2010 A5 3.0 TDi what to look for
Discussion
Evening all
As per the subject ....... what are the key elements to look at with these cars?
I am assuming mileage is rather irrelevant if the car has been looked after well over the ten years ..... ..... but thinking of the key faults that are likely to appear if you could be so kind!!!
Cheers in advance
As per the subject ....... what are the key elements to look at with these cars?
I am assuming mileage is rather irrelevant if the car has been looked after well over the ten years ..... ..... but thinking of the key faults that are likely to appear if you could be so kind!!!
Cheers in advance
Are you looking for Coupe or Sportback? I only have experience of the Coupe, but I can't imagine the Sportback is going to be markedly different?
The engine is fairly bulletproof if maintained properly - the only real issue is making sure the timing chain is in good nick and that swirl flaps don't crap themselves and go flying through your turbo! Assuming you're looking at a 240+PS quattro model, the Torsen centre diff can get noisy if it isn't maintained, the odd clunk at full lock or during low speed manoeuvring is normal but more than that is an issue. Manual models are plentiful, but drive an auto as well before you decide on one - 1st gear in the manual is laughably short, almost to the point of feeling like a low range. 6 speed auto boxes are older tiptronic models, 7 speed S-tronic are DSG and have their own host of potential issues (I had a manual so can't comment).
In terms of general reliability, the cars are honestly a solid buy. Door lock modules can fail, as can actual door locks, meaning the door in question won't unlock without the key or open with the outer handle (one or the other, sometimes both). Handle engagement issues can also come from a sticky cable inside the door, generally manifests itself in winter/colder weather - a good douse of grease/lube usually sorts this. The frameless windows can cause excess wind noise if they aren't aligned properly with the seals - this can be sorted easily enough if you have some basic tools and a little patience. The body is easily dented - the A5 looks sleek and muscular, but it is a big old bus - significantly longer/wider than an E90 3 series, and visibility leaves plenty to be desired due to the shape!
The infotainment system is a minefield in terms of spec - It goes all the way from 'basic' stereo and infotainment with barely any connectivity to full blown satnav, DAB, bluetooth streaming, Harman Kardon stereo, hard drive, etc etc. Find out what you want from your stereo and shop to suit.
There is an absolute wealth of information over on A5OC if you're struggling - I saved myself so much hassle and time on there when I had my Coupe!
The engine is fairly bulletproof if maintained properly - the only real issue is making sure the timing chain is in good nick and that swirl flaps don't crap themselves and go flying through your turbo! Assuming you're looking at a 240+PS quattro model, the Torsen centre diff can get noisy if it isn't maintained, the odd clunk at full lock or during low speed manoeuvring is normal but more than that is an issue. Manual models are plentiful, but drive an auto as well before you decide on one - 1st gear in the manual is laughably short, almost to the point of feeling like a low range. 6 speed auto boxes are older tiptronic models, 7 speed S-tronic are DSG and have their own host of potential issues (I had a manual so can't comment).
In terms of general reliability, the cars are honestly a solid buy. Door lock modules can fail, as can actual door locks, meaning the door in question won't unlock without the key or open with the outer handle (one or the other, sometimes both). Handle engagement issues can also come from a sticky cable inside the door, generally manifests itself in winter/colder weather - a good douse of grease/lube usually sorts this. The frameless windows can cause excess wind noise if they aren't aligned properly with the seals - this can be sorted easily enough if you have some basic tools and a little patience. The body is easily dented - the A5 looks sleek and muscular, but it is a big old bus - significantly longer/wider than an E90 3 series, and visibility leaves plenty to be desired due to the shape!
The infotainment system is a minefield in terms of spec - It goes all the way from 'basic' stereo and infotainment with barely any connectivity to full blown satnav, DAB, bluetooth streaming, Harman Kardon stereo, hard drive, etc etc. Find out what you want from your stereo and shop to suit.
There is an absolute wealth of information over on A5OC if you're struggling - I saved myself so much hassle and time on there when I had my Coupe!
That’s awesome..... thank you so much for taking the time to reply.
Car is for my son..... his first venture into proper car buying.
Model he is viewing has B&O music system, not quite clear on Sat Nav options but seems to have dvd based nav like my older A6 had.
Listed as 242 Bhp and triptronic with 112k miles.
Car is for my son..... his first venture into proper car buying.
Model he is viewing has B&O music system, not quite clear on Sat Nav options but seems to have dvd based nav like my older A6 had.
Listed as 242 Bhp and triptronic with 112k miles.
Yup that's the engine to go for, as fast as A5 diesels get at that vintage. He'll love it. Just go in with eyes open, make sure everything is properly maintained and replaced when needed, including gearbox oil - Audi say sealed for life but the 6 speed tiptronic is (I think) a ZF unit, they recommend dropping the oil every 60-80k to ensure smooth shifting. B&O sound will blow his ears off with quality as well!
Happy shopping
Happy shopping
mattyn1 said:
Model he is viewing has B&O music system, not quite clear on Sat Nav options but seems to have dvd based nav like my older A6 had.
Listed as 242 Bhp and triptronic with 112k miles.
Easy way to tell the nav systems apart is whether it has a x6 CD changer in the centre console, or x2 SD card slots. Former = DVD drive in the boot for nav, latter = HDD nav with jukebox for music - confusingly also has a DVD player slot in the dash above the SD card slotsListed as 242 Bhp and triptronic with 112k miles.
Watch out for DPF faults (or missing!)
Options specs vary massively, and nearly everything was an option, even heated seats and electric folding mirrors.....
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