S5, what to look for when buying, grateful for any help.

[Gene Vincent]

Hi, I am seriously considering buying an S5 for somewhere in the region of 18k in a couple of months, may at a guess. I like the look of these cars and need the 4WD, fuel and tyres is paid for so not a concern, same for ins. but I need a reliable motor, servicing will be by the book.

So, if you were going to get one yourself from a private buyer, what would you look for to feel comfortable?

Thanks.

[Yell_M3]

If that means a 4.2 engine then be aware of the carbon build up issue. I bought one anyway, but negiotiated a clean up with Audi dealer ...

[Gene Vincent]

Yell_M3 said:

If that means a 4.2 engine then be aware of the carbon build up issue. I bought one anyway, but negiotiated a clean up with Audi dealer ...

Thank you, yes I mean the 4.2 V8, could you tell me more... I know nothing except that these cars look fab in Black with the Red Silk leather!

[Raven Flyer]

Gene Vincent said:

Red Silk leather!

Each to their own.

[Gene Vincent]

Raven Flyer said:

Gene Vincent said:

Red Silk leather!

Each to their own.

I know, but I have always considered my self to have bad taste and this may just be yet another example of it, but I really like it... my only defence is that I've never liked it on any other car ever, it's not much of a defence but there you go, it's all I have!

[Mr Roper]

Aside from the full history etc etc it's...

Options, options, options.

Also, people who buy S5's with red leather are far cooler than people who don't. It's true, look it up.

[Gene Vincent]

Mr Roper said:

Aside from the full history etc etc it's...

Options, options, options.

Also, people who buy S5's with red leather are far cooler than people who don't. It's true, look it up.

Did they come with a sun roof option, not seen one so far, not essential I have conv (M3) but I love the sun (although we seem not to be have been speaking terms for a while).

Do you rear cameras and super hi-fi or is there more, saw one at the week-end (just too much ) and it appeared to have a list as long as your arm of what the owner called 'options' but as I think this is top of the '5' tree I'm guessing he realised I knew nowt...

[mikiesb]

black with red leather...

alfa's have this
m3's have this
ferrari's have this
and honda s2000's have this

I like that combo !

[Dr G]

Generally very good reliability wise, options you'll be wanting are:

B&O
Heated seats
navigation
bluetooth

Nice to have are:

Parking Plus/Advanced (rear sensors standard)
Cruise
AMI

Anything else is a bonus and/or to your taste/requirements.

A tilt only sunroof is an option but scarcely fitted.

Have a good play with the stereo and MMI features to make sure everything works as it should (amplifiers can fail and cost £700+vodka and fitting). If keyless go is fitted make sure the door handle sensors work. A5s suffer gravel rash so make sure paint finish on any resprayed panels is good. A little light scuffing on the seats is no issue and easily restored as a DIY job (<£20).

Fun cars and great value for money. Budget for a Milltek...

[Mr Roper]

Agree with above....

At first I wasn't too fussed but after a while of searching and seeing what is selling and what's hanging around my short list became B&O, NAV, Heated seats, Parking plus. Not that I couldn't live without them, more for resale time.

Saying that... my 'not too fussed' quickly changed when I bought the car..lot's of buttons are good.

[CSK423]

Would agree with the above......

FASH
Audi Warranty is a must IMO
Nav
B&O
memory seats (gets you auto dim and fold mirrors)
Rear Camera (front and rear park sensors with rear camera)
AMI
Cruise control
Heated Seats

Adaptive lights are handy but not a must
Hill Hold I don't see the point
Keyless is useful but prone to failure (along with a shed load of other things hence warranty is a must)
Sunroof again didn't see the point and it only tilts no slide.
Adaptive cruise is rare and I would probably use it but not readily available.
Tyre Pressure Monitor would be useful but not essential
TV I wouldn't use it

[Mr Roper]

I thought hill hold was standard? Never use mine anyway.

[Zippee]

Gene Vincent said:

Yell_M3 said:

If that means a 4.2 engine then be aware of the carbon build up issue. I bought one anyway, but negiotiated a clean up with Audi dealer ...

Thank you, yes I mean the 4.2 V8, could you tell me more... I know nothing except that these cars look fab in Black with the Red Silk leather!

+1 on the carbon issue - I'm going to be purchasing an R8 in the coming months and if I can't stretch to the V10 it will be a V8 with the 4.2 - can anyone state what the problem is and what to look for to diagnose?
Also - how much to put it right or is it terminal for the engine?

[Dr G]

Not sure I agree with comments on Audi warranty being essential, there are not a shed load of common faults either.

S5s are quite likely the least problematic S car we see.

[Mr Roper]

I don't have a warranty...I just rub my bare body against a tree every now and then.

[IATM]

Gene Vincent said:

Raven Flyer said:

Gene Vincent said:

Red Silk leather!

Each to their own.

I know, but I have always considered my self to have bad taste and this may just be yet another example of it, but I really like it... my only defence is that I've never liked it on any other car ever, it's not much of a defence but there you go, it's all I have!

I like the combo

[fatboy b]

The rear exhaust hangers seem to be a weak point on A/S5s. I bought my A5 at 2 years old, and the the pipes started knocking after a month. Replaced the hangers under warranty, and they lasted another 14 months before knocking again. I followed an A5 yesterday, and both his pipes were wobbling like a good 'un.

[Wetwipe]

All of the above comments are spot on options wise. If Dr G says the cars are reliable, that is exactly what they are.

With regard to colours I started my search thinking I'd like black/red. However, when sitting in the car I found the interior too dark. Dark red upholstery, black dash, carpets & headlining.

I eventually plumped for Mugello blue (not to everyone's tastes I appreciate) and the silver leather. Interior is light & airy and a really nice place to spend some time.

Heated seats are a boon too. Lovely to get you warm in winter before the heating kicks in.

[tvrpearl]

I had an S4 cab withe 4.2 engine and then bought the S5 cab with the supercharged V6. It is unbelievable how much better, smoother and much more rapid the supercharged engine is over the old V8. Oh, by the way both cars with red and red/black seats! Red is good. Too many cars theses days are black, black, black, bla............

[Dr G]

Were I speccing one new I'd go black leather/silver alcantara:



Or possibly even the reverse version that Exclusive do in full leather:



...both well into deep pockets territory.