Audi S5, 4.2 V8

"Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs" (yowen) 03/05/2018 at 16:21 • Filed to: None

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What’s oppo’s opinions on this car and engine? Whenever I see the 5 and 7 series Audi’s on the road I always find I admire the way they look. I’ve also found that by the time I need a new car, I could probably afford a manual S5 from roughly ~2010 (maybe newer, who knows when I’ll be in the market). Good idea?

edit: I should add that to my delight it ticks quite a few of my boxes: V8, manual, AWD. I had no idea the S5 was available with all these features as well as starting to approach semi-reasonable prices.

Spanfeller is a twat > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:33

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Older cars are sort of expensive to maintain... I’d run away from it unless I knew its backstory and the owner wasn’t insane.

Textured Soy Protein > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:34

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The optional sport rear differential really helps make them more fun to drive.

They get shit mileage.

Labor costs can be high because...

Performing assorted services on the motor sometimes/often involves removing the front bumper and other body work.

The timing chain is on the back of the motor towards the firewall so servicing the chain means pulling the engine. Although if you only need the cam adjusters serviced/replaced the engine can stay in the car.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Spanfeller is a twat 03/05/2018 at 16:40

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8 year old is old these days? Also, this is very generic advice. It is true of anything you buy ever, from a potato to a jumbo jet.

But to your point, depending on what I find as far as known reliability of this car, I’d buy it with a warranty.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:41

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My opinion? Nice car, but they can be expensive to operate due to things like a timing chain located in the back of the engine that is supposed to last the life of the car, but doesn’t.

And be familiar with the Audi ‘service position’:

Can you afford to have a car where you should have a $5000/year maintenance/repairs/surprises budget? If you can, go for it.

And note, I said ‘budget’, which means you won’t necessarily spend that much.

In my experience/research, when buying a “reasonably priced” BMW/Audi/Mercedes, the price is merely the price of admission. It’s the ongoing/operating costs that can get you.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Textured Soy Protein 03/05/2018 at 16:44

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Interesting, I don’t get the greatest of mileage as it is, although having to put premium into one of these would make it quite a bit more expensive to drive.

As for the serviceability it sounds like i’d want a car with some of these major service items recently taken care of. Beyond that I imagine it’s a good engine? Audi has had it around for quite some time it seems to me.

edit: I learned that the timing chain is supposed to be a lifetime part... Also with the 50k mile examples I’ve been looking at, I doubt it would be anywhere near needing servicing. Meaning there probably aren’t examples out there that would have it done prior to my purchase.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 03/05/2018 at 16:46

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I can certainly afford $5000 in work on my car per year, begrudgingly, haha. Sounds like a great car to buy with a Carmax warranty? I imagine that would cover much of the type of things that could go wrong?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:46

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I looked at these until I realized I didn’t want to deal with the inevitable Audi problems. Got an ISF instead.

Spanfeller is a twat > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:47

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It is.... after all, most cars are designed to serve a certain life cycle after which many of the parts need to be replaced or serviced... it’s not a big deal, it’s just that many people throw themselves into older cars not knowing that machines have certain constrains to their design and those cost a lot of money... so some people forgoe this maintenance and it fucks up things around the car.

Otherwise, my family has owned Audis for years and they never had issue with them, but we saw ourselves selling the cars because the running costs were getting higher and higher and higher... Some in this forum might tell you about the problems of German design like the plastic chain tensions or difficult to service engine, specially with generic tools instead of OEM tools..

What I wanted to add to my original comment:

I really like that body style, and a row your own Audi is certainly special! I’d chose the supercharged v6 because I like superchargers, but that v8 is probably the better sounding one!

Svend > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:48

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I’m surprised just how many of these we have in the U.K.

Prices for a 2010 vary from £11-18,000.

£535 a year road tax, 25-35mpgUK. Mean a no for me.

For the U.S. could be a good idea.

Check out the Parkers guide to the car

https://www.parkers.co.uk/audi/a5/s5/review/

The high performance Audi S5 is not the ultimate performance version of the Audi A5 range (that accolade belongs to the Audi RS5 which is the subject of a separate review) but it still offers scorching performance but with more real-world fuel bills and insurance costs.

All three Audi S5 models are powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine which delivers 333bhp – enough for 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.6 seconds. And driven with some restraint you should be able to get 30mpg from it, too.

Earlier versions of the Audi S5 coupe were powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine which delivered more power (354bhp) and a more growly soundtrack, but fuel economy was worse at a claimed average of 23mpg. This engine was discontinued in 2012.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

The S5 was launched as a coupe with a 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine delivering 354bhp and immense low down pulling power. It sounds superb, with a deep rumble on start-up and a loud howl when accelerating while a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds ensures it’s no slouch. The V8 certainly has plenty of character and although it may not always provide a sudden burst of acceleration, it manages to build speed effortlessly.

The standard gearbox is a slick six-speed close-ratio manual while there’s an optional six-speed tiptronic automatic. This gives super-swift and smooth changes and there’s also a manual mode, allowing you to change gears using steering-wheel mounted paddles. However, while it’s impressive, it robs the driver in terms of enjoyment and involvement. The convertible version, launched in June 2009, actually uses a totally different engine.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 03/05/2018 at 16:50

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What do you consider inevitable audi problems? Shoddy reliability?

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Spanfeller is a twat 03/05/2018 at 16:53

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Yeah I currently have a twin-turbo V6, so I’m thinking I’ll want the sound of a V8 next. And I’m just looking into stuff that isn’t so generic, like a Mustang for instance.

My current car is a Ford and it’s a 2010, but I imagine the maintenance / repair costs are a whole different ballgame when it comes to Audi ownership? I’m certainly under no illusion that a 10+ year old car will require maintenance and repair to a certain extent. But 10 years doesn’t seem like a crazy amount in car-years these days.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:56

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Expensive parts and high labor costs.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Svend 03/05/2018 at 16:57

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Yeah in the US lower mpg’s aren’t too painful for me (yet), also in Michigan roadtax isn’t a thing, insurance though, that’s something I’ll have to check into. I figure I should get a V8 before it becomes completely impractical to do so, even in the US. “deep rumble on start-up”.... SOLD! Haha.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 03/05/2018 at 16:58

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yeah, I suppose that’s to be expected. I’d be okay with it as long as this car isn’t known to be excessive as far as needing constant repair.

And also, if I could get it with a warranty, that would help a ton.

Wobbles the Mind > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 16:58

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Get a 2011 or especially a 2012 and just be happy if you’re looking. The main reason why so many cars between 2005 and 2009 had “durability” issues is because every automaker was being sodomized by the sudden collapsing economy during a time in which they had already cemented the designs and manufacturing. But anything from Porsches, Jaguars, and even Maseratis were way way way improved by the 2012 model year.

Dont let stigmas from 2008 cars keep you away from a 2012 vehicle. You’ll be fine.

Saracen > Textured Soy Protein 03/05/2018 at 17:00

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S5 has the 4.2 FSI motor. This engine has revised timing chain guides and so far all signs indicate that any car with an FSI V8 (B7 RS4, B8 S5 for example) do not experience the common timing chain failures of the earlier engines.

The timing chain is still mounted on the back of the engine, which is of course, absurd.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 17:01

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There are options that don’t have problems though. Being around a bunch of E90 owners(my ISF is a direct competitor) all they talk about is throttle position actuators and rod bearings. I couldn’t tell you one major problem the ISF has except wearing the inside corners of tires too quick.

Spanfeller is a twat > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 17:03

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Oh, it’s not crazy, but it’s probably enough maintenence for it to be a nuisance.

It is a great option, but I’d be also looking at cars like an ISF of even an early Chevy SS or Pontiac g8 for v8 goodness and LS customization.

Textured Soy Protein > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 17:03

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Supposed to be a lifetime part doesn’t mean it will be. Although maybe this version of the V8 is better? I’m not super familiar with these motors, just know some of the common pitfalls.

Svend > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 17:08

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Ye’, you’ve the luxury of cheaper fuel (to put it into U.S. currency and U.S. gallon size (approx. 4 litres), we pay around $5+ per gallon) and many states having no form of vehicle inspection.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 17:23

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Depends on how much they are charging for the warranty and how long it is.

bob and john > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/05/2018 at 17:50

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holy crap, the amount of y”you will need 5k a year” comments...

like any car, the better maintained it was, the better it will last. None of our audis so far have needed anything more then regualr fluid and consumable changes. (and an emissions sensor once. $50 part and 10 minutes of my time)

granted, IF you do need work its going to be more expensive. ESP if you need to do the timing chain crap. But from what I gather, that stuff doesnt really become an issue until 120K miles.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 03/06/2018 at 08:29

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I kind of want a European car though, so an ISF isn’t going to do the trick :(

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Spanfeller is a twat 03/06/2018 at 08:32

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I’m just not a fan of those options.... today. That could change in a week. But visually speaking the A5 fastback styling is just speaking to much more right now. From the Americans, the closest thing would probably be a current gen Mustang.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Svend 03/06/2018 at 08:33

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Yeah, I grew up in the Netherlands, I know what expensive gas is, haha. I think the Netherlands is even worse than the UK when it comes to taxes, especially on anything with a V8.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 03/06/2018 at 08:34

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yep, something to evaluate when it comes time to go shopping.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > bob and john 03/06/2018 at 08:36

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haha thanks! A lot of comments seem to be really negative without offering specifics of this particular car. I guess I stirred some feelings.

And yeah, unless this car is known to be notoriously unreliable, I’d expect it to go to 120k without too many major problems. It could happen, but I don’t deem it likely unless it has some type of Achilles heel.

Spanfeller is a twat > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/06/2018 at 08:43

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I’ve heard of way too many horror stories to actually recommend an 8 year old Audi, specially a sporty one... as long as you’re cautious and buy one with a full service history, maybe a warranty, and with certainty that the previous owner might not be the kind of person that neglected the car....I know it’s generic advice again, but I truly recommend that you take a keen look at those.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Spanfeller is a twat 03/06/2018 at 08:49

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Yeah, and these are certainly things I’ll look out for when buying a new car, ANY new car. Even if it’s a Camry.

Spanfeller is a twat > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/06/2018 at 08:53

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Then go for it, but I suggest you take the sportback, it’s just more... better.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Spanfeller is a twat 03/06/2018 at 09:19

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I’m not sure the sport back was available as a manual, I’m not seeing any on autotrader with a search at any distance. Or maybe it was only available with the V6?

Svend > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/06/2018 at 09:23

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Ye’, the cars are quite cheap (used cars) in Holland from what I remember while living there but the taxes are crazy.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/06/2018 at 09:43

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“I kind of want to be broke though, so a working car isn’t going to do the trick :(“

FTFY

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 03/06/2018 at 09:45

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haha wow, now you are just being dramatic

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 03/06/2018 at 09:47

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lol just saying. My parents own a shop and there is a reason why the entire fleet is Lexus/Toyota. You can get a lot more car for your money by getting a Lexus because then you don’t have to budget the stupid repairs.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 03/06/2018 at 09:56

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I don’t want a Lexus, I just don’t like the way they look.

Not saying it has to be an Audi, but it isn’t going to be a Lexus.

But unless some car has a proven track record of exorbitant maintenance costs or some kind of known Achilles heel, I would expect most modern cars to be able to go for at least 120k miles without insane costs to get there.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 09/25/2018 at 20:54

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I know this is an old post but buy one! I’m kind of infatuated with the S5 for the price right now.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 09/26/2018 at 09:12

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Haha appreciate the encourage ment! For now I’ve decided to hold on to my ‘10 SHO, it’s paid off!  B ut the S5 is definitely still on the list as an eventual replacement.