Used Audi A5
A history lesson…
Audi introduced the A5 in 2007 and what a good move it was. 2007 was the year when Audi was really enjoying huge success and press thanks to the incredible R8 supercar, so the A5 naturally received quite a lot of a buzz and attention.
It was seen as a direct rival to the BMW 3-Series coupe, which is a bit like being the rival to God if you’re Dave from Accounts. Seriously though, the 3-Series is one of those cars that is so well-sorted it’s almost impossible to get close to it. The A5, however, does its best and is quite a nice alternative to the BMW – albeit not quite as good.
Bang for your buck
One of the main reasons why you would buy an Audi A5 is for the engines. Audi’s power plants are always incredible – whether you buy diesel or petrol. So it goes without saying that, whatever A5 you opt for, you’ll be enjoying a car which is seriously capable and economical.
The usual German build quality is evident, along with Audi’s inch-perfect interior design. You’ll never want to leave the A5; it’s just that good in the cabin!
Sat-nav, ESP, plenty of airbags and tonnes of leather comes as standard, so expect to be drenched in luxury.
What you’ll pay
The A5 is an expensive car, so don’t be surprised if you shell out upwards of £20,000 for a used A5 – and you can pay a lot more than that, too! Just remember that you will end up with a quality product with superb reliability and build quality. They are worth the money!
What to check
Not too much to report here because, well, it’s an Audi. They are fantastically reliable cars, but bear in mind if something does go wrong it will cost a fortune to put right.
Parts
Parts for the expensive A5 are, erm, expensive to say the least. It is a new car with all of the usual 21st century technology within it, so if one of these parts goes, you’re looking at a hefty bill. Clutch assemblies are around £250, while a radiator will cost you about £150.
How it drives
Big Audis are known for their understeer, and the A5 is no exception. The super-powerful RS5 is an unbelievably good long-distance cruiser but it does suffer from biblical understeer which tends to ruin the driving experience. The BMW M3 is a far more capable super-saloon, so bear that in mind.
Other than that, the A5 is a very comfortable and well put together machine. It will impress you in the bends – as long as you tame the understeer – and it will carry you and your family in comfort to the shops and back.
It’s a car that looks good no matter where it goes, so while it may be expensive to buy, it’s still a car with a lot going for it. The Audi A5 is just a great alternative to the de facto standard BMW 3-Series.