Which is more reliable, Audi or Lincoln?
Nearly a tie: Audi averages 63/100 vs Lincoln at 61/100 across 185 real pre-purchase inspections (149 Audi / 36 Lincoln). 59% of Audis and 56% of Lincolns scored 60/100 or higher.
Nearly a tie: Audi averages 63/100 vs Lincoln at 61/100 across 185 real pre-purchase inspections (149 Audi / 36 Lincoln). 59% of Audis and 56% of Lincolns scored 60/100 or higher. The average car we check scores 61/100.
Head to head
| Audi | Lincoln | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars inspected | 149 | 36 |
| Average condition | 63/100 | 61/100 |
| In good shape (60+/100) | 59% | 56% |
| Repainted or replaced panel | 74% | 78% |
| Structural repair found | 3% | 3% |
| Fault codes recently cleared | 29% | 19% |
Green = the better number of the pair. Condition reflects the mix of cars that came to us — age, price, model — so treat small gaps as a tie.
How they score
How long do they stay good?
Good cars by mileage
▬ Audi▬ Lincoln▬ all cars
Good cars by age
▬ Audi▬ Lincoln▬ all cars
Share in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). Dashed grey = all cars we check.
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
61%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
42%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
40%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
31%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
28%
Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
33%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
33%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
28%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
22%
Trajectory by generation
Audi
▲ Newer Audis are holding up better
Lincoln
Not enough Lincolns at the 5–10 year checkpoint yet to draw a generation trend.
Share in good shape when inspected at the same age (5–10 years, age-adjusted), by model-year generation; dashed = all-brand average. All brands →
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with used Audis and Lincolns?
On Audis we flag oil leaks (61%), active error codes (42%), tires condition & wear (40%). On Lincolns: oil leaks (64%), fuel trim out of range (33%), active error codes (33%).
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How many Audi and Lincoln vehicles have you inspected?
149 Audis and 36 Lincolns — 185 real pre-purchase inspections. Updated Oct 27, 2026.
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Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. Badge averages don't sort the good car from the tired one. We still find repainted panels on 74% of Audis and 78% of Lincolns, and recently cleared fault codes on 29% / 19%.
Buying a used Audi or Lincoln? Get a pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
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Based on 185 inspections · updated Oct 27, 2026
