Classic Cars & RestorationQuestionCommunity Starter

How far do you go preserving originality on a driver?

TurboDadCommunity StarterAug 31, 20262020 Audi Q7 55 TFSISouth Florida
2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI, about 151,000 miles. The car is mostly original but I actually want to use it. I'm torn between period-correct repairs and upgrades like better brakes, cooling and charging. Where do you draw the line on a driver rather than a concours car? If I fix it I'll come back and update the thread.
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5 replies

TurboPilot18Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
Don't clear the alert just to make the screen pretty. Leave the alerts on the 2020 Audi Q7 so service can see what you saw. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2020 Audi Q7 in South Florida with 151,000 miles. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I'd rather be boring and correct. Only after sitting overnight so far.
OldSchoolBuyerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2020 Audi Q7 charge sessions. I'd do that before spending real money. Monthly payment math is how wallets disappear. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
TirePilot68Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2020 Audi Q7, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. Then you'll know the next fork. On “how far do you go preserving originality,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
BoostedTraveler51Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
Low-voltage gremlins will strand you even with a full pack. Try a second charger before blaming the 2020 Audi Q7 — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. Then you'll know the next fork. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
TurboPilot18Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2020 Audi Q7 charge sessions. Then you'll know the next fork. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
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