diesel emissions system working

Benefits of Audi Care: Why I Considered It

When I was deciding whether to buy Audi Care, I weighed the pros carefully. Here’s what stood out:

Cost Savings

Audi Care can save you money compared to paying for each service separately. For my Q5, the plan cost $1,799, but individual services would’ve been over $2,200. A friend with an A4 saved about 20% with Audi Care compared to paying as he went.

Protection Against Inflation

Prepaying locks in your costs. Labor and parts prices go up over time, but with Audi Care, you’re shielded. When I checked prices two years after buying my plan, oil changes had jumped $50 at my dealer.

Convenience

Audi Care makes maintenance a breeze. Your dealer schedules appointments and tracks when services are due. I didn’t have to worry about forgetting an oil change—it was all planned out.

Expert Service

Only Audi-trained technicians work on your car, using genuine Audi parts. This gave me peace of mind, knowing my Q5 was in good hands. I once took it to a local shop for an oil change, and they used generic parts, which made me nervous.

Nationwide Coverage

Audi Care is accepted at any authorized Audi dealer in the USA. When I traveled from Chicago to Denver, I got my 20,000-mile service at a dealer there, no hassle. This is great if you move or take road trips.

Resale Value

A well-maintained Audi holds its value better. Audi Care provides a documented service history, which buyers love. When my cousin sold his A6, the Audi Care records helped him get a higher price.

Audi Care vs. Paying As You Go

I wasn’t sure if Audi Care was better than paying for services individually, so I crunched the numbers. For my Q5, a single oil change at the dealer was $100–$150. Brake fluid flushes were $150, and spark plugs at 40,000 miles were $250. Add in inspections and filters, and four services could easily hit $2,500 without Audi Care. My $1,799 plan saved me about $700.

But it’s not always a clear win. If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, you might not need all the services before the plan expires. My neighbor’s A3 had only 25,000 miles after four years, so he didn’t use the full 40,000-mile plan. Also, if you’re handy and can do oil changes yourself, you might save more without Audi Care. I’m not a DIY guy, so the convenience was worth it for me.

Audi Care vs. Paying As You Go — Audi Care vs. Paying

Audi Care for Different Models and Years

Audi Care varies by model and year. Here’s what I found:

New Vehicles (2020 and Newer)

For 2020+ models, Audi Care covers 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 miles. It expires at 52,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first. My Q5 fell under this plan, costing $1,799.

Older Models (2017–2019)

For 2017–2019 models, Audi Care covers 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, and 50,000 miles, expiring at 62,000 miles or 72 months. A friend’s 2018 A4 used this plan, priced at $1,499.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)

CPO Audis can get Audi Care Flex, which covers the next two or three maintenance intervals based on mileage. My coworker bought a CPO A6 and got a Flex plan for 30,000–50,000 miles, which was perfect for his high-mileage car.

Electric and High-Performance Models

Audi Care for e-tron electric models is tailored for EV maintenance, like battery checks. Premium plans for RS models include extra services for high-performance parts. These plans cost more—$1,999 for some RS models—but cover pricier maintenance.

Costs of Audi Care

The price of Audi Care depends on your model. Here’s what I found for 2025:

A3, A4, A5, Q3, Q5: Around $1,499–$1,799.
e-tron, Q4 e-tron: Around $1,099, since EVs need less maintenance.
A8, S8, RS models: Around $1,999, due to complex systems.
Older models (2010–2016): Varies, but often cheaper for CPO plans.

You can roll the cost into your car payment if you buy at the purchase. Taxes on parts may apply at each service, depending on your state. In California, dealers have specific rules, so check with them.

Audi Care Flex: A Plan for Used Audis

If you buy a used or CPO Audi, Audi Care Flex is an option. It covers two or more services based on your car’s current mileage. For example, a CPO Q7 with 35,000 miles might get a plan for 40,000 and 50,000 miles. My brother bought a CPO A5 and got a Flex plan for $1,200, which covered three services. It’s flexible but still non-refundable and tied to the car.

Is Audi Care Worth It?

Deciding if Audi Care is worth it depends on your situation. Here’s how I broke it down:

When It’s a Good Deal

You plan to keep your Audi past 40,000 miles.
You want the convenience of prepaid, scheduled maintenance.
You drive a lot (10,000+ miles a year) and will use all services.
You lease and want to avoid out-of-pocket costs to meet lease requirements.
You value dealer service with genuine parts.

For me, Audi Care was worth it because I drive 12,000 miles a year and hate surprise bills. The savings and peace of mind sealed the deal.

When It Might Not Be

You drive less than 10,000 miles a year and may not use all services.
You’re comfortable doing basic maintenance yourself.
You plan to sell your car before 40,000 miles.
You prefer a trusted local shop over the dealer.

My neighbor skipped Audi Care for his low-mileage A3 and saved money by going to an independent shop. It’s all about your driving habits and budget.

How to Buy Audi Care

You can buy Audi Care when you purchase or lease your Audi, or later if your car meets age and mileage rules. I bought mine at purchase and rolled the cost into my loan, which spread it out over monthly payments. If you buy later, you pay upfront, and it’s pricier. Call your dealer to check eligibility—most require the car to be under 2 years old or 30,000 miles. My dealer walked me through the options, and I chose the standard plan for my Q5.

Things to Know Before You Sign Up

Here are some key details I learned:

Non-Refundable: Audi Care can’t be canceled or refunded, even if you sell the car or end a lease early.
Tied to the Vehicle: The plan stays with the car, not you. This can boost resale value but won’t transfer to a new Audi.
Dealer-Only: Services must be done at an authorized Audi dealer. Independent shops don’t count.
Expiration Dates: Plans expire at specific mileage or time limits (e.g., 52,000 miles or 60 months for 2020+ models).
State Variations: California has different rules, so check with your dealer.

What Other Audi Owners Say

I checked out forums like AudiWorld and Reddit to see what others think. Many owners love Audi Care for the savings and convenience. One user said their $1,399 plan for a 2022 Q5 saved them $800 compared to paying separately. Another liked the nationwide coverage when traveling. But some owners, especially those with low mileage, felt it wasn’t worth it. One guy with a 2021 A3 said he only drove 20,000 miles in three years and didn’t use the full plan. DIY folks also skipped it, preferring to handle oil changes themselves.

Audi Care vs. Other Brands

I compared Audi Care to similar plans from BMW and Mercedes. BMW’s Maintenance Program covers similar services but is free for the first three years or 36,000 miles, unlike Audi’s paid plan. Mercedes offers prepaid plans like Audi Care, but costs are higher, often $2,000+ for similar coverage. Audi’s plan is competitive, especially for high-mileage drivers, but BMW’s free plan is hard to beat early on.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Audi Care

Here’s what I do to maximize my Audi Care plan:

Schedule Early: Book appointments ahead to avoid delays, especially at busy dealers.
Keep Records: Save service receipts for resale value.
Use Nationwide Coverage: If you’re traveling, find an Audi dealer for service.
Check Your Mileage: Make sure you’ll hit the mileage intervals before the plan expires.
Ask About Add-Ons: Some dealers offer extras like tire rotations with Audi Care.

My Final Thoughts

Figuring out what Audi Care is and whether it’s worth it was a journey, but I’m glad I took the time to understand it. For me, Audi Care was a smart choice. It saved me money, kept my Q5 in top shape, and made maintenance stress-free. The prepaid plan meant no surprise bills, and I loved knowing certified technicians were using genuine parts. But it’s not for everyone—if you drive less or love DIY maintenance, you might skip it. Weigh your driving habits, budget, and plans for your Audi. If you’re like me and want convenience and savings, Audi Care is a solid investment. Call your dealer, crunch the numbers, and drive with confidence knowing your Audi is well cared for!

FAQs

What is Audi Care?

Audi Care is a prepaid maintenance plan that covers scheduled services like oil changes, brake inspections, and spark plug replacements at specific mileage intervals.