"doodon2whls" (doodon2whls)
07/06/2014 at 20:17 • Filed to: car buying, audi
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"doodon2whls" (doodon2whls)
07/06/2014 at 20:17 • Filed to: car buying, audi | 0
| 28 |
Sooooo, I'm searching for a new-to-me ride.
V8, MTX, AWD, 2012 or newer, <$55k
Apparently, the 2012 S5 4.2 is the answer. Does anyone have personal experience with this generation of Audi? Nits? Specific Audi S5 things to look out for?
As much as they almost fit the bill (and I would like to buy American), the US pony cars don't really make the grade IMHO. Lackluster fit & finish, mediocre steering & handling, cartoon-ish styling - no thanks. I'm really not interested in all that. Going fast in a straight line is fun, but going fast through a set of esses is more fun.
The V8 S5 has a glorious exhaust note (with the right pipes) and superb handling. Does the ride quality suffer too much, though? I am willing to put up with firm suspension - heck, I am DD'ing an SRT4 ACR right now.
Opponauts: weigh in on this one. What else should I consider?
Reigntastic
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 20:20 |
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V8 MTX is a winning combo to me.
Vicente Esteve
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 20:22 |
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Oh man please do it! I think it is one of the best looking somewhat affordable new cars. I would go for it.
bob and john
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 20:29 |
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MTX i'm assuming is manual transmission.
I can only say the normal. give the car a good checkover. if its a manual, chances are the person has driven it a little harder then the trophy wife who got the most expensive audi (_)5 for her 6 month anniversary. then again, it was also probably better maintained.
jkm7680
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 20:33 |
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Do it! They're great cars.
JR1
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 20:53 |
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If you're willing to wait the new ATS coupe might be worth it. If you can't wait why not a used CTSV Coupe?
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doodon2whls
> JR1
07/06/2014 at 21:09 |
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Fair question. The CTSV checks many of the boxes. Not sure if I could find a cream puff less than $55k, though... I need to research that.
I drove the first Gen CTSV sedan while benchmarking competitive cars back in the day - it was decent (even with the hard launch axle tramp - how often are you doing hole-shots on your daily commute? ), and had styling I could live with. I need to get my head wrapped around the current CTSV styling.
The ATS is cool, but the ATSV will be well over $55k new, and I am going to buy before the end of the year....
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JR1
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 21:28 |
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If it's any help I found this car in like 2 minutes
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
Manuél Ferrari
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 21:29 |
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I can't think of something else that fits all your specific requirements.
dogisbadob
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 21:30 |
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Do you really need AWD? Otherwise, the Chevy SS is worth considering. Brand new and within your budget. A manual transmission is now available, or it's going to be available soon (usually the 2015's come out at the end of the summer).
You might be able to get a C7 within your budget. Better-than-ponycar interior, and real handling.
The CTS-V is also worth looking at.
These three , although GM, are of higher quality than most GM products.
sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 21:44 |
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The S5 is supposed to be a great car. Just so you know what else is out there, here's some other options:
2010 Mercedes CL550 4Matic - This car is more of a straight-line cruiser than a sports car, but will do okay in the bends. Expect one of the most luxurious driving experiences you've ever had, with gobs of power and good looks to match. My personal choice for the this segment.
2012 BMW 650i XDrive - This falls in between the CL and the S5 in terms of being a compromise of comfort and handling.
sellphones2493
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 22:06 |
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My mom has a 2009 A5 3.2. Next week she's replacing it with a 2014 A5 2.0 Cabrio. Her's has been absolutely problem free and the best car she's ever owned - it's good enough she's replacing it with the same thing, just with a top that goes down.
Granted, it's a different engine than the S, but from what I can tell you, are only complaints are the climate control system (it's confusing and makes a lot of assumptions - F.I. It turns on the heat when I turn my heated seat on), and the fact the sunroof doesn't open - just tilts.
Aside from that, it's been a blast and absolutely perfect. Depending on what you're coming from, the typical Audi Dealer Experience is lacking when compared to that of BMW.
jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
> doodon2whls
07/06/2014 at 23:20 |
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If you need all of those specs, then I think the S5 is your only option. And it appears that the V8 made it into 2012, but the newer ones have the 3.0T which is (aside from exhaust note) a better engine in every way. Seeing your responses to other suggestions, I take it that you're open to giving up the awd. I have to back up what the others are saying about the CTS-V. It will be in your price range, handle probably better than the S5 (weight distribution), and get about the same terrible fuel economy unless you really step on it (while it pulls away from S5s like nothing).
I, too, wish that the current pony cars covered all the bases. And, imo, the 1LE is the closest followed by the ZL1. The other Krautmobiles that were listed won't do corners as well as the Cadillac.
RS5 vs CTS-V vs M3
Another
RS5 vs CTS-V vs M3
M5 vs CTS-V
Really, the S5 is in a class below the others. But, if you must have a manual trans, awd, V8 coupe... it's the only choice there is. Literally.
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doodon2whls
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/07/2014 at 00:12 |
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Do either of those have a row-your-own (MTX) option?
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doodon2whls
> sellphones2493
07/07/2014 at 00:14 |
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Coming from a domestic brand, but have kept my vehicles out of the dealership at all costs. Thanks for the endorsement of the platform!
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sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> doodon2whls
07/07/2014 at 00:15 |
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I'm guessing you'll punch me over the inter webs if I say, "they have shiftable automatics, which are almost the same!"
Honestly, if you want a sub-55k, post 2012, V8, AWD sports coupe with a manual, the S5 isn't just your best option, it's your only option. There isn't a single other car I can think of that checks all those boxes (the AWD & manual are the kickers).
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doodon2whls
> dogisbadob
07/07/2014 at 00:15 |
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I didn't realize the SS was going to be offered with an MTX.... Good food for thought... The Chevy dealer is in town and the Audi dealer would be a 25 min trip one way.
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doodon2whls
> bob and john
07/07/2014 at 00:17 |
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Yup, MTX = manual transmission shorthand.
Clutch abuse is a concern.... If it is a responsible adult owner, I feel comfortable, though.
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doodon2whls
> jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/07/2014 at 00:20 |
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Doesn't have to be a coupe, just have the other bits... Really wanted a small V8, because OMG that exhaust note, but you bring up some great alternatives. Thanks for providing the links to the comparisons!
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doodon2whls
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/07/2014 at 00:25 |
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No violence necessary. ;)
I freely admit that some automatics are faster and more refined than their manual counterpart in the same chassis. I just want to be able to row my own. It's more engaging even if it's not faster.
I could give up AWD for RWD if the chassis controls are good enough to get me by with a set of snow tires.
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sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> doodon2whls
07/07/2014 at 00:39 |
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In that case, check out a BMWM3.
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Manuél Ferrari
> doodon2whls
07/07/2014 at 00:42 |
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I've never driven my M3 in the snow so I can't tell you how good or bad it is.
There are a few people on Oppo who may drive their E9X M3s with snow tires in the cold state winters.
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bob and john
> doodon2whls
07/07/2014 at 08:19 |
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yea. thats actually one of the thing i ask when looking at preowned cars. who used to own it? guy in his late forties with a ego crisis, ok, fine. teen who had rich mommy and daddy? lets keep looking
the 4.2L V8 is a pretty well known and robust engine. just the timing belt/chain (pending on model...some years had belts, some had chains) is a (basicly) engine out procedure.
TJDMAX
> doodon2whls
07/07/2014 at 10:00 |
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Back in the day i test drove a few B7 S4's with the V8 Engine and it is one hell of a glorious engine. I now own a 2014 S4 so while I don't have the V8 its the same generation more or less than a 2012 S5 would be. The interior, MMI system, etc should be similar. I find the ride in my S4 very very comfortable. I don't have the adjustable air suspension system but i don't find myself wishing i had it. I daily drive mine and it is a great all around car. Handles exceptionally well, very comfortable on longer trips, has plenty of tech gadgets to play with, and is (at least for me) a very fun car.
I don't think that the 2010-2012 cars have the ability to do bluetooth audio streaming, but that is taken care of with an aftermarket adapter....or just by rolling the windows down and punching the throttle and listening to that exhaust!
The v8 cars do get pretty terrible mileage though....just throwing that out there.
Mr. James
> doodon2whls
07/07/2014 at 15:31 |
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Bought a 2011 S5 Prestige last year. CPO, loaded, sat on the dealers lot for a while because it was a manual, got a fair price, and i've loved it for the last 10k miles or so. It is a beautiful car, and a phenomenal grand tourer. There is a surprisingly robust modification community out there for it if that's your thing, as well.
If I had the space for a second vehicle to drive in the winter, however, I would have considered a CTS-V. I live in a very snowy part of the US, and had my doubts about the viability of the V on the worst days. The stability of Quattro has served me well and I don't regret my purchase, but under different circumstances the siren song of that supercharged LSA would have been impossible to ignore.
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Mr. James
> Mr. James
07/07/2014 at 15:53 |
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Forgot to mention a couple things.
If you pull the trigger on one, I would make either the Audi Drive Select or Sports Rear Diff Package a must have. The active rear diff is pretty critical to fun in the corners, having driven both. Other options you can take or leave, depending on your taste. With regard to ride quality, i've never had any complaints, and mine is on springs and spacers. Keep in mind however that I am coming from a 2004 STi that was highly modified for track use, so your experience may vary.
I have had a tiny problem with the shift knob loosening. Something in the mechanism that secures it does not like hot days, and it rotates. Annoying, but not a deal breaker. The 4.2 suffers from an issue with carbon buildup, and unfortunately there is no "fix" persay. Depending on the mileage of the vehicle you pickup, and how it has been driven, it may not be a problem. I would do some reading on the issue on forums like A5OC.com, and see if you can have the intake valves inspected before you buy an S5.
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doodon2whls
> TJDMAX
07/07/2014 at 16:02 |
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Haha... Cool- Thanks for the first hand experience info!
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jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
> doodon2whls
07/09/2014 at 16:28 |
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I think, if you can get past your age requirement, you should look into an Audi RS4. It's got the more glorious version of Audi's V8 that goes over 8000rpm, and from by own brief test drive I can agree with Clarkson's assessment that it's about the best engine Audi has ever made. Same engine is essentially in the RS5 and the R8.
I personally prefer my V8 to have a more mountainous torque band, but I could live with that RS4. It has a beautiful, comfortable interior also (I'm a huge fan of well-bolstered seats), and a great suspension, great brakes... And someone just posted today about them being available at CarMax. So maybe that warrenty could alleviate some of your age worries?
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doodon2whls
> jdrgoat - Ponticrack?
07/09/2014 at 17:36 |
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Ha ! I saw Doug's article with the RS4 in there.... Too many choices ! heh Thanks for making this harder than it already is... ;-D