following on... Audi A4/A5 Advice please
Discussion
I have now sold my vehicle, so I now have to sort another vehicle sharpish.
Please answer any questions with practicality in mind not brand loyalty.
Work is usually a 30min drive each way (sometimes with additional driving during the day too) weekends nipping about..
visiting friends/family etc can involve longer distance.
I like the idea of having something nice to look at but the appeal of style and trim level has to balance with practicality.
I'm looking for something with full service history, probably about 60 - 70K mileage.. 2007 > 2010
I think I'd really like to go for ideally an A5 Sportback, I do prefer the Coupe, but that is not an option.
I will be trying to get an S Line. I like that spec.
So the questions: is the quattro system bullet proof? I will perhaps choose this.
Do they have common issues or become less reliable with age, I'd rather not take a risk, keeping it simple might be best.
I hear the multitronic gearbox is one to avoid... so I think Manual might be the best option?
2.0TDI or 3.0TDI?
I'd like the bigger engine but that's probably not the sensible option?
Reliability, service cost and MPG would have to be the deciding factor there.
This will be budget and also availability focused.
This is not about buying a performance sports car, considerations are MPG and Reliability have to balance aesthetics. I need to live with this day to day. Time with the car off the road or repair bills that could be avoided are not going to be popular. I don't want to be spending additional money on a car to keep it working, If I did I'd probably buy a range rover vogue.
If these cars are too prone to more issues than others, I would have to reconsider... I don't expect to pay for a quality product and have issues that cheaper motors don't, I don't consider this level of performance an excuse for reliability issues unless it's repetitive track use.
Any advice appreciated, I know a few of you offered advice before which was very relevant. I checked out the back seat space - which is not ideal but I hope we can live with it.
Please answer any questions with practicality in mind not brand loyalty.
Work is usually a 30min drive each way (sometimes with additional driving during the day too) weekends nipping about..
visiting friends/family etc can involve longer distance.
I like the idea of having something nice to look at but the appeal of style and trim level has to balance with practicality.
I'm looking for something with full service history, probably about 60 - 70K mileage.. 2007 > 2010
I think I'd really like to go for ideally an A5 Sportback, I do prefer the Coupe, but that is not an option.
I will be trying to get an S Line. I like that spec.
So the questions: is the quattro system bullet proof? I will perhaps choose this.
Do they have common issues or become less reliable with age, I'd rather not take a risk, keeping it simple might be best.
I hear the multitronic gearbox is one to avoid... so I think Manual might be the best option?
2.0TDI or 3.0TDI?
I'd like the bigger engine but that's probably not the sensible option?
Reliability, service cost and MPG would have to be the deciding factor there.
This will be budget and also availability focused.
This is not about buying a performance sports car, considerations are MPG and Reliability have to balance aesthetics. I need to live with this day to day. Time with the car off the road or repair bills that could be avoided are not going to be popular. I don't want to be spending additional money on a car to keep it working, If I did I'd probably buy a range rover vogue.
If these cars are too prone to more issues than others, I would have to reconsider... I don't expect to pay for a quality product and have issues that cheaper motors don't, I don't consider this level of performance an excuse for reliability issues unless it's repetitive track use.
Any advice appreciated, I know a few of you offered advice before which was very relevant. I checked out the back seat space - which is not ideal but I hope we can live with it.
Have a look on A5OC for advice
3.0 tdi is a whole different level, the 2.0tdi is very agricultural. I'm not sure about real world economy best check fuelly see what owners experiences are. Servicing will be a little bit more expensive but bearing in mind an RS5 is only £300-400 to service it won't be much more than the 2.0tdi. Personally I'd go auto if you're doing a lot of driving but yes avoid multitronic they're bloody awful. S tronic if that's an option.
I've not heard of any problems with the Quattro system and it completely changes the way the car drives. I really don't like FWD Audis. Every bloody time I take mine in to Audi they give me a bloody FWD 2.0tdi of some description and they always feel so jittery. In the wet the FWD cars really struggle for grip and wheel spin too easily.
So basically I'm advising you buy the more expensive 3.0tdi Quattro.
3.0 tdi is a whole different level, the 2.0tdi is very agricultural. I'm not sure about real world economy best check fuelly see what owners experiences are. Servicing will be a little bit more expensive but bearing in mind an RS5 is only £300-400 to service it won't be much more than the 2.0tdi. Personally I'd go auto if you're doing a lot of driving but yes avoid multitronic they're bloody awful. S tronic if that's an option.
I've not heard of any problems with the Quattro system and it completely changes the way the car drives. I really don't like FWD Audis. Every bloody time I take mine in to Audi they give me a bloody FWD 2.0tdi of some description and they always feel so jittery. In the wet the FWD cars really struggle for grip and wheel spin too easily.
So basically I'm advising you buy the more expensive 3.0tdi Quattro.
Only the fwd cars come with multitronic and the 3.0 tdi in that is only 200bhp (a detuned replacement for the 2.7 tdi)
If you go Quattro it will come with either tiptronic or s-tronic. The former is a traditional slush box which is pretty reliable and is fitted to the earlier cars (might not have been fitted to the sport back actually as that came later) and the s-tronic is the dual clutch as from all be group cars. Generally fairly reliable but expensive if it goes wrong. Manual is a pretty rare site in Quattro format, you may find a fwd manual but the Quattro is better
If you go Quattro it will come with either tiptronic or s-tronic. The former is a traditional slush box which is pretty reliable and is fitted to the earlier cars (might not have been fitted to the sport back actually as that came later) and the s-tronic is the dual clutch as from all be group cars. Generally fairly reliable but expensive if it goes wrong. Manual is a pretty rare site in Quattro format, you may find a fwd manual but the Quattro is better
If buying s-tronic you should find it has 7 speeds in normal D mode and be in 7th by about 50mph. If it has 6 speeds it'll be the earlier ZF auto, which is a good box but not as responsive.
If you don't do regular long runs avoid the diesel and go petrol to save yourself agro with DPF regeneration related faults.
They're very spec-sensitive and many are poverty level - download the brochures off Audi UK site and decide what's important to you as a minimum.
What's your rough budget?
If you don't do regular long runs avoid the diesel and go petrol to save yourself agro with DPF regeneration related faults.
They're very spec-sensitive and many are poverty level - download the brochures off Audi UK site and decide what's important to you as a minimum.
What's your rough budget?
Had a test drive in a A5 today, ticks all the boxes except the rear seat leg room. I am not sure I want a sport back so may have to consider an A4. I think I will have to go Quattro (very impressive grip in the wet) and will be a TD. I think the 2.0lt will not be enough in the A5 but maybe bearable in the A4... Although 3.0lt would be my choice.
I have discussed buying a little multipurpose van and leaving it at work to keep everyone happy if I buy an A5.
I think this may be the best option, If I race and tow I will have to hire a tow vehicle or buy a larger van.
Thanks for the replies, just need to find one now.
I have discussed buying a little multipurpose van and leaving it at work to keep everyone happy if I buy an A5.
I think this may be the best option, If I race and tow I will have to hire a tow vehicle or buy a larger van.
Thanks for the replies, just need to find one now.
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