Has anyone bought an A5/S5 and regretted it?

[bigyorkshire]

I'm on the hunt for my next car. Currently 'shedding' but towards the end of next year, I'll be treating myself to something 'nice' again (I get my perception of nice might not be everyone else's).

After having a VW Toerag as a company car a few years back, I've always had a hankering for them, thinking I had my mind made up!

However, something else has caught my eye of late - the Audi S5.

I have a kid (not full time, unfortunately), partner, and enjoy mountain biking - so it needs to be something I can throw three bikes on the roof of. Equally throw enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away.

But I also want something that's going to be engaging to drive. I do a lot of motorway miles (school run a few times per week is a 50 mile round trip!), less back roads than I used to - so I want something that will eat them up and put a smile on my face while doing so. Also, V8 is something to tick off my car 'bucket list'.

Guess what I'm asking is if people with similar want's/needs have found them practical enough?

TIA, BY.

[England87]

A5, worst car I ever owned. By the description you’d be better off with a Golf GTI or similar , A5 boot is an awkward shape and not all that big for bike kit etc

[shtu]

Practicality-wise, a Golf R estate (or a Leon Cupra) might be a better choice.

[bigyorkshire]

England87 said:

A5, worst car I ever owned. By the description you’d be better off with a Golf GTI or similar , A5 boot is an awkward shape and not all that big for bike kit etc

Sounds like you've confirmed my thinking Thanks for the insight as some of the reviews I've read seem to make praise of it's 'practical boot'

[bigyorkshire]

shtu said:

Practicality-wise, a Golf R estate (or a Leon Cupra) might be a better choice.

I love the idea of an R estate, however I also love the idea of an old Defender... Which is something I also won't own due to the desirability to people who don't want to pay for them

SEAT could be a shout though! Thanks.

[fastbikes76]

My son bought one a few months back, it’s for sale again and look at getting another focus ! Make of that what you will

[bigyorkshire]

fastbikes76 said:

My son bought one a few months back, it’s for sale again and look at getting another focus ! Make of that what you will

Ha! Jesus, first three posts have shattered my dreams of a practical, V8, GT car...

Back to looking at quick estates it is then!

[TimmyMallett]

bigyorkshire said:

I love the idea of an R estate, however I also love the idea of an old Defender... Which is something I also won't own due to the desirability to people who don't want to pay for them

SEAT could be a shout though! Thanks.

Just stop reading all the unsubstantiated bullst on ph and buy what you want. Life is too short. Unless you live in Beirut.

The golf does what you want. Definitely. Once you've had an Estate you get over your prejudices

[hyphen]

bigyorkshire said:

I'm on the hunt for my next car. Currently 'shedding' but towards the end of next year, I'll be treating myself to something 'nice' again (I get my perception of nice might not be everyone else's).

After having a VW Toerag as a company car a few years back, I've always had a hankering for them, thinking I had my mind made up!

However, something else has caught my eye of late - the Audi S5.

I have a kid (not full time, unfortunately), partner, and enjoy mountain biking - so it needs to be something I can throw three bikes on the roof of. Equally throw enough stuff in the boot for a weekend away.

But I also want something that's going to be engaging to drive. I do a lot of motorway miles (school run a few times per week is a 50 mile round trip!), less back roads than I used to - so I want something that will eat them up and put a smile on my face while doing so. Also, V8 is something to tick off my car 'bucket list'.

Guess what I'm asking is if people with similar want's/needs have found them practical enough?

TIA, BY.

You need an estate. Stop fighting it.

[bigyorkshire]

hyphen said:

You need an estate. Stop fighting it.

I've had plenty of estates over the years, current shed is also one. I just fancied something different/coupe/GT-esque with practicality.

Looks like I'm sticking with an estate!

[SidewaysSi]

Cayman? Or an Elise. Presume you can use a Sea Sucker for the bike.

[bigyorkshire]

SidewaysSi said:

Cayman?

I've looked at them. Also been scanning 996's after being 'inspired' by the thread at https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Could be a shout, thanks!

[ZX10R NIN]

I have to say this you say you want an engaging drive then talk about A5/Golf GTI/R/Leons, none of which are engaging to drive that's not to say you can't have fun in them or enjoy driving them.

Like others have said you maybe better suited with an Estate but if you go for the S5 Sportback it could tick all of your boxes.

[samoht]

Colleague recently got a Merc CLS63 Shooting Brake as a family car. 2011-18, you get a V8 and a 'coupe-like' roofline but with small-estate-like practicality. 518-577bhp 5.5TT.

[stogbandard]

I bought a 2015 3.0TDI Quattro, for a 35 mile commute and road trips, hence I wanted a blend of performance and mpg.

If you’re tall like me and need the seat fully back, leg room in the rear seat is zero. Otherwise the boot is a good size. I’d be interested to know if the 5 door sport back has more legroom in the back, as in hindsight I would have favoured that for those occasions where I have more than 3 people in the car.

I love the performance though. It feels good to me handling wise, but this is coming from a person who also drives a FWD 2006 Audi A6 2.7TDI, and before a 1999 1.8T Passat and a 1997 Audi A6 2.5TDI. It’s a good grand tourer.

[bigyorkshire]

stogbandard said:

I bought a 2015 3.0TDI Quattro, for a 35 mile commute and road trips, hence I wanted a blend of performance and mpg.

If you’re tall like me and need the seat fully back, leg room in the rear seat is zero. Otherwise the boot is a good size. I’d be interested to know if the 5 door sport back has more legroom in the back, as in hindsight I would have favoured that for those occasions where I have more than 3 people in the car.

I love the performance though. It feels good to me handling wise, but this is coming from a person who also drives a FWD 2006 Audi A6 2.7TDI, and before a 1999 1.8T Passat and a 1997 Audi A6 2.5TDI. It’s a good grand tourer.

Thanks for the insight. The sport back for me just doesn’t look right. I’ve looked at the A7 and personally, it suits that more.

I’m also wanting to move away from diesel as I’m doing less work miles - so wanting to scratch the big displacement itch!

[ZX10R NIN]

bigyorkshire said:

Thanks for the insight. The sport back for me just doesn’t look right. I’ve looked at the A7 and personally, it suits that more.

I’m also wanting to move away from diesel as I’m doing less work miles - so wanting to scratch the big displacement itch!

If you want big displacement & space for the family then the S7 or the CLS Shooting Brake.

[bigyorkshire]

It’s also got to be said, that having a car that shouldn’t be practical (a coupe/GT) and proving it to be, appeals.

Hence looking at moving away from estates. Can’t help thinking it’s taking the easy option if I get another.

[ZX10R NIN]

S7 it is then, hatchback practicality coupled with big displacement.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011276...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

Or there's the Panamera:

GTS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...

4S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...

Turbo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006029...

Turbo S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...

[bigyorkshire]

ZX10R NIN said:

S7 it is then, hatchback practicality coupled with big displacement.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011276...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

Or there's the Panamera:

GTS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...

4S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010275...

Turbo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006029...

Turbo S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...

4S 996 has made an appearance on the list, because of the above mentioned thread. I’ve not looked at the Panamera though, to be fair.

4 wheel drive (as opposed to RWD) is definitely something to consider, given where I’m moving to in the new year.