Audi S5 cabriolet
Discussion
I just wondered what people thought of these?
I've always liked the look and also the fact that the A5 can is quite practical but I've heard they don't drive all that well. But then I noticed that the S5 from 2009 actually has the supercharged V6 rather than the coupes V8. The V8 doesn't appeal to me with high tax and poor economy but the 6 pot looks better. Then I read a couple of reviews which say it's actually very good.
Early ones with reasonable miles can be had for 10k now which doesn't seem bad.
I've always liked the look and also the fact that the A5 can is quite practical but I've heard they don't drive all that well. But then I noticed that the S5 from 2009 actually has the supercharged V6 rather than the coupes V8. The V8 doesn't appeal to me with high tax and poor economy but the 6 pot looks better. Then I read a couple of reviews which say it's actually very good.
Early ones with reasonable miles can be had for 10k now which doesn't seem bad.
Think the later S5 convertible is a very good looking car, the engine has SO much potential for tuning and making some incredible power with very little effort.
They are renowned I believe, to have some gearbox issues but other than that it’s standard Audi fayre, which should be built well and last a long time. The V6 does indeed benefit from better economy and road tax plus I think there were some minor revisions which have it looking a bit more ‘fresh faced’ than the old V8.
Difficult decision between the beautiful Super Sports diamond stitched seats or standard S Line seats with integrated air scarf to keep your neck warm?!?!?
If you needed anymore convincing, just listen to the noise they can make, and factor in having no roof
https://vimeo.com/197680340
Si
They are renowned I believe, to have some gearbox issues but other than that it’s standard Audi fayre, which should be built well and last a long time. The V6 does indeed benefit from better economy and road tax plus I think there were some minor revisions which have it looking a bit more ‘fresh faced’ than the old V8.
Difficult decision between the beautiful Super Sports diamond stitched seats or standard S Line seats with integrated air scarf to keep your neck warm?!?!?
If you needed anymore convincing, just listen to the noise they can make, and factor in having no roof
https://vimeo.com/197680340
Si
That does sound good!
I was looking at the S4 the other day which I also like, although I've never had a 4 door saloon and not so sure I'd want one. But I always thought the S5 had the old V8 which the coupe does. Didn't realise the Cab had the V6 from the outset.
https://www.newtonmotorslimited.co.uk/used-cars/au...
This kind of price would be okay for me.
I was looking at the S4 the other day which I also like, although I've never had a 4 door saloon and not so sure I'd want one. But I always thought the S5 had the old V8 which the coupe does. Didn't realise the Cab had the V6 from the outset.
https://www.newtonmotorslimited.co.uk/used-cars/au...
This kind of price would be okay for me.
Shame there's no manual option. But then I've never tried a dsg or an Audi and I do like to go different when I change cars.
I thought about the e93 335i but I already have the E92 so not much change really. Plus I do prefer a rag top to the tin top.
E350 cabriolet is another I like the look of. Never had a Merc and they do look nice. Similar price at around 10k for a ten year old one.
Then the other option is the clk350. These do have high tax and are a bit slower but then they're half the price!
But the Audi has one big advantage to me which is a folding rear seat. I'm a musician and regularly carry a digital piano to rehearsals and gigs (well I used to!). It does fit in the E92 without folding the seats so may be okay in the E class. Definitely okay in the S5 though.
I thought about the e93 335i but I already have the E92 so not much change really. Plus I do prefer a rag top to the tin top.
E350 cabriolet is another I like the look of. Never had a Merc and they do look nice. Similar price at around 10k for a ten year old one.
Then the other option is the clk350. These do have high tax and are a bit slower but then they're half the price!
But the Audi has one big advantage to me which is a folding rear seat. I'm a musician and regularly carry a digital piano to rehearsals and gigs (well I used to!). It does fit in the E92 without folding the seats so may be okay in the E class. Definitely okay in the S5 though.
I personally like the CLK350 the materials feel better quality wise than the E class that replaced it, in terms of Infotainment you can replace the existing unit & you'll have all the connectivity you'll ever need.
I'd also consider one of these the fuel bill may be a little (they're 5mpg worse than the 350) higher but these will have slightly slower depreciation than the 350 & they're lighter on the tax.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
This one seems like a nice 350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The S5 is a looker
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I'd also consider one of these the fuel bill may be a little (they're 5mpg worse than the 350) higher but these will have slightly slower depreciation than the 350 & they're lighter on the tax.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
This one seems like a nice 350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The S5 is a looker
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Thanks for that.
I have looked at that clk55, in fact it's the car that got me thinking about the balance between higher running costs and low depreciation. Might be a little too old for me though, not sure. I know that the ones around 08/09 are £15k compared to under £5k for that 350 which to be honest is plenty quick enough for me.
Covid-19 has given me a bit more time to think as normally I would have changed by now. I've been round the houses with hot hatches and coupes but nothing is really grabbing me. A convertible does appeal especially with this weather. Needs to be useable year round though and as said 4 seats are a must.
Out of those cars it's the S5 that does make me think niiiiiiiice. Even though I've never particularly wanted auto or 4x4 as to me they spell complex, expensive trouble!
I know it's a completely different kettle of fish but this also does it for me...
https://www.autoluxuk.com/used/cars/abarth/
Much smaller and obviously less refined. But it still ticks the 4 seat box and with the back seats folded I'd still get my music gear in it. Looks the business and shouts fun.
Great sounding engine is a must for me and both the Audi and abarth do that albeit in different ways.
I have looked at that clk55, in fact it's the car that got me thinking about the balance between higher running costs and low depreciation. Might be a little too old for me though, not sure. I know that the ones around 08/09 are £15k compared to under £5k for that 350 which to be honest is plenty quick enough for me.
Covid-19 has given me a bit more time to think as normally I would have changed by now. I've been round the houses with hot hatches and coupes but nothing is really grabbing me. A convertible does appeal especially with this weather. Needs to be useable year round though and as said 4 seats are a must.
Out of those cars it's the S5 that does make me think niiiiiiiice. Even though I've never particularly wanted auto or 4x4 as to me they spell complex, expensive trouble!
I know it's a completely different kettle of fish but this also does it for me...
https://www.autoluxuk.com/used/cars/abarth/
Much smaller and obviously less refined. But it still ticks the 4 seat box and with the back seats folded I'd still get my music gear in it. Looks the business and shouts fun.
Great sounding engine is a must for me and both the Audi and abarth do that albeit in different ways.
I have a 2010, owned it less than 2 years.
So far I had issues with water pump and coolant leaks, severe engine leaks requiring gearbox out, and now some gearbox sensors are kaput requiring gearbox out again.
In 2 years it has spent about 2 months getting fixed. If it weren’t for the extended warranty, the car would owe me more than what I paid for it 2 years ago, £13k.
Can’t recommend you stay away from one enough.
So far I had issues with water pump and coolant leaks, severe engine leaks requiring gearbox out, and now some gearbox sensors are kaput requiring gearbox out again.
In 2 years it has spent about 2 months getting fixed. If it weren’t for the extended warranty, the car would owe me more than what I paid for it 2 years ago, £13k.
Can’t recommend you stay away from one enough.
Very different cars but I can say I owned an Abarth Essesse with pan roof (so not fully convertible) but I have to say as a car to put a smile on your face it did it EVERY journey. But if an awkward seating position but honestly it was a riot!
The S5 is obviously a different category altogether and will waft you about at warp speed in total comfort but as you identify it will cost more and potential bork factor is a lot bigger.
The Abarth won’t give you same waftiness however it’s unlikely to require the sale of internal organs if it goes wrong.
A nice choice to have 👍
Si
The S5 is obviously a different category altogether and will waft you about at warp speed in total comfort but as you identify it will cost more and potential bork factor is a lot bigger.
The Abarth won’t give you same waftiness however it’s unlikely to require the sale of internal organs if it goes wrong.
A nice choice to have 👍
Si
matrignano said:
I have a 2010, owned it less than 2 years.
So far I had issues with water pump and coolant leaks, severe engine leaks requiring gearbox out, and now some gearbox sensors are kaput requiring gearbox out again.
In 2 years it has spent about 2 months getting fixed. If it weren’t for the extended warranty, the car would owe me more than what I paid for it 2 years ago, £13k.
Can’t recommend you stay away from one enough.
This is the kind of thing I'm afraid of. Been there to some extent with the BMW but nothing like as bad as you describe! Doesn't completely rule it out though, I guess some kind of warranty will be essential just in case.So far I had issues with water pump and coolant leaks, severe engine leaks requiring gearbox out, and now some gearbox sensors are kaput requiring gearbox out again.
In 2 years it has spent about 2 months getting fixed. If it weren’t for the extended warranty, the car would owe me more than what I paid for it 2 years ago, £13k.
Can’t recommend you stay away from one enough.
Also good to hear that the Abarth is fun. I have sat in one and the driving position was okay for me. There's a good Italian car indi nearby too who seem to specialise in them.
And then the Mercs. A black E class cabriolet drove past me earlier and it did look great. I could see myself in one.
Can't wait until it gets easier to go and look properly. Although if I do buy a convertible I'll definitely buy it in the depths of winter!
matrignano said:
I have a 2010, owned it less than 2 years.
So far I had issues with water pump and coolant leaks, severe engine leaks requiring gearbox out, and now some gearbox sensors are kaput requiring gearbox out again.
In 2 years it has spent about 2 months getting fixed. If it weren’t for the extended warranty, the car would owe me more than what I paid for it 2 years ago, £13k.
Can’t recommend you stay away from one enough.
Interesting. My experience is similarly expensive but for different reasons. Mine? Water pumps eaten for the fun of it, head gasket and porous cylinder heads (casting issue apparently.) And a gearbox sensor. So far I had issues with water pump and coolant leaks, severe engine leaks requiring gearbox out, and now some gearbox sensors are kaput requiring gearbox out again.
In 2 years it has spent about 2 months getting fixed. If it weren’t for the extended warranty, the car would owe me more than what I paid for it 2 years ago, £13k.
Can’t recommend you stay away from one enough.
Utterly dire engineering, which I could (almost) forgive if it was good to drive but it wasn't - it was frankly s
t to drive. Vague, overly stiff suspension, floppy chassis. Nice interior, I'll give it that. There isn't a barge pole long enough for me to touch another one with. Replaced with a Boxster (very different car admittedly) which was from a different planet in terms of quality. And, given the faults of the Boxster, that's saying something.
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