Audi Care is Audi’s prepaid maintenance plan. It covers the first four scheduled services (at 10k, 20k, 30k, 40k miles) on your new Audi. A standard Audi (A3/Q5, etc.) plan for those four visits costs about $1,799. According to Audi, this plan should save you money versus paying for each service separately. In practice, the answer depends on your car, how much you drive, and where you service it. For example, a dealer quotes about $244 for a 10,000-mile service on a Q5 and about $453 for a 20,000-mile service. That’s roughly $697 for two visits. If you estimate similarly for 30k and 40k, paying each visit could be around $1,400 total – less than the $1,799 plan price. On the other hand, a high-end model (like an S5) had a dealer bill of $1,400 for just the 20k visit. If your services cost that much, the $1,799 plan might save money.
The key points: Audi Care prepays your first few oil changes and check-ups at a fixed price, but dealers charge varying amounts for each visit. Read on to see what Audi Care includes, how much services cost, and how leasing, resale, and shop choice affect whether the plan is worth it.
What is Audi Care?
Prepaid maintenance plan: Audi Care lets you pay for scheduled maintenance at an Audi dealer in advance. You buy a package that covers certain services over time.
1. Who it’s for:
Anyone buying or leasing a new Audi in the U.S. can add Audi Care. You can pay it all upfront or roll it into your loan or lease payments.
2. Vehicle coverage:
The basic Audi Care plan covers Audi’s recommended maintenance at 10k, 20k, 30k, and 40k miles (roughly every 12 months). Audi recommends doing service every 10,000 miles or 12 months. The plan is valid for these four services for up to about 52,000 miles or 60 months.
3. Price tiers:
The cost depends on your model tier. For example, the 4-service plan (10k–40k) is about $1,799 for most models (“Standard” tier). Premium models (A8, RS, etc.) pay more (about $2,649).
4. Lease options:
Audi offers 2-service and 3-service lease plans if you lease. The 3-service plan (10k, 20k, 30k) costs about $1,349 (standard tier). The 2-service plan (10k, 20k) is around $999. (These plans expire earlier, e.g., 42,000 miles or 48 months for the 3-service plan.)
What Does Audi Care Cover?
Audi Care covers only scheduled maintenance, not repairs. In other words, it pays for the routine services Audi recommends but does not pay for fixing breakdowns or worn parts. For example, Audi’s official brochure lists tasks like oil and filter changes, multipoint inspections, and replacing filters at the proper intervals. Typical items covered include:
- Oil change and oil filter: Changed at each service interval.
- Air cleaner and cabin (pollen) filter: Replace them at the proper mileage (e.g., pollen filter ~20k, air filter ~60k miles).
- Spark plugs: Replaced as the owner’s manual directs (often around 30k or 40k).
- Brake fluid change: Usually every 2 years or as recommended.
- Engine and transmission checks: Fluids were checked, and the engine compartment was inspected for leaks.
- Other inspections: Wheels/tires, lights, washers, etc.
Audi Care does not cover any repairs outside of this list. For example, if your brake pads are worn out and need replacement, Audi Care won’t pay for them. Only the scheduled maintenance tasks listed above are included. (It’s not an extended warranty or “wear-and-tear” plan.) Audi Care must be used at an Audi dealer in the U.S. (no cancellations or refunds).
Audi Care Costs vs Paying Yourself:
To decide if Audi Care is worth it, compare the plan cost to what you’d pay per visit without the plan. Dealer prices vary by model and location, but some examples help.
Standard model (Audi Q5 example): One dealer’s prices for a Q5 show a 10,000-mile service costs about $243 and a 20,000-mile service about $453. That 20k visit includes all 10k items plus extra checks (pollen filter change, coolant check, etc.). Assuming a 30k service is similar to 10k ($250) and a 40k similar to 20k ($450), then the total dealer cost for 10k+20k+30k+40k is roughly $1,400. By comparison, Audi Care costs $1,799 for these four visits. In this case, paying as you go is cheaper by several hundred dollars.
1. Higher-end model (Audi S5 example):
A 2023 S5 owner reported a $1,400 bill for the 20,000-mile service (mainly oil and inspection work). If oil changes and primary services are very pricey on S and RS models, the $1,799 plan could save money. For instance, if each visit was roughly $800–$900, four visits might total $3,200 or more, making the prepaid price lower. But the actual math will depend on your model’s service rates.
2. Independents are cheaper:
Many Audi owners find non-dealer shops charge much less. As one S5 owner remarked, “Find a good independent shop specializing in German cars. The price difference…will be significant”. For example, an independent might do an oil change for $100–$150, whereas a dealer might charge $200–$300. If you use a trusted independent mechanic, the cost to maintain an Audi can drop well below the dealer’s fees.
3. General rule:
Basic Audi maintenance (oil, filters, inspections) often runs a few hundred dollars at a dealer each time. Audi Care’s price ($1,799), divided by four visits, is about $450 per visit on average. Audi Care might save money if your dealer charges more than that per visit. If the dealer charges less (as with our Q5 example), it’s more expensive. Always add tax/fees to dealer prices since Audi Care covers parts, but taxes on parts may be extra.
In short, do the math for your situation. Add approximate costs for your needed services (using dealer quotes or online estimates). Compare that sum to the plan’s price. It could be worth it if the plan costs less than you’d pay each time. If not, it might be money down the drain.
Independent Shop vs. Dealer Service:
Where you get maintenance makes a big difference:
1. Dealership:
Audi Care requires an Audi dealer. Dealers use Audi parts and have factory training and tools. Some owners value this for peace of mind. On the downside, dealer labor rates are high. Dealers are free to set higher prices for services. We saw dealer quotes of $243 and $453 for Q5 services. Another owner was shocked by a $1,400 dealer charge for an S5’s 20k service. A common comment is, “Welcome to dealership service pricing.”
2. Independent mechanic:
A qualified independent shop (especially one specializing in German cars) often charges much less. For example, an oil change can be around $100, whereas a dealer might be $200+. Brake fluid changes, inspections, and minor services are similarly cheaper in the Indies. Independent shops can do all the same maintenance using good quality (often OEM or equivalent) parts. The risk is usually small, but if your car is still under warranty, some mechanical repairs might need a dealer. For routine service, most owners are comfortable with a good independent. One owner noted that using an independent yields a “significant” saving.
3. Warranty and records:
Doing service at a dealer ensures all paperwork is in Audi’s system. This can help with warranty claims or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs. Independent shops can give you receipts, but Audi has no online record. If you care about dealer stamps for resale, keep thorough records.
In summary, Audi Care (which forces dealer-only service) loses much of its value if you plan to use independent service. If you always service at the dealer (for example, if required by a CPO program), then Audi Care’s fixed pricing might be more appealing — but remember the cost math above.
Buying vs. Leasing Audi:
Your ownership type changes the decision:
1. Buying a new Audi:
The complete 4-service Audi Care plan (10k–40k) is available. You typically pay for four services upfront (~5 years of maintenance). If you finance the car through Audi, the plan’s cost can be included in your loan. This spreads out payment but adds interest cost. If you sell the car before finishing all services, the plan stays with the car (the next owner gets whatever services remain). You cannot get any refund back. So, if you keep the vehicle longer than the plan covers, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for later services.
2. Leasing:
Audi offers shorter Lease 3-Service and Lease 2-Service plans. Lease 3 covers 10k, 20k, 30k (about 36 months/3 years). Lease 2 covers 10k and 20k (about 24–30 months). These cost roughly $1,349 and $999 (standard tier). If you are confident you’ll use all visits during the lease, compare those plan prices to your expected dealer costs. On a 3-year lease, you will hit the service reminder each year even if you drive less. For example, if your oil change runs $200, then three oil changes plus one bigger service might be ~$800–$900, making a $999 plan barely break even. If dealer quotes are higher, the plan might save money. If you drive less or find cheaper service, paying as you go could be cheaper. Also note: if you terminate the lease early, the unused plan will not be refunded.
3. End of lease:
When the lease ends, some owners wonder if the dealer must do a final service. Usually, dealers expect you to maintain the car or have Audi Care cover it. You’ll pay for any required maintenance if you don’t buy Audi Care. If you did buy it, you hand over the car with Audi Care used up (or still active), but Audi takes over any remaining covered visits. This could be an indirect benefit to the next lessee/buyer.
In short, for leases, do the math over the lease period. Audi Care could be competent if your expected service bills exceed the prepaid cost. If not, skip it. The Reddit community advises checking your driving habits: one user noted that if you drive a lot (say 15,000 km/year), you’ll easily exceed the prepaid amount by going to the dealer. Others point out you must service every 10,000 miles or year on a 3-year lease, so factor in 3 visits at minimum.
How Long You Plan to Keep the Car:
1. Your ownership horizon is crucial:
Short-term ownership (≤ 40k miles): If you plan to drive less than 40,000 miles (and 5 years) before selling or trading, Audi Care covers all your factory maintenance. In this case, Audi Care protects you from any price hikes during that period. You pay once and have no more large maintenance bills under the factory terms.
2. Long-term ownership (>40k miles):
If you intend to keep the car past 40–50k miles, remember Audi Care ends early. The 4-service plan ends at 52,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. After that, you pay on your own. So, if you keep the car for 10 years, Audi Care only covers the first few visits. In this case, paying per service might make more sense.
3. Selling the car:
Audi Care stays with the vehicle if you sell or trade your Audi before using all services. A buyer will get any remaining prepaid services, but you lose the money you paid (non-refundable). Some buyers might pay more for a car with maintenance included but expect a negligible impact on the resale price. Most value a clean service record more than who paid for it.
Pros and Cons of Audi Care:
Pros (Potential Benefits):
- Cost certainty: You lock in prices now, which protects if dealer rates or parts prices rise. This can be good in high-inflation times.
- Budgeting: One upfront fee (or small monthly payments) avoids surprise large bills later.
- Convenience: With a package of services at the dealer, you get “one and done.” You won’t have to pay for each visit.
- Dealer service: All work is done by Audi-trained techs using factory tools and Audi Genuine Parts. This may reassure some owners about quality.
- Resale/record: Some buyers might be attracted to dealer service stamps. A complete dealer service history can give a buyer or dealer extra confidence when reselling the car.
- Lease-end ease: If you lease, having prepaid maintenance means one less thing to worry about at lease return.
Cons (Drawbacks):
- Higher overall cost: Audi Care costs more than paying per service for many cars. Our Q5 example showed ~$1,400 of service vs. the $1,799 plan price. That difference is money left on the table.
- Non-refundable: Once you buy Audi Care, you cannot cancel it or get your money back. Even if you sell the car early or return a lease, you don’t recover any cost (though the services do transfer to the vehicle).
- Dealer-only: You must use an Audi dealer. Audi Care is wasted if you prefer a trusted independent shop (to save money) because you can’t use it there.
- Limited coverage: Only scheduled maintenance items are covered. Everything else (like brake pads, tires, wiper blades, any damage repairs) is extra.
- Short coverage: It ends by 40k–50k miles. Audi Care only covers the early years if you keep a car longer.
- Leasing caveat: If you terminate a lease early, no refund is given for unused services. So you could lose money.
Is Audi Care Worth It: Key Takeaways to Help You Decide:
1. Compare actual costs:
Estimate your real maintenance bills. Call a local Audi dealer (or check service schedules) to get rough prices for 10k, 20k, etc. Compare their total to the Audi Care price for your model.
2. Consider your car model:
Higher-end Audis (S/RS models, Q7/Q8, etc.) generally have higher service costs. Audi Care is more likely to pay off on these. For everyday models (A3/A4/Q3/Q5), paying as you go often costs less.
3. Consider where you service it:
If you have a reliable, independent mechanic, you can save a lot on each visit. In that case, Audi Care (dealer-only) is usually not worth it. If you will always use the Audi dealer, then Audi Care gives dealer-quality service at a fixed rate.
4. How long will you own or lease?
If you only need a couple of years of service, Audi Care locks in that, and then you walk away. If you plan to keep the car well beyond 40k miles, you’ll outlive the plan and pay later anyway.
5. Budgeting vs. flexibility:
Audi Care is like a bundle purchase: you pay upfront (or finance it) and can relax about these services. But you lose flexibility and any refunds. That has value if you have the cash and want peace of mind. If you’re shopping dollar-for-dollar, crunch the numbers.
6. Used resale impact:
A car with a full dealer maintenance history (with Audi Care) may appeal slightly more to buyers, but a vehicle with good independent records is still strong. Use this mainly as a tie-breaker, not a significant decision factor.
7. Final check:
Remember that Audi Care only covers maintenance. You still need regular checks on tires, brakes, fluids, etc., and pay for anything beyond the scheduled services.
Bottom line: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For some owners — especially those who prefer dealer service and want fixed costs — Audi Care might be a convenient option. For others, especially if dealer prices are high or you have a cheaper mechanic lined up, Audi Care can be more expensive than paying out of pocket. Weigh the total expected service bills against the Audi Care price, consider your driving habits and how long you’ll keep the car, and decide which approach makes the most sense.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Does Audi Care cover brake pads, tires, or wiper blades?
No. Audi Care only covers scheduled maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections. Wear-and-tear items like brakes, tires, and wipers are not included.
Q2. Can I cancel Audi Care or get a refund if I sell the car early?
No. Audi Care is non-refundable. If you sell the car or end your lease early, the plan stays with the vehicle and transfers to the new owner.
Q3. Can I use Audi Care at an independent shop?
No. Audi Care services must be performed at an authorized Audi dealership. Using an outside mechanic voids the coverage for that visit.
Q4. Is Audi Care worth it on a lease?
It can. Audi Care might save money if you need at least two or three services during your lease and plan to have them done at the dealer. However, driving less or using a non-dealer mechanic may cost more than paying per visit.
Q5. What happens if I don’t use all the services in the Audi Care plan?
Unused services expire and cannot be refunded. However, they transfer to the next owner if you sell the car before using them.
Conclusion:
Audi Care can be a convenient way to manage your Audi’s early maintenance costs, but whether it’s worth it depends entirely on your driving habits, your local dealer’s pricing, and how long you plan to keep the car. For many owners, especially of standard models like the A4 or Q5, the cost of individual services may be lower than the plan itself—especially if you’re open to using an independent mechanic. However, suppose you prefer the peace of mind of prepaid service at an Audi dealership, especially on higher-end models where individual services can get pricey. In that case, Audi Care may offer real value. The key is to compare costs, understand your maintenance needs, and weigh convenience versus flexibility.
