chickdr

It isn't really sour grapes Jusforfun. As you said I did not even report all the issues I have had with my car(like the several mysterious dead battery issues which happen sporadically). What I can say for certain is of the German cars I have had over the years(VW's, Audi's, BMW's and Porsche's) They ALL have had many more days at the shop than any of my Japanese cars. Don't get me wrong, I love German cars and they drive like no other(I currently drive a Z4M and Q7), but the OP says right off the bat she knows little about cars so I have to assume she wouldn't have much info on reliability for different brands. Our 2004 VW Touareg and 2007 Audi Q7 have by far been the least reliable cars I have owned. Both have thick repair files and spent far too much time in the shop. If the OP wants a car that is on the road all the time and doesn't require frequent dealer visits, I stand by my position(especially since it is for her parents who probably don't want/need car issues). Consumer reports and JD Power also seem to support my claims BTW. This is why I suggest she look at other makes too. If she does and comes back to the Q7 - more power to her.

fifi1314

Thank you all, I will leave this car alone. And probably look into MDX this week.

bmwrt

If you get the VIN you can go to any Audi service dept and ask them to look at its service history including service campaigns/recalls.
Try this first. Better than CARFAX.