Audi Q5 project - reverse pistonheading
Discussion
So this is a weird readers car thread - i've moved from some pistonhead worthy cars: Audi TT>Boxster 986>Nissan 350z>Porsche Boxster 987> BMW Z4, (I also own a heavily modified transit connect converted to a camper with double futon in the back for festivals) and had a reverse mid life crisis!
The final fast 3:
I've loved the fast, precison fun of a sports coupe or cabrio but did some sould searching over lockdown and found my driving styles and requirements have changed. but after a service on the z4 and run around in a loan BMW X series I suddenly found I could combine the two vehicles, and via man maths worked out it would also save me money whilst providing a certain waftability (previously I hated SUV's with an ubridled passion!)
Being a fan of all things german and a previously golf gti lover, the obvious choice was an Audi Q series (it made sense to me!) - not to everyones taste but I think the stilted A4 looks convey a chunky aesthetic that works (if you squint!).
Also over lockdown i rekindled my joy of car fettling, and thought a cheaper Q5 would let me both save on the budget and not let me be too precious about putting my mark on it.
So the deed was done and the following beastie was bought:
(look at that raw potential! - just don't tell the extinction rebellion!)
I was suitably chuffed after the test drive - 2.0TD SE edition, so smoother than SLine spec - but equipped with every other extra known to man. Manual too, so this all combined to create an enthusiastic (if somewhat lardy off the line!) not golf unlike suprisingly chuckable driving experience.
Deal done my thoughts turned to mods aplenty and trawling forums for info to convert the Q5 from the current reality to the image in my mind - life was good!
Now, here is the point where I was hoping to update you on my progress - however, the first lesson is always buy a german car with a good warranty. The second outing resulted in loss of power steering, followed by the aircon compressor passing with an almighty bang. More than slightly concerned I booked it in to an independant specialist for a once over - sadly this confirmed the worst, and that you should almost never buy a car at the bottom of your budget without a four leaf clover in your possession.
Currently its back with the seller having all the faults rectified (mainly bushes, control arms, haldex controller,Aircon! etc.), but this is merely a set back on the road to SUV nirvana (that's what I keep telling my poor wife).
To keep me going while I wait its return, if anyone has any experience of Q5's or the VAG 2.0tdi and tuning options - please let me have 'em!
Watch this space as project Q picks up momentum!
The final fast 3:
I've loved the fast, precison fun of a sports coupe or cabrio but did some sould searching over lockdown and found my driving styles and requirements have changed. but after a service on the z4 and run around in a loan BMW X series I suddenly found I could combine the two vehicles, and via man maths worked out it would also save me money whilst providing a certain waftability (previously I hated SUV's with an ubridled passion!)
Being a fan of all things german and a previously golf gti lover, the obvious choice was an Audi Q series (it made sense to me!) - not to everyones taste but I think the stilted A4 looks convey a chunky aesthetic that works (if you squint!).
Also over lockdown i rekindled my joy of car fettling, and thought a cheaper Q5 would let me both save on the budget and not let me be too precious about putting my mark on it.
So the deed was done and the following beastie was bought:
(look at that raw potential! - just don't tell the extinction rebellion!)
I was suitably chuffed after the test drive - 2.0TD SE edition, so smoother than SLine spec - but equipped with every other extra known to man. Manual too, so this all combined to create an enthusiastic (if somewhat lardy off the line!) not golf unlike suprisingly chuckable driving experience.
Deal done my thoughts turned to mods aplenty and trawling forums for info to convert the Q5 from the current reality to the image in my mind - life was good!
Now, here is the point where I was hoping to update you on my progress - however, the first lesson is always buy a german car with a good warranty. The second outing resulted in loss of power steering, followed by the aircon compressor passing with an almighty bang. More than slightly concerned I booked it in to an independant specialist for a once over - sadly this confirmed the worst, and that you should almost never buy a car at the bottom of your budget without a four leaf clover in your possession.
Currently its back with the seller having all the faults rectified (mainly bushes, control arms, haldex controller,Aircon! etc.), but this is merely a set back on the road to SUV nirvana (that's what I keep telling my poor wife).
To keep me going while I wait its return, if anyone has any experience of Q5's or the VAG 2.0tdi and tuning options - please let me have 'em!
Watch this space as project Q picks up momentum!
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