Let’s take a closer look at the factors that come into play to help you decide whether you should consider buying this great car at that fantastic price. Let’s start by finding out why it is so affordable now. We’ll also look at the level of luxury the Q7 offers inside and out, its performance and drivability, its cost of ownership and related considerations.
Depreciation and pricing: why the ’21 Audi Q7 is so affordable now
All cars lose value as soon as they roll off the showroom floor. A drop of 20 percent in the first year is about average, and about 15 percent per year over the next two or three years. Expensive cars like the Q7 or any of the other luxury models out there depreciate in value faster than mass market models like the RAV4. Brands like Toyota and Honda also tend to depreciate less than other brands.
The main reason is the smaller market. Fewer people buy expensive luxury cars, and they usually buy new or lease after a few years. They don’t want to deal with the cost issues of an aging car. For example, replacing the Q7’s original set of tires could cost you between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on which brand you choose. Many of these cars are also leased, meaning the lease contract expires after three years and the second-hand market is artificially flooded with used Q7s and similar cars.
Original sales price vs. Current market value
In 2021 the Audi Q7 the starting price ranged from the mid-$50,000s to over $70,000. Today the average price is $31,350, ranging from $23,000 to $43,000. This means that the Q7 lost somewhere between 50 and more than 70 percent in value. The upside is that most of the depreciation has already taken place and the depreciation curve flattens out considerably after about five years. In contrast, the 2021 RAV4 cost between $26,000 and $37,000 new, and the average used price today, according Edmundsamounts to $25,060. That value won’t drop much either, so the difference is $6,000 between a true luxury large SUV and a nice compact SUV for the masses.
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Why luxury SUVs are depreciating so quickly
The value of used cars is largely determined by market patterns. As the price of new cars skyrockets – topping $50,000 for the first time in September last year – buyers are looking for value in used cars, and that’s also driving up the prices of these cars. While the luxury aspects of the Q7 will always remain attractive, buyers already under pressure will tend to prioritize the lower running costs and price of repairs of mainstream vehicles like the RAV4. There is a huge demand for used RAV4s, and this keeps used prices higher, while the opposite is true for the Q7.
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Luxury inside and out: what the Audi Q7 has to offer
Not all cars are created equal, and the Audi Q7 is the essence of spacious luxury. It’s a big car, too, and bigger cars feel more solid and planted on the road than smaller ones. Even if the Q7 and RAV4 had the same equipment and features, which they don’t, the big Q7 would feel more luxurious.
Interior quality and technology
The soft-touch finishes, fine details and carefully curated layout give the Q7 a luxurious feel. The digital instrument display in the virtual cockpit, the extensive infotainment and the top features available as standard move the luxury needle firmly to the north. Technology like driver assistance is strong in today’s Toyotas, but even those in the 2021 Q7 may still have an edge.
Utility and comfort
The Q7 seats seven, although the third row is aimed more at children than full-size adults, and the first and second row seats offer generous head and legroom. The RAV4 seats five, and the back row can be somewhat cramped. The Q7’s interior has a more refined atmosphere, and this, combined with the quiet ride and more confident road feel of a larger car, gives Q7 passengers a better driving experience.
10 used turbocharged six-cylinder SUVs, ranked by fuel efficiency
These used SUVs have a lot of power and yet remain economical for their size.
Performance and driving dynamics
The thing about buying a used luxury car is that the expensive optional extras that originally drove up the purchase price are often discounted when the vehicle is five or six years old. You might find a Q7 for a good price, with features like four-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, or one with the turbo V6 on it.
Engine options and driving experience
The 2021 Audi Q7 came with two engine options. The base version consisted of the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that made 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The latter was tested with a speed of 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds, fast for a three-row SUV.
Although the RAV4 is available in FWD and AWD, the model used for price comparison is the FWD option. The Audi Q7 comes standard with the legendary Quattro AWD. The RAV4 offers a significant fuel efficiency advantage over the Q7, especially if the buyer’s car choice is driven by economic necessity rather than a search for affordable luxury.
Traction and versatility
The Q7 can tow 4,400 to 7,700 pounds, depending on engine size. Although you wouldn’t use the Q7 as a work truck, it does mean extra versatility: taking a boat or trailer on holiday or weekend away. The RAV4 can tow between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the drivetrain.
Costs for maintaining a pickup or an SUV
If you’re looking for a vehicle to get the job done, some of the best choices are a pickup or an SUV, but which is cheaper to own?
Ownership Costs and Consideration
A large car costs more to run than a smaller car, just in terms of fuel. The Q7 with the 2.0-liter turbo gets 21 MPG combined, which costs $4.63 per 25 miles, and $6,000 more than the average new car over five years. The standard gas RAV4 gets 30 MPG, costs $2.45 per 25 miles and costs $750 less than the average new car. These are important figures if your budget guides your purchasing decision.
Reliability and maintenance
The reality is that larger cars cost more to maintain and repair. That includes luxury cars, and large German luxury cars top this list. Even if nothing breaks, maintenance and replacement parts, from tires to air filters to cabin buttons and levers, will cost a lot more on the Q7. If the record is clean you might get away with it, but if something breaks it could break the bank.
Final thoughts
Buying a 2021 Audi Q7 with around 50,000 miles for the price of the entry-level RAV4 is a good choice for a buyer who really wants a large luxury car. It gives you that fantastic combination of size, comfort, quality, performance and drivability that are normally far beyond the capabilities of most buyers.
Some savvy buyers who can afford a new Q7 or a similar vehicle might opt ​​for the used one anyway, because someone else would have already eaten the depreciation and have the money to spend on maintenance and repairs. It is the buyer with less budget, attracted by the Q7’s value proposition, who must weigh both the benefits and the financial penalties and pitfalls associated with such a purchase. YOLO doesn’t pay the bills.
Sources: Audi, Toyota, EdmundsThe EPA
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