Audi Q5

Contrary to the 'mostly front-drive' worry, in the stock the Q5 is effectively all quattro — front-wheel drive barely reaches the auctions. The US market has a FWD base from the southern states and it loses value here, but in salvage it is rare — run the VIN to confirm, not to worry. On the AWD versions the Quattro Ultra system disconnects the rear axle on the highway — more complex than the old permanent Torsen and needing specific diagnostics.

The standard configuration is the 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 3/Gen 4) with a 7-speed S-Tronic (DSG). The engine is lively, free of the old oil consumption, but with two faults: sudden leaks from the plastic water-pump/thermostat module and brittle PCV valves. The gearbox needs a fluid change every 60,000 km to avoid an expensive mechatronic failure in city driving.

The digital dashboard and MMI arrive locked to the US — a mandatory budget for coding and flashing to European frequencies, local maps and language right after import.