Opinions on the Audi A5...
Discussion
This is my first post in the forums, but have been reading them for ages so thought its about time to join in!
My question is, what do you think about Audi A5's? I'm currently on a gap year, living in Sydney, but upon my return to England next year, I will be looking at potentially purchasing one (probably second hand).
Insurance for a 1.8t/2.0t (180) seems reasonable for me (will be 20 at time of purchase), opinions are appreciated!
If not the A5, then what else should I be considering?! Thanks!
Luke
My question is, what do you think about Audi A5's? I'm currently on a gap year, living in Sydney, but upon my return to England next year, I will be looking at potentially purchasing one (probably second hand).
Insurance for a 1.8t/2.0t (180) seems reasonable for me (will be 20 at time of purchase), opinions are appreciated!
If not the A5, then what else should I be considering?! Thanks!
Luke
I had access to an A5 cabriolet for a bit with the 1.8T engine. Unfortunately it was attached to a CVT gearbox.
Honestly thought it was one of the most hateful motoring experiences I've ever undertaken. The CVT didn't help, nor did the bright red paint with the smallest, s
ttest wheels it's possibly to buy on an Audi but hey - I didn't spec the thing.
I thought the HVAC was a pain in the arse to use, but generally good quality materials and bits used everywhere. Seats weren't the most comfortable, although they were cloth. Leathers may be better. I got back ache driving it about 15 miles.
To drive though, it was completely forgettable. Any other premium car which doesn't have an Audi badge on it will probably have more character.
For posing with decent wheels on it and what not, it'll probably spectacularly good. I imagine you'll get lots of attention. For anything else? I'd sooner be in a similarly aged BMW. And I don't really like those either.
If it's a fun drive you want, I'd be looking at hot hatches. Read, a Megane of some description (no idea what price these are coming in at for a newish one however) or perhaps a Focus ST for a slightly less focused experience.
Honestly thought it was one of the most hateful motoring experiences I've ever undertaken. The CVT didn't help, nor did the bright red paint with the smallest, s
ttest wheels it's possibly to buy on an Audi but hey - I didn't spec the thing. I thought the HVAC was a pain in the arse to use, but generally good quality materials and bits used everywhere. Seats weren't the most comfortable, although they were cloth. Leathers may be better. I got back ache driving it about 15 miles.
To drive though, it was completely forgettable. Any other premium car which doesn't have an Audi badge on it will probably have more character.
For posing with decent wheels on it and what not, it'll probably spectacularly good. I imagine you'll get lots of attention. For anything else? I'd sooner be in a similarly aged BMW. And I don't really like those either.
If it's a fun drive you want, I'd be looking at hot hatches. Read, a Megane of some description (no idea what price these are coming in at for a newish one however) or perhaps a Focus ST for a slightly less focused experience.
First of all I will admit that I am not really an Audi fan by any stretch, so take my opinion with a punch of salt if you like.
My Dad had an A5 for a few years, and I drove it several times. We both drew the same comclusions
-Numb, insular driving feel
-Competent but boring handling
-Torque steer
-Too big and heavy considering how little interior space there is. You are constantly conscious of just how wide it is and that detracts from any hope of 'nimbleness' or 'fun'
-1.8T engine very good
-1.8T engine too good for FWD. Should've gone Quattro.
My Dad had an A5 for a few years, and I drove it several times. We both drew the same comclusions
-Numb, insular driving feel
-Competent but boring handling
-Torque steer
-Too big and heavy considering how little interior space there is. You are constantly conscious of just how wide it is and that detracts from any hope of 'nimbleness' or 'fun'
-1.8T engine very good
-1.8T engine too good for FWD. Should've gone Quattro.
Thanks for the replies! Thinking about it, I will want something stylish AND good to drive. Always liked the look of the A5 which is why I am interested in it.
Mercedes C Class coupe also a contender, as is the BMW 3 series coupe...
If not, what about a Scirocco?! Approx £15k budget...
Mercedes C Class coupe also a contender, as is the BMW 3 series coupe...
If not, what about a Scirocco?! Approx £15k budget...
We have an 8 year old cabrio.
It's great. (So far as fwd road cars go).
We were planning to get an A5 can as a replacement until the wife had one as a courtesy car.
It is apparently horrible.
You feel completely seperated from the road.
It also had a 'safety' feature that shook the wheel if you crossed a white line - some sort if stay-in-lane warning.
It made the car feel wobly everyvlane change or every time she crossed a big roundabout with overlapping markings.
(No doubt this can be disabled).
I get the impression in the last few years audi has crossed the line into safety features and drive by wire that takes away the feel of driving. It's a line I think bmw also crossed a few years before.
Anyhow - A5; bloody rubbish.
Buy a hot hatch or an old porsche.
Maybe an old jag.
It's great. (So far as fwd road cars go).
We were planning to get an A5 can as a replacement until the wife had one as a courtesy car.
It is apparently horrible.
You feel completely seperated from the road.
It also had a 'safety' feature that shook the wheel if you crossed a white line - some sort if stay-in-lane warning.
It made the car feel wobly everyvlane change or every time she crossed a big roundabout with overlapping markings.
(No doubt this can be disabled).
I get the impression in the last few years audi has crossed the line into safety features and drive by wire that takes away the feel of driving. It's a line I think bmw also crossed a few years before.
Anyhow - A5; bloody rubbish.
Buy a hot hatch or an old porsche.
Maybe an old jag.
I had a 2008 3.0 tdi quattro up until oct last for two years. Nice engine, great quattro. But they went overboard on the cost-cutting, and as a result suffered plenty of rattles. Exhaust hangers are an issue, but easy to replace. I just got fed up with the bland cheapo interior. My current XF is superior in all ways, other than getting off the mark in the wet. The quattro will always win that.
The A5 is my guilty pleasure, I think they are a bloody handsome thing, Coupe, in Misano red with the right wheels is stunning.
I think familiarity breeds contempt, as does the demographic, every sharp suited salesman with a pink shirt, chunky watch and acrid Aftershave that turns up at work seems to have one.
They do seem to be a cool car for non car enthusiasts, the right badge, a bit sporty, low BIK, 40 odd to the gallon for the diesel ones, reasonable lease costs etc. I hve never driven one but I can kind of guess how they are, very satisfying for the target market who dont care whether the back will slide or whether it pops on the overun (RS5 does though), chunky steering, slug of diesel torque, nice interior and lots of toys. A guy at work was buying a white cab, its a nice car, he was getting very excited about all the wondrous gizmos on it, he loves cars but for different reasons than me, but if that works for him and he enjoys it then so be it.
I cant dislike them, I just love the looks too much, would have and S/RS version but not that fussed about the others as I know, after the shiny novelty wore off I would be stuck with something nice, but not that much fun.
I think familiarity breeds contempt, as does the demographic, every sharp suited salesman with a pink shirt, chunky watch and acrid Aftershave that turns up at work seems to have one.
They do seem to be a cool car for non car enthusiasts, the right badge, a bit sporty, low BIK, 40 odd to the gallon for the diesel ones, reasonable lease costs etc. I hve never driven one but I can kind of guess how they are, very satisfying for the target market who dont care whether the back will slide or whether it pops on the overun (RS5 does though), chunky steering, slug of diesel torque, nice interior and lots of toys. A guy at work was buying a white cab, its a nice car, he was getting very excited about all the wondrous gizmos on it, he loves cars but for different reasons than me, but if that works for him and he enjoys it then so be it.
I cant dislike them, I just love the looks too much, would have and S/RS version but not that fussed about the others as I know, after the shiny novelty wore off I would be stuck with something nice, but not that much fun.
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