Audi A5....

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Anyone drive an A5? I've spent weeks looking at smaller "sporty" coupes like the GT86 and MX5 but think that my practical head is coming back and I'm also a little loathed to give up the creature comforts that I currently have in my fairly high-spec Volvo S60 and have started investigating options on more "Exec" Coupes that will be more comfortable and spacious (albeit not as fun to drive) as a GT86.

I've had a look at the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5 and Merc C Class but really the A5 has piqued my interest the most, always fancied an Audi and the old model doesn't look that different to the new one which also helps! I've spotted a 14 Plate 3.0 Tdi Quattro with the S-Tronic Auto which looks the business and seems to have all of the gadgets I could hope for.

My question is though, I guess that the old reputation of Audi generally being reliable should be true of these? Looking at a model with c25k on the clock which doesn't seem much, is there anything I should look out for?
 
According to my lad, no-one gets out of your way on the Motorway, or any other road, everyone seems want to block your progress.
He's a motoring journalist, so drives a huge number of cars per annum, here and abroad (all at no more than the speed limit).
Might be worth a test drive to see if it's like that where you intend to drive :)
Matt
 
According to my lad, no-one gets out of your way on the Motorway, or any other road, everyone seems want to block your progress.
He's a motoring journalist, so drives a huge number of cars per annum, here and abroad (all at no more than the speed limit).
Might be worth a test drive to see if it's like that where you intend to drive :)
Matt

Haha, it will definitely be like that around here, although probably not as bad as if your a BMW Driver!!!!
 
I think cars like that can be a lot of car for not a lot of money.
I imagine the first owner takes quite a beating on the deprecation.

I'm not a german car fan but the bigger ones like the A5 look really nice and spacious
and out of the big three I would have Audi for sure
not interested in BMW or VW.
 
I think cars like that can be a lot of car for not a lot of money.
I imagine the first owner takes quite a beating on the deprecation.

I'm not a german car fan but the bigger ones like the A5 look really nice and spacious
and out of the big three I would have Audi for sure
not interested in BMW or VW.

That's partly what attracted me to it, I was looking at £22k for a year old Toyota GT86 which might drive amazingly but its very sparse from an equipment/luxury point of view.
The A5 I've seen seems to have all the toys and is just lovely inside despite being a little dated compared to some of the latest models, huge price drop compared to what someone paid 3 years ago!
 
That's partly what attracted me to it, I was looking at £22k for a year old Toyota GT86 which might drive amazingly but its very sparse from an equipment/luxury point of view.
The A5 I've seen seems to have all the toys and is just lovely inside despite being a little dated compared to some of the latest models, huge price drop compared to what someone paid 3 years ago!

absolutely and the ride quality will be nice not like an overpriced VW go-kart.
And it is nice to be comfy when you are stood sat in traffic.
 
Has it got a hatch back ,that's the only thing I hate on my Volvo S60 the boot .but gotta agree on your thinking sound good
 
Anyone drive an A5? I've spent weeks looking at smaller "sporty" coupes like the GT86 and MX5 but think that my practical head is coming back and I'm also a little loathed to give up the creature comforts that I currently have in my fairly high-spec Volvo S60 and have started investigating options on more "Exec" Coupes that will be more comfortable and spacious (albeit not as fun to drive) as a GT86.

I've had a look at the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5 and Merc C Class but really the A5 has piqued my interest the most, always fancied an Audi and the old model doesn't look that different to the new one which also helps! I've spotted a 14 Plate 3.0 Tdi Quattro with the S-Tronic Auto which looks the business and seems to have all of the gadgets I could hope for.

My question is though, I guess that the old reputation of Audi generally being reliable should be true of these? Looking at a model with c25k on the clock which doesn't seem much, is there anything I should look out for?

Yes did have unto a few months ago, S-Line Coupe in white, running upgraded 19" alloys - looked the business and loved it...

What model is it - the S-line ? Does it have standard 18" or upgraded 19" alloys ? Is it the Coupe or Sportback ?

The model will make a difference to the spec - the S-Line has stiffer suspension and sports seats along with different body kit etc. They are very nice cars and look the part, lovely seats and a good driving position - although pedals slightly to the right, but you've got to make sure the options added are there as they're not the best for standard equipment.

Bit lifeless in the steering, can tramline if running big alloys - but I found with mine swapping to a set of Michelin PS4 transformed the car - incidentally due to the camber settings, they can give uneven wear on the rear tyres - causing a saw tooth on the inner tread and you can get dronning (common issue) - mine suffered with this and drove me potty, again, a swap to the new tyres solved the problem - see the dark sections below on the tyres showing the saw tooth.

CIMG0148.jpg



In the S-line I had, the leather sports seats were comfortable and very supportive, but they will not be as comfortable as your Volvos I can guarantee that, also had a stiff ride, I liked it and it never bothered me, but some do find it too hard and the car can crash over rough roads, but due to the stiff set up, the car handles well - so you takes your choice...

Economy - not too bad, I always felt it was okay, but not the best on a like for like with another similar car.

Check it's had the software update re emissions...

If there is anything else you want to know, ask and I'll try to answer :)
 
Wouldn't rate Audi after the grief a family member had with a brand new s3. Less than 7k miles on it and needs new transmission/rear diff. Audi main dealer hasn't really been very useful either for such an expensive model.
 
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If the OP has a choice of tyre sizes, I would advise going for 18s over 19s. OK, 19s do look better but 18s will give a less harsh ride and at normal road speed will handle as well as the lower profile tyres.
 
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You do realise Audi drivers have a 'certain reputation' once the preserve of BMW drivers;)

Also my experience with Audi s is that they are not as reliable as Toyotas. Take a look at the JD Power reliability survey to check. Also we had an issue with an A6, it took Audi 3 attempts to fix it.
 
absolutely and the ride quality will be nice not like an overpriced VW go-kart.
And it is nice to be comfy when you are stood sat in traffic.

True, its nice to be in a comfy place when looking at someone else's exhaust!

Has it got a hatch back ,that's the only thing I hate on my Volvo S60 the boot .but gotta agree on your thinking sound good

No, similar boot to the Volvo but the boot itself looks a good size.

Yes did have unto a few months ago, S-Line Coupe in white, running upgraded 19" alloys - looked the business and loved it...

What model is it - the S-line ? Does it have standard 18" or upgraded 19" alloys ? Is it the Coupe or Sportback ?

The model will make a difference to the spec - the S-Line has stiffer suspension and sports seats along with different body kit etc. They are very nice cars and look the part, lovely seats and a good driving position - although pedals slightly to the right, but you've got to make sure the options added are there as they're not the best for standard equipment.

Bit lifeless in the steering, can tramline if running big alloys - but I found with mine swapping to a set of Michelin PS4 transformed the car - incidentally due to the camber settings, they can give uneven wear on the rear tyres - causing a saw tooth on the inner tread and you can get dronning (common issue) - mine suffered with this and drove me potty, again, a swap to the new tyres solved the problem - see the dark sections below on the tyres showing the saw tooth.

CIMG0148.jpg



In the S-line I had, the leather sports seats were comfortable and very supportive, but they will not be as comfortable as your Volvos I can guarantee that, also had a stiff ride, I liked it and it never bothered me, but some do find it too hard and the car can crash over rough roads, but due to the stiff set up, the car handles well - so you takes your choice...

Economy - not too bad, I always felt it was okay, but not the best on a like for like with another similar car.

Check it's had the software update re emissions...

If there is anything else you want to know, ask and I'll try to answer :)

Cheers! The one I'm looking at seem to officially be a "Black" but it has all the S-Line styling and labelling so not sure if a Black is above the S-Line?
Also seems to have most of the kit I'd really like, save maybe keyless start and adaptive cruise but I think I can live without those, also need to check its the MMI High as I understand that bluetooth streaming isn't possible with some of the others.

I did have a seat in one and it seemed plenty comfy, agree with you though the S60 R-Design sport seats are very nice to be in! Suspect the feel might be similar to my R-Design which a lot of folk don't like because of the lowered and stiffer suspension.

Wouldn't rate Audi after the grief a family member had with a brand new s3. Less than 7k miles on it and needs new transmission/rear diff. Audi main dealer hasn't really been very useful either for such an expensive model.

Hmm, not good! It does concern me a little that Audi (and in fact probably all of the German makes) don't appear to have the same impeccable reputation that they once did.

What about a Mercedes E Class Coupe?

I hadn't thought about that actually, was looking at the C Class but the newer one is probably just a little out of price range, old one looks ok though, what are the Engines like on the E Class?

If the OP has a choice of tyre sizes, I would advise going for 18s over 19s. OK, 19s do look better but 18s will give a less harsh ride and at normal road speed will handle as well as the lower profile tyres.

Thanks, think the one I've looked at is 19" but not 100%

You do realise Audi drivers have a 'certain reputation' once the preserve of BMW drivers;)

Also my experience with Audi s is that they are not as reliable as Toyotas. Take a look at the JD Power reliability survey to check. Also we had an issue with an A6, it took Audi 3 attempts to fix it.

Haha I'm sure they probably do! Yeah I know that the Toyota reputation is for relatively trouble free, bulletproof driving, I'm still tempted by the GT86 but initially I just wanted something "fun" now that reality sets in I realise I probably do need something with 2 "usable" rear seats and some boot space, the nicer comfort and tech inside helps too although I know none of these types of coupe (C-Class, 4 Series, E Class, A5) will be a "fun" to drive.
 
Wouldn't rate Audi after the grief a family member had with a brand new s3. Less than 7k miles on it and needs new transmission/rear diff. Audi main dealer hasn't really been very useful either for such an expensive model.

Yes, can back this up, but they're not all like this, I did find a dealer that was good
 
Cheers! The one I'm looking at seem to officially be a "Black" but it has all the S-Line styling and labelling so not sure if a Black is above the S-Line?
Also seems to have most of the kit I'd really like, save maybe keyless start and adaptive cruise but I think I can live without those, also need to check its the MMI High as I understand that bluetooth streaming isn't possible with some of the others.

I did have a seat in one and it seemed plenty comfy, agree with you though the S60 R-Design sport seats are very nice to be in! Suspect the feel might be similar to my R-Design which a lot of folk don't like because of the lowered and stiffer suspension.

The Black version is the S-line with a few options - I suppose you could say S-line special edition - the Black is the top of the range (for normal models - i.e. not S5, RS5 etc) - upgraded stereo, blacked out rear windows and few other small options.

Don't have keyless start, but it's a simple case of put the "key" in the slot in the dash and push it to start.

Think it should have MMI high - mine had the tech pack on, which included the MMI high, bluetooth streaming, amp on the stereo - the Black should have a B&O stereo
 
The Black version is the S-line with a few options - I suppose you could say S-line special edition - the Black is the top of the range (for normal models - i.e. not S5, RS5 etc) - upgraded stereo, blacked out rear windows and few other small options.

Don't have keyless start, but it's a simple case of put the "key" in the slot in the dash and push it to start.

Think it should have MMI high - mine had the tech pack on, which included the MMI high, bluetooth streaming, amp on the stereo - the Black should have a B&O stereo

That's good to know, I spent ages trying to find out what the Trims all meant, it certainly has the B&O Stereo, suspect it is MMI High, going to have a proper test drive either tomorrow night or Saturday morning, might also go and check out an E-Class while I'm out and about.
 
That's good to know, I spent ages trying to find out what the Trims all meant, it certainly has the B&O Stereo, suspect it is MMI High, going to have a proper test drive either tomorrow night or Saturday morning, might also go and check out an E-Class while I'm out and about.

Glad I could be of help

Enjoy it, try to have a good test drive in, have a play with the toys as well, it's a good stereo :cool:

If there is anything you want to know about when you've taken it out, let me know and I'll see if I can answer it.
 
Glad I could be of help

Enjoy it, try to have a good test drive in, have a play with the toys as well, it's a good stereo :cool:

If there is anything you want to know about when you've taken it out, let me know and I'll see if I can answer it.

Thanks, thats much appreciated!
 
Well I had a test-drive of the A5 I had my eye on tonight, seems a nice car to drive, loads of power in the 3.0 TDI and the auto-gearbox seemed very smooth and nice, however I wasn't totally convinced on a couple of things, namely the steering which seems to lack any sort of involvement, I know there are meant to be ways to adjust this (Drive Select?) but I don't think this particular one was specced with it and also I didn't think the seats seemed that comfy but I'm sure with adjustment and time they might be ok.

Looks like it is the High MMI, with bluetooth streaming, although I did notice it doesn't have Audi Connect (no SIM slot), what would I actually be missing out on?
 
In my experience the ride and comfort is better in Mercs. Driving involvement is supposedly better in BMW s.
Probably what you need is a Jag xk?

I'm going to take the suggestion I was given to have a look at the E-Class Coupe, I do feel it might be more comfortable and they look good spec wise. I do like the look of the BMW 4 but I see a lot more of them around, I would love a Jag XK but to get one thats anything near newish they're so expensive!
 
I have an A5, 3.0 TDI, also in Scotland. For me excellent car. Agree steering is a bit lifeless, I came from a BMW and night and day different. But just gobbles up the A9, absolutely lopes along, and as happy flying as effortlessly cruising. Sound is good with B&O. I avoided S-line and big alloys, deliberately specced below that to get 17s (much nicer ride) and the driver selectable driving style makes a huge difference too, I use it a lot.

My only complaint is that it's a big car, but most modern cars are :-(. On roads in the north of Scotland it can feel big. But on long drives down south it's superb, and the massive boot space likewise, with hatch giving great access.

Any questions I'm happy to help if I can
 
Well I had a test-drive of the A5 I had my eye on tonight, seems a nice car to drive, loads of power in the 3.0 TDI and the auto-gearbox seemed very smooth and nice, however I wasn't totally convinced on a couple of things, namely the steering which seems to lack any sort of involvement, I know there are meant to be ways to adjust this (Drive Select?) but I don't think this particular one was specced with it and also I didn't think the seats seemed that comfy but I'm sure with adjustment and time they might be ok.

Looks like it is the High MMI, with bluetooth streaming, although I did notice it doesn't have Audi Connect (no SIM slot), what would I actually be missing out on?

The drive select can make a difference and might be worth trying one out with it, but I think you'll still find the steering a bit lifeless still. Seats - yes I would think it's down to you not having them adjusted properly, but I did say you're up against it coming from your S60 with really comfy seats.

The MMI high - the controller should be the handbrake side of the gear shift rather than the radio side (if that makes sense) and you'll have 2 SD slots on the head unit, which you can load music to an SD card and play from and should have the MMI controller in the glove box for running a USB or iPod or HDD from and the B&O stereo is good.

I didn't have the Audi Connect - didn't miss it - and you'll be out of the free period now, so probably would cost for those functions (can't remember what it gave you at the moment).

I'd think of the A5 as a cruiser more than a sports car, if that makes sense...

Incidentally, if you do go for an A5, I might still have a couple of MMI cables. :)
 
I'm going to take the suggestion I was given to have a look at the E-Class Coupe, I do feel it might be more comfortable and they look good spec wise. I do like the look of the BMW 4 but I see a lot more of them around, I would love a Jag XK but to get one thats anything near newish they're so expensive!

The E Class will probably be more comfortable to sit in - maybe more to what you're used to (still might not be as comfy as the S60 though :) )

They look very nice and having recently been facelift, you hopefully should stand a better chance of a great price for a great car. Can't help with the spec on an E class, but I'd check it carefully as somethings you think you should get, you don't and others you do...Having been a long term Audi fan, the E class coupe has always turned my head and been one I'd look to.

Don't discount a 4 series - let me know if you want any info / feedback on one :)
 
I'm going to take the suggestion I was given to have a look at the E-Class Coupe, I do feel it might be more comfortable and they look good spec wise. I do like the look of the BMW 4 but I see a lot more of them around, I would love a Jag XK but to get one thats anything near newish they're so expensive!


Get a slightly older X100 or an early X150. I'd go for the soft top over the hard any day of the week and even in winter - far better looking than the hard tops IMO. Don't expect to get too far on a gallon though... Low 20s on a good day (early X100). Lovely drive though!
For something more practical, an XF might fit the bill. Pretty much the Jag equivalent to the A5. The latest 2l Diesels will outperform the earlier 3l V6s and even the 2.2 is no slouch. Plenty of room in the boot for a couple of bodies or even a full set of golf clubs and an electric trolley.
 
I'd test drive the 4series- general consensus is that it trounces the old A5- better to drive, ride, handling and gearbox. I have a 430d as a co car (going back in October and I will miss it).
 
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