Is Audi Care Worth It in 2022?

Audi Care is a prepaid maintenance plan designed to simplify servicing for Audi owners. In 2022, it offers peace of mind and potential savings—especially for new or leased vehicles—but may not be cost-effective for older cars or low-mileage drivers.

Key Takeaways

• Audi Care covers scheduled maintenance: It includes oil changes, inspections, brake fluid, and more for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles, depending on the package.
• Convenience and predictability: With fixed pricing and no surprise bills, it’s ideal for budget-conscious drivers who want hassle-free service.
• Best value for new or leased Audis: If you’re buying or leasing a new Audi, adding Audi Care at purchase can lock in today’s labor and parts rates.
• May not pay off for high-mileage or older vehicles: If you drive over 12,000 miles a year or own a used Audi, pay-as-you-go might be cheaper.
• Transferable and refundable: The plan can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your car, and unused portions are refundable.
• Requires dealership service: All work must be done at an authorized Audi service center, which may limit flexibility.
• Compare with third-party plans: Independent extended service contracts sometimes offer similar coverage at lower prices—shop around.

Is Audi Care Worth It in 2022? A Complete Guide for Audi Owners

Owning an Audi is more than just driving a luxury car—it’s about enjoying precision engineering, cutting-edge technology, and a refined driving experience. But like any high-performance vehicle, Audis require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. That’s where Audi Care comes in. Launched as a prepaid maintenance program, Audi Care bundles essential services into a single, upfront payment. But is it really worth it in 2022?

With rising repair costs, inflation, and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, many Audi owners are wondering whether prepaying for maintenance makes financial sense. Some swear by the convenience and predictability, while others argue it’s an unnecessary expense—especially if you don’t drive much or plan to sell your car soon. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Audi Care in 2022: what it covers, how much it costs, who benefits most, and whether it’s a smart investment for your Audi.

Whether you’re driving a brand-new A4, a sporty Q5, or a high-mileage A6, this article will help you make an informed decision. We’ll compare Audi Care to paying out of pocket, explore real-world examples, and offer practical tips to maximize your savings. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether Audi Care is worth it for your lifestyle and driving habits.

What Is Audi Care?

Audi Care is a prepaid maintenance plan offered by Audi of America that covers scheduled maintenance services for your vehicle. Think of it as a “maintenance subscription” that you pay for upfront, so you don’t have to worry about service costs down the road. It’s designed to help owners stay on top of routine care while protecting against unexpected repair bills.

The program is available for both new and used Audi vehicles, though the eligibility and pricing vary. For new cars, Audi Care is typically offered at the time of purchase or lease. For used vehicles, it can sometimes be added within a certain mileage or age window—usually up to 15,000 miles or 12 months from the original in-service date.

How Does Audi Care Work?

When you purchase Audi Care, you’re essentially prepaying for a set of maintenance services that align with Audi’s recommended maintenance schedule. These services are performed at authorized Audi dealerships and include things like oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid top-offs, and multi-point inspections.

Once enrolled, you simply bring your car to an Audi service center when it’s time for maintenance. The service advisor checks your plan, performs the required work, and you drive away—no out-of-pocket costs. It’s that simple.

What Does Audi Care Cover?

Audi Care covers a range of scheduled maintenance tasks based on your vehicle’s mileage and age. The exact services depend on the specific plan you choose, but most include:

– Engine oil and filter changes
– Tire rotations
– Brake fluid replacement
– Cabin and engine air filter replacements
– Multi-point inspections
– Battery testing
– Fluid level checks and top-offs
– Spark plug replacements (on certain models)

For example, a typical 4-year/50,000-mile Audi Care plan might include up to six service visits, each covering different maintenance items as your car reaches specific mileage intervals (e.g., 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, and 50,000 miles).

It’s important to note that Audi Care does not cover repairs due to wear and tear, accidents, or modifications. It’s strictly for scheduled maintenance—not unexpected breakdowns or mechanical failures.

Audi Care vs. Audi Care Select

In 2022, Audi offers two main versions of its prepaid maintenance program: Audi Care and Audi Care Select.

– Audi Care: This is the standard plan, covering up to 4 years or 50,000 miles of scheduled maintenance. It’s available on most new Audi models and is often bundled with lease agreements.

– Audi Care Select: This is a more comprehensive option that extends coverage up to 6 years or 75,000 miles. It includes additional services like brake pad and rotor replacements, wiper blade replacements, and more frequent inspections. Audi Care Select is ideal for drivers who plan to keep their car longer or drive more than average.

Both plans must be purchased within a specific timeframe—usually within the first 12 months or 15,000 miles of ownership. Once that window closes, you can’t enroll.

How Much Does Audi Care Cost in 2022?

The cost of Audi Care varies depending on your vehicle model, location, and the specific plan you choose. However, in 2022, most Audi Care plans range from $800 to $1,500 for the standard 4-year/50,000-mile package.

For example:
– Audi A3 or A4: Around $850–$1,000
– Audi Q5 or Q7: Around $1,100–$1,300
– Audi Care Select (6-year/75,000-mile): $1,400–$1,800

These prices are typically offered at the time of purchase or lease, and dealerships may include them in financing or offer promotional discounts. Some dealers even bundle Audi Care with other perks, like free car washes or roadside assistance.

Is Audi Care Priced Fairly?

To determine whether Audi Care is worth it, let’s compare it to paying for maintenance out of pocket.

A typical oil change at an Audi dealership costs between $120 and $180, depending on the model and location. Tire rotations run about $50–$75, and brake fluid changes can cost $150–$200. Over four years, a driver putting on 12,000 miles per year might need:
– 4 oil changes: $600–$720
– 4 tire rotations: $200–$300
– 1 brake fluid change: $150–$200
– 1 cabin air filter: $80–$120
– 1 engine air filter: $100–$150
– Multi-point inspections: $100–$150 (if charged separately)

That totals roughly $1,230 to $1,640 in out-of-pocket costs—just for basic maintenance. And that doesn’t include spark plugs, wiper blades, or other items covered under Audi Care Select.

So, if you’re paying $1,000 for Audi Care, you’re likely saving money—especially if you factor in inflation and potential price increases over time.

Hidden Costs and Considerations

While Audi Care can save you money, there are a few things to keep in mind:

– Dealership labor rates: Audi service centers charge premium labor rates—often $150–$200 per hour. Audi Care locks in today’s rates, which is a big advantage if prices rise.
– No coverage for repairs: If your transmission fails or your turbo goes out, Audi Care won’t help. It only covers scheduled maintenance.
– Must use Audi dealerships: You can’t take your car to an independent mechanic. All services must be performed at an authorized Audi service center.
– Non-transferable after sale: While the plan can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your car, it’s not refundable if you trade it in or total the vehicle.

Who Should Consider Audi Care?

Audi Care isn’t for everyone. Its value depends heavily on your driving habits, ownership plans, and financial situation. Let’s break down who benefits most.

New Audi Buyers and Lessees

If you’re buying or leasing a new Audi, Audi Care is often a smart choice. Here’s why:

– Predictable costs: You know exactly what you’ll pay for maintenance over the next few years.
– Inflation protection: Labor and parts prices tend to rise over time. Locking in today’s rates can save you hundreds.
– Peace of mind: You won’t have to worry about scheduling service or budgeting for unexpected bills.
– Lease-friendly: Many lease agreements require regular maintenance. Audi Care ensures you stay compliant without extra effort.

For example, a lessee driving 10,000 miles per year will likely use all the services in a 4-year plan. Paying $1,000 upfront is cheaper than paying $300–$400 per year in service costs.

Low-to-Moderate Mileage Drivers

If you drive between 8,000 and 12,000 miles per year, Audi Care is usually a good fit. You’ll use most of the scheduled services without overpaying for unused coverage.

However, if you drive less than 6,000 miles per year, you might not reach the mileage intervals for all services. In that case, you could end up paying for maintenance you don’t use.

Long-Term Owners

If you plan to keep your Audi for 5+ years, Audi Care Select (the 6-year/75,000-mile plan) offers excellent value. It covers more services and extends protection into the higher-mileage years when wear-and-tear items like brakes and wipers start to need replacement.

For instance, replacing brake pads and rotors can cost $600–$1,000 per axle. Audi Care Select includes these services, potentially saving you thousands over time.

Who Should Skip Audi Care?

Audi Care may not be worth it if:

– You drive over 15,000 miles per year (you’ll outpace the plan and need extra services)
– You own a used Audi with high mileage (the cost may exceed the value)
– You prefer independent mechanics (Audi Care requires dealership service)
– You plan to sell or trade in your car within 2–3 years (you may not use all services)

For example, a rideshare driver putting 25,000 miles a year on their Audi Q5 would need oil changes every 5,000 miles—far more than the plan covers. Paying per service might be cheaper.

Audi Care vs. Pay-As-You-Go: A Real-World Example

Let’s look at a real-world scenario to compare Audi Care with paying out of pocket.

Scenario: Sarah buys a new Audi A4 in 2022. She drives 10,000 miles per year and plans to keep the car for 4 years.

Option 1: Audi Care ($950)
– Covers all scheduled maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles
– Includes 4 oil changes, 4 tire rotations, brake fluid, filters, inspections
– No out-of-pocket costs during the plan

Option 2: Pay-As-You-Go
– Oil changes: 4 × $150 = $600
– Tire rotations: 4 × $60 = $240
– Brake fluid: 1 × $180 = $180
– Cabin air filter: 1 × $100 = $100
– Engine air filter: 1 × $120 = $120
– Multi-point inspections: 4 × $50 = $200
– Total: $1,440

In this case, Audi Care saves Sarah $490—and that’s before accounting for potential price increases over four years.

Now, let’s say Sarah only drives 5,000 miles per year. She might only need 2 oil changes and 2 tire rotations in four years. Paying out of pocket could cost around $600, making Audi Care less appealing.

This shows how mileage and usage patterns dramatically affect the value of the plan.

Pros and Cons of Audi Care in 2022

Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of Audi Care based on 2022 pricing and coverage.

Pros

• Cost savings: Prepaying locks in today’s rates and can save hundreds over four years.
• Convenience: No need to budget for service—just show up and drive away.
• Peace of mind: Regular maintenance helps prevent major repairs and keeps your car in top condition.
• Transferable: If you sell your car, the remaining coverage can be transferred to the new owner (may increase resale value).
• Refundable: Unused portions of the plan are refundable if you cancel within the terms.

Cons

• Dealership-only service: You can’t use independent shops, which may be cheaper or more convenient.
• No repair coverage: Mechanical failures, accidents, and wear-and-tear repairs are not included.
• May not be used fully: Low-mileage drivers might not reach all service intervals.
• Upfront cost: Paying $1,000+ upfront may not fit every budget.
• Inflation risk if unused: If you sell the car early, you might not recoup the full value.

Tips to Maximize the Value of Audi Care

If you decide Audi Care is right for you, here are some tips to get the most out of your investment:

1. Buy It at Purchase

The best time to buy Audi Care is when you first buy or lease your car. Dealerships often offer discounts or bundle it with other services. Waiting too long may disqualify you or increase the price.

2. Compare Audi Care Select

If you plan to keep your car long-term, consider Audi Care Select. The extra cost may be worth it for the extended coverage and additional services like brake and wiper replacements.

3. Track Your Mileage

Keep an eye on your odometer. If you’re nearing a service interval, schedule an appointment promptly. Missing a service could mean losing coverage for that item.

4. Use It Before Selling

If you’re planning to sell your Audi, use all remaining services before listing it. A well-maintained car with full service records can command a higher resale price.

5. Ask About Promotions

Some Audi dealerships run seasonal promotions or offer loyalty discounts. Ask your sales or service advisor if any deals are available.

Conclusion: Is Audi Care Worth It in 2022?

So, is Audi Care worth it in 2022? The answer depends on your situation—but for many Audi owners, the answer is yes.

If you’re buying or leasing a new Audi, drive a typical number of miles, and plan to keep the car for several years, Audi Care offers real value. It saves money, reduces stress, and ensures your vehicle gets the expert care it needs. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your maintenance is covered is priceless—especially for a luxury vehicle like an Audi.

However, if you drive very little, prefer independent mechanics, or plan to sell your car soon, paying as you go might be the better choice. And if you’re driving a high-mileage or used Audi, the cost of Audi Care may not justify the limited coverage.

Ultimately, Audi Care is a smart financial tool for the right driver. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many, it’s a worthwhile investment in their Audi’s performance, reliability, and longevity.

Before you decide, crunch the numbers based on your driving habits, compare the cost to out-of-pocket estimates, and talk to your Audi dealer about current offers. With the right plan, you can enjoy your Audi to the fullest—without worrying about the next service bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Audi Care at any Audi dealership?

Yes, Audi Care is valid at any authorized Audi service center in the United States. You don’t need to return to the dealership where you purchased the car.

Is Audi Care refundable?

Yes, unused portions of Audi Care are refundable if you cancel the plan within the terms. However, refunds are typically prorated based on services used.

Does Audi Care cover tire replacements?

No, Audi Care does not cover tire replacements due to wear or damage. It only includes tire rotations as part of scheduled maintenance.

Can I add Audi Care to a used Audi?

It depends. Audi Care can sometimes be added to used vehicles within 12 months or 15,000 miles of the original in-service date. Check with your dealer for eligibility.

What happens if I exceed the mileage limit?

If you exceed the mileage or time limit, any remaining services are forfeited. You’ll need to pay out of pocket for additional maintenance.

Is Audi Care the same as an extended warranty?

No, Audi Care only covers scheduled maintenance. It does not cover repairs for mechanical failures, which are handled by Audi’s limited warranty or separate extended service plans.