Tow car: Audi Q5

read some reviews about the factory fitted tow ball as these are not just solid metal and have some sort of insert placed around them and a lot of reports that these are breaking down and damaging the friction pads on the Alko hitch. Also whether it will need more cooling fitted to stop overheating during towing. not trying to put a downer on your purchase but better to be safe than sorry as not a cheap vehicle even second hand.

Thanks for that lornalou1.  I've now decided to pick up the trail of a Volvo XC60 instead of the Audi Q5.  

there's a post somewhere about Volvo's not putting permanent lives the  13 pin socket and just using the supply when engine started.

Hi,In regard to the Audi Q5 it is, in my opinion, a fantastic car and towcar. 

I am on my second, both owned from new, and looking to order next one later this year. Both have had a factory fitted tow bar and both have been solid metal with the bar completely hidden when not in use.There can be issues with the towbar wiring of factory fitted bars, but if you are aware of these then its easily sorted pre-delivery.

I do app 22000 miles a year and the two cars have had only minor issues that did not keep the car off the road. 

My car has to be able to tow the van but if for some reason I wanted to get a smaller car it would be the van that would have to fit the car not the other way around

Not looked at other cars for some time as very satisfied with the Q5 so no idea about issues or comparisons but, as I said,it is a great car and towcar. 

I know that you mentioned looking for a car 1-2 years old but may be worth a look at CARWOW and Drive The Deal. My two were at discounts of around 11% on the list price and looking at my likely next spec car there are secondhand cars in Audi dealers that are about the same price.

knutsinmay - i think you need to check out the Q5 for yourself, i am 99.99% certain lornalou is incorrect. The problem referred to only applies to the ‘new’ Q7, albeit may now be available as an option on other Audi’s. I personally do not have a Q5 -yet - however it is on my shortlist, Volvo to me is simply too boring. 

well i am no lying about what i have read, unless these people are not telling the truth about there tow ball problems.

 Think this may be related to the trailer assist system on the newer Q7.

That rings a bell

Yep, just found the link

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/information-technical-tips-advice/towcars-towing/new-audi-q7-with-tow-assist/

appologise as it was about the Q7 only.