Audi S5: Spotted
£10k(ish) for a stylish Audi coupe with a manual and that V8? Tempting...
Arguably nobody has embraced the downsizing of the V8 like Audi (although BMW would be close behind), with the only one currently still available to our knowledge being the RS6. And the SQ7, yes, but that's a diesel. Those that used to feature V8s now run turbo V6s and, while the cars are certainly more rounded as a result, when you're looking for something to cherish and admire secondhand then a V8 has substantial appeal.
Particularly so with a manual gearbox. When the V6 'S' cars of this generation went on sale, they came solely with a seven-speed dual-clutch setup; as, of course, did the V8 RS models, and that continues into the current cars. So the honour that the original S5 holds, jointly with the first R8s as far as we can tell, is of being the last manual, V8 Audi offered on sale. Which is pretty cool.
Furthermore, this S5 is a quarter of the price of an R8. There is no doubting the additional dynamic appeal (and power) of the mid-engined sports car, obviously, though that shouldn't detract from the appeal of V8 value for money. This S5 is nicely specced, with red leather and aluminium brightening up the interior, runs on four new Michelin tyres, has 11 month's MOT and also comes with a recent service including box fresh Brembo discs and pads. It's been with the current owner for four years - so more than a third of its life - and is only being sold to fund a return to 911 ownership. And it's 10 grand! Alright, £10,995. But you get the point. A lot less than an R8, for sure.
What should hopefully be a less contentious point is what an alluring package this S5 represents. Some might not like the prospect of 100,000 miles looming, but the current tally is only around 8,500 miles a year. With sufficient budget for vital running liquids, this Audi looks like being a great fast GT. Get in a V8 while you still can.
SPECIFICATION - AUDI S5
Engine: 4,163cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 354@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 325@3,500rpm
MPG: 22.8
CO2: 298g/km
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 92,000
Price new: £39,825
Yours for: £10,995
See the original advert here.
I'll have one in that lovely shade of blue, in coupe form, with sat-nav (not sure if standard or optional) and maybe the automatic gearbox. I think a manual in one these could be quite appealing though.
Funny how the article mentions the looming 100k which is a bit of an irrelevance. The owner has clearly cherished and maintained properly, so if anything, any new owner is getting a nicely run in V8 which should be good for another 100k…
However, the lure of a manual V8 in black with a red leather interior is strong. My only real issue with this is the shape: I find it a bit unresolved, bland even. It looks like it can't decide whether to be a saloon or a coupe. The convertible looks OK to my eyes though.
However, the lure of a manual V8 in black with a red leather interior is strong. My only real issue with this is the shape: I find it a bit unresolved, bland even. It looks like it can't decide whether to be a saloon or a coupe. The convertible looks OK to my eyes though.
I've got one of these, and it is a great cruiser. Understated on the outside, comfortable on the inside, and when you start it up, or drop down a gear or two on the road, it just puts a smile on your face.
The handling was boat like, but it was quick enough and the standard exhaust note was nice and burbly without being too shouty or obnoxious.
The interior still looks ok for a 10 year old design and the body styling has aged really well in my opinion.
A great car for the money - was sad to see mine go.
The handling was boat like, but it was quick enough and the standard exhaust note was nice and burbly without being too shouty or obnoxious.
The interior still looks ok for a 10 year old design and the body styling has aged really well in my opinion.
A great car for the money - was sad to see mine go.
I miss it.
PS. It SHOULD be obvious, but the bork factor on these can be somewhat ruinous, financially.
A guy i know had a Milltek system fitted and the noise difference was night and day. He put up a video of the sound before and after as a comparison.
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