Is Audi Care Worth It?-A Detailed Analysis

Owning a luxury car like an Audi comes with high expectations—not just for performance and design but also for maintenance and service. That’s where Audi Care comes in. It’s a prepaid maintenance plan designed to simplify vehicle upkeep by bundling factory-recommended services into one package. The idea is simple: pay once, and your regular maintenance is taken care of for the next few years.

But is it a good deal?

This article tackles an important question: Is Audi Care worth the investment? Whether you’re leasing, financing, or buying your Audi outright, the value of this plan depends on several factors—including how long you plan to keep the car, how much you drive, and the type of service you prefer.

We’ll explain Audi Care’s features, explore its pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your ownership style.

What Is Audi Care and How Does It Work?

At its core, Audi Care is a prepaid service plan that covers scheduled maintenance as outlined in your vehicle’s service manual. This typically includes services at 10,000-mile or 15,000-kilometer intervals, continuing every 10,000 miles (or 15,000 km) thereafter—up to a set mileage or time limit, depending on your plan.

1. What’s Covered?

Audi Care covers routine services like:

• Engine oil and filter changes
• Multi-point inspections
• Brake system checks
• Tire rotations (depending on the dealership)
• Fluid top-ups and replacements
• Spark plugs and air filter replacement (on select intervals)

These services are part of Audi’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule, which is designed to keep your car running smoothly and maintain its performance over time.

2. Who Performs the Service?

All Audi Care services are performed at authorized Audi dealerships by Audi-trained technicians. They use original Audi components and fluids to ensure compatibility and protect your vehicle’s resale value. This level of quality control can be a significant selling point for many owners, especially those who want to avoid the variability of third-party mechanics.

3. How Is Audi Care Purchased?

Audi Care can be purchased:

• At the time of sale or lease, and rolled into your monthly payments
• After purchase, usually anytime before your first service interval.
• As an extension (Audi Care Plus) after your initial plan ends, in some cases.

The cost of Audi Care varies by model and year but is typically offered as a one-time upfront payment. For many buyers, bundling it into the financing makes it feel less like an additional cost and more like part of the car purchase.

Also Read: Audi Q5 Coolant Type-What You Should Use and Why It Matters

What’s Included in Audi Care?

Audi Care is designed to take the guesswork out of routine maintenance by bundling factory-recommended services into one prepaid plan. These are the same services your Audi would need anyway—just packaged for convenience and potential savings.

1. Typical Services Covered:

The exact services depend on your Audi model and year, but most plans include:

• Engine oil and filter changes
• Brake inspections
• Tire rotation (if recommended by the model)
• Hey, inspect and top up essential fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Air filter and pollen filter replacement
• Spark plug replacement (for applicable engines)
• Comprehensive multi-point inspections

These services follow Audi’s manufacturer-specified intervals, so you’re not getting anything extra or unnecessary—just what your vehicle needs to stay in top condition.

2. Mileage and Time-Based Intervals:

Audi Care typically covers services at:

• 10,000 miles / 15,000 km
• 20,000 miles / 30,000 km
• 30,000 miles / 45,000 km
• 40,000 miles / 60,000 km

Each interval includes specific checks and replacements, and your dealership will send reminders when service is due.

3. Standard vs. CPO vs. Extension Plans:

Audi Care is available in several versions:

• Standard Audi Care: For new Audi vehicles, usually covering the first four services.
• Audi Care CPO: For Certified Pre-Owned Audis, offering coverage tailored to used vehicles still under warranty.
• Audi Care Plus / Extension: Some plans offer additional coverage beyond 40,000 miles, which is ideal for owners planning long-term ownership.

Each tier is designed to match the vehicle’s lifecycle, so whether you buy new or certified pre-owned, there’s likely a plan that fits.

Pros of Audi Care:

Audi Care isn’t just about bundling services—it’s about predictability, savings, and peace of mind. Here are the key advantages:

1. Cost Savings:

One of the most talked-about benefits is that Audi Care can save you up to 20% compared to paying for each service individually. By prepaying, you avoid the markups or price fluctuations that often come with à la carte maintenance.

2. Inflation Protection:

Labor and parts costs tend to rise over time. With Audi Care, you lock in today’s prices, which can be a smart hedge against future inflation—especially if you plan to keep your Audi for several years.

3. Certified Service:

Audi-trained technicians at authorized dealerships perform every service. They use Audi Genuine Parts, which helps ensure quality and consistency and may even boost long-term reliability and resale value.

4. Convenience:

Prepaying means you won’t have to consider budgeting for routine maintenance later. You also get automated service reminders, making you less likely to miss essential intervals. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach to ownership.

5. Resale Advantage:

In many cases, Audi Care is transferable to the next owner, which could make your vehicle more attractive to buyers. A car with documented, prepaid dealer maintenance can often command a higher resale price or sell faster on the used market.

Cons of Audi Care:

While Audi Care has perks, it’s not the right fit for every owner. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider before committing.

1. Upfront Cost:

One of the most significant sticking points is the initial cost. Even though it may save money over time, Audi Care requires a lump-sum payment upfront (or folds into your lease/finance plan). If you’re not prepared for that added cost early on, it is more of a burden than a benefit.

2. Lack of Flexibility:

With Audi Care, you’ll need all covered services at authorized Audi dealerships. That means:

• You cannot bring your automobile to your preferred independent repair shop.
• You can’t shop around for cheaper labor or parts. This is a deal-breaker for some owners who prefer more control over where and how their vehicle is maintained.

3. Limited Transfer or Refund Options:

Most Audi Care plans are:

• Non-refundable once purchased.
• Tied to the vehicle, not the owner. You likely won’t get a refund if you sell your Audi early or end a lease before using all the services. Some plans may transfer to the next owner, but not all do, and you can’t transfer it to another vehicle you own.

4. Coverage Limits:

It’s essential to understand what Audi Care doesn’t include. It only covers scheduled maintenance—the routine items Audi lists in the owner’s manual. It does not cover:

• Things that wear out over time, like brake pads, tires, and wiper blades.
• Diagnostic fees
• Unexpected repairs or system failures

If you’re expecting a broader safety net, you might be disappointed.

Also Read: Can Volkswagen Service Audi?-What You Should Know Before Booking an Appointment

When Is Audi Care Worth It?

So, who benefits the most from Audi Care? It comes down to how you drive, how long you’ll own your Audi, and how much you value dealer service.

1. Best for Long-Term Owners:

Audi Care makes a lot of sense if you plan to keep your Audi for at least 4 years. You’re more likely to use every scheduled service included in the plan—and maximize your investment.

2. Ideal for Average or High-Mileage Drivers:

Audi Care is an excellent fit for drivers who put around 10,000 to 15,000 miles (or 15,000 to 25,000 kilometers) on their cars yearly. You’ll hit service milestones on schedule and fully use what you’ve prepaid. If you drive much less, you may run out of time before using all the plan’s benefits.

3. Perfect for Dealership-Oriented Owners:

If you already plan to service your Audi at the dealership, Audi Care is a no-brainer. You’ll be paying for the same services anyway—but potentially for less, with less hassle, and with the bonus of inflation protection.

It also suits owners who prefer to bundle costs and avoid surprise maintenance bills. Audi Care fits right in if you like predictable budgeting and scheduled reminders.

When Might Audi Care Not Be Worth It?

While Audi Care offers real value in the right situations, there are just as many cases where it may not be the smartest choice.

1. Low-Mileage or Short-Term Owners:

If you drive significantly less than the average 10,000–15,000 miles per year, you may not use all the scheduled services included in the plan before it expires. Similarly, if you plan to sell or trade-in your Audi within a few years, you might leave unused services (and money) on the table.

2. Those Who Prefer Independent Mechanics:

Not everyone is sold on dealership service. Suppose you have a trusted local shop or would like to compare quotes. In that case, Audi Care’s requirement to use only Audi-authorized dealerships can feel restrictive—and possibly more expensive than other certified options.

3. Drivers Who Dislike Committing to Prepaid Plans:

Some owners don’t like prepaying for services they may or may not use. Audi Care might not align with your ownership philosophy about cash flow, freedom of choice, or skepticism about manufacturer packages.

Audi Care vs. Pay-As-You-Go: A Quick Comparison:

Here’s a simple side-by-side to help you weigh the benefits and trade-offs between Audi Care and traditional pay-as-you-go maintenance:

Example Scenario: 3 Years of Ownership:

You have owned an Audi Q5 for three years and drive about 12,000 miles annually. Audi recommended three primary services during that period, each spaced about 10,000 miles apart.

• With Audi Care: you pay around $1,199 upfront, covering all three services—inspections, oil changes, fluid top-ups, and more—done at an Audi dealership with certified parts and technicians.
• Without Audi Care: Paying individually, each service costs between $450–$550, depending on location and dealership. Over 3 years, you could spend $1,350–$1,650, and that’s without any protection from price increases.

Verdict: In this scenario, Audi Care saves you $150–$450 and removes the hassle of booking, budgeting, and worrying about inflation.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Audi Care?

Audi Care makes a strong case—for the right driver.

If you’re planning to keep your Audi for a few years, put a decent number of miles on it each year, and like the idea of sticking with dealership service, Audi Care will be a smart move for you. The cost savings, service quality, and budgeting ease are genuinely valuable.

However, if you drive infrequently, plan to sell early, or prefer independent mechanics, the flexibility and potential savings of paying as you go might suit you better.

Still unsure? A good next step is to review your past maintenance habits and compare them to Audi’s service intervals. Better yet, talk to your dealership—they can walk you through pricing, available plans, and what makes sense based on your model and mileage.

Also Read: What Does Green Foot Mean On Audi-Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Is Audi Care transferable if I sell my car?

Yes, usually. Audi Care keeps the car and transfers it to the next owner. This can boost resale appeal, especially for private sales. However, transfer policies can vary by dealer and plan type, so confirm the details.

Q2. Can I cancel Audi Care and get a refund?

Generally, no. Audi Care is non-refundable once activated. Some dealers may offer partial cancellations in specific cases (like early lease termination) but don’t count on getting money back.

Q3. Does Audi Care cover wear items like brake pads or tires?

No. Audi Care only covers scheduled maintenance, which includes items like oil changes, inspections, filters, and fluid replacements. It does not cover brakes, tires, or wiper blades.

Q4. Can I buy Audi Care after purchasing the vehicle?

Yes, you can. Audi typically allows you to purchase Audi Care within a set window after buying or leasing (often within the first 12 months or 10,000 miles). It’s best to ask your dealer early so you don’t miss the cutoff.

Conclusion:

Audi Care can be a wise investment, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you plan to keep your Audi long enough, drive moderately to heavily, and value hassle-free maintenance at the dealership, then you’ll likely save money and stress with the plan.

On the other hand, if flexibility, lower mileage, or short-term ownership better describe your situation, paying per service might offer more freedom—and possibly better value.

The bottom line: Know your driving habits and timeline. When in doubt, ask questions before signing up. Peace of mind starts with being informed.