S5 owners: Thoughts so far?
May 12, 2009 | 03:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
| TeH Ears
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,188
From: Atlanta
S5 owners: Thoughts so far?
To those that have an S5, how has it been for you?
Long story, but I'll keep it short...
Back when they were announced, I ordered. Then somehow, my car was "mistakenly" sold... Pissed me off how Audi was handling things, so I walked.
Now... I REALLY like the notions of this car for a DD.
If you're an owner, how has it been holding up long term for you? I've gotten over the issue enough to come back to the table because I like the car that much.
Has it been all that you'd hoped it would be?
Long story, but I'll keep it short...
Back when they were announced, I ordered. Then somehow, my car was "mistakenly" sold... Pissed me off how Audi was handling things, so I walked.
Now... I REALLY like the notions of this car for a DD.
If you're an owner, how has it been holding up long term for you? I've gotten over the issue enough to come back to the table because I like the car that much.
Has it been all that you'd hoped it would be?
May 12, 2009 | 11:22 PM
#2
Teamspeed Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 479
From: Chicago
Yeah, a friend of mine ordered one too. Nine months later, still no car and no assurance as to when/if it would be delivered. He canceled his order, went to BMW and is happy. Sorry didn't answer your question but audi really f-ed up on how they handled that car.
May 12, 2009 | 11:43 PM
#3
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,926
From: Houston, TX
Sorry I don't have an S5, but two of my friends use them as DDs, so maybe I can help a little. They both have the 4.2 V8, so I don't know if that will help since the new ones will have the SC V6, but here goes.
One of my friends absolutely loves his and wouldn't get rid of it for the world. His was one of the first in Houston and it really is a great looking car, in fact I think it's a lot better looking than my e92M. From what I know, he's yet to have a single issue with it.
My other friend has one that he bought after a B7 RS4 and following that he thought it was something of a let down and now has an RS5 on order (even though the dealer acted like they didn't know what he was talking about, he was able to get something worked out, hopefully).
We all came from B5 S4s back in the day and I was the traitor that went over to BMW when I moved to a e39 M5. In my perspective Audi's are the best looking cars in their class. I badly wanted an B7 RS4, but instead I got the M3 b/c I thought it was more fun to drive and I didn't want to have the same car as my friend again. However, their are a lot of things I like about the S5, especially the seats.
One of my friends absolutely loves his and wouldn't get rid of it for the world. His was one of the first in Houston and it really is a great looking car, in fact I think it's a lot better looking than my e92M. From what I know, he's yet to have a single issue with it.
My other friend has one that he bought after a B7 RS4 and following that he thought it was something of a let down and now has an RS5 on order (even though the dealer acted like they didn't know what he was talking about, he was able to get something worked out, hopefully).
We all came from B5 S4s back in the day and I was the traitor that went over to BMW when I moved to a e39 M5. In my perspective Audi's are the best looking cars in their class. I badly wanted an B7 RS4, but instead I got the M3 b/c I thought it was more fun to drive and I didn't want to have the same car as my friend again. However, their are a lot of things I like about the S5, especially the seats.
May 13, 2009 | 06:26 AM
#4
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,839
From: London, formerly LA
Sorry I don't have an S5, but two of my friends use them as DDs, so maybe I can help a little. They both have the 4.2 V8, so I don't know if that will help since the new ones will have the SC V6, but here goes.
One of my friends absolutely loves his and wouldn't get rid of it for the world. His was one of the first in Houston and it really is a great looking car, in fact I think it's a lot better looking than my e92M. From what I know, he's yet to have a single issue with it.
My other friend has one that he bought after a B7 RS4 and following that he thought it was something of a let down and now has an RS5 on order (even though the dealer acted like they didn't know what he was talking about, he was able to get something worked out, hopefully).
We all came from B5 S4s back in the day and I was the traitor that went over to BMW when I moved to a e39 M5. In my perspective Audi's are the best looking cars in their class. I badly wanted an B7 RS4, but instead I got the M3 b/c I thought it was more fun to drive and I didn't want to have the same car as my friend again. However, their are a lot of things I like about the S5, especially the seats.
One of my friends absolutely loves his and wouldn't get rid of it for the world. His was one of the first in Houston and it really is a great looking car, in fact I think it's a lot better looking than my e92M. From what I know, he's yet to have a single issue with it.
My other friend has one that he bought after a B7 RS4 and following that he thought it was something of a let down and now has an RS5 on order (even though the dealer acted like they didn't know what he was talking about, he was able to get something worked out, hopefully).
We all came from B5 S4s back in the day and I was the traitor that went over to BMW when I moved to a e39 M5. In my perspective Audi's are the best looking cars in their class. I badly wanted an B7 RS4, but instead I got the M3 b/c I thought it was more fun to drive and I didn't want to have the same car as my friend again. However, their are a lot of things I like about the S5, especially the seats.
Choke - the s5 is gonna have a new engine in two years, i'd stay away until then.
May 13, 2009 | 03:18 PM
#6
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,926
From: Houston, TX
Will do when I can devote more time. But to be quick I would say that an S5 is more comparable to a 335 than it is to an M3. This is a factor that may make it a much better DD than the M3. However, if you're looking for something that you could track/drive balls out with and use as a comfortable DD (like me) then the M3 is probably the best option out there.
May 13, 2009 | 03:25 PM
#7
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,031
From: Chicago, Il
Will do when I can devote more time. But to be quick I would say that an S5 is more comparable to a 335 than it is to an M3. This is a factor that may make it a much better DD than the M3. However, if you're looking for something that you could track/drive balls out with and use as a comfortable DD (like me) then the M3 is probably the best option out there.
I would have to agree, I've driven the M3 and the S5.....
The 335 is definetely a better comparison
May 13, 2009 | 03:47 PM
#8
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
From: Oregon
From everything I've read, and just looking at the figures on paper, the S5 really can't compete with the M3 - in that regard, the BMW is simply brilliant. However, there is something beyond numbers that the S5 strives for, and achieves. The styling, usable V8 torque, interior layout, and Quattro peace of mind are all wonderful traits for a low key, yet engaging and capable daily driver.
If it were me, I'd have to think long and hard about going with an S5 over a nice example of a used RS4 (there is a wonderful Suzuka Gray example in Utah on Ebay). The RS4 is more capable, yet still distinguishes itself from the M3 in its approach, like the S5. I've never driven one, but the detailed write-ups in EVO, Drivers Republic, etc. with their long term RS4 make the car very attractive to me. The experience is akin to the E39 M5: a wonderful and usable motor, great box, solid feel and build, and a great exhaust note from tick-over to redline. For me, this is the car that would satisfy my demands.
From a financial standpoint, I'm guessing that Audi's already crap lease program is even worse considering residuals. And, if you're financing or purchasing, payments would be similar between a used RS4 (with extended warranty) and a new S5.
If it were me, I'd have to think long and hard about going with an S5 over a nice example of a used RS4 (there is a wonderful Suzuka Gray example in Utah on Ebay). The RS4 is more capable, yet still distinguishes itself from the M3 in its approach, like the S5. I've never driven one, but the detailed write-ups in EVO, Drivers Republic, etc. with their long term RS4 make the car very attractive to me. The experience is akin to the E39 M5: a wonderful and usable motor, great box, solid feel and build, and a great exhaust note from tick-over to redline. For me, this is the car that would satisfy my demands.
From a financial standpoint, I'm guessing that Audi's already crap lease program is even worse considering residuals. And, if you're financing or purchasing, payments would be similar between a used RS4 (with extended warranty) and a new S5.
May 13, 2009 | 04:03 PM
#9
Teamspeed's Mr. Spock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,947
From: Los Angeles
For DD, please note that the S4 gets crap mileage from the non RS4 V8.
On our 2008 S4 Avant manual, we rarely got more than 15mpg.
The new S4 is going to be V6 supercharged, which will be a lot nicer on gas.
Or you can spring for the RS4, which are dirt cheap right now, and has a way better V8 in terms of both power and fuel consumption.
We only got the S4 because we wanted a pseudo fast manual wagon from Germany, and this was it.
On our 2008 S4 Avant manual, we rarely got more than 15mpg.
The new S4 is going to be V6 supercharged, which will be a lot nicer on gas.
Or you can spring for the RS4, which are dirt cheap right now, and has a way better V8 in terms of both power and fuel consumption.
We only got the S4 because we wanted a pseudo fast manual wagon from Germany, and this was it.
May 13, 2009 | 04:05 PM
#10
Teamspeed's Mr. Spock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,947
From: Los Angeles
Will do when I can devote more time. But to be quick I would say that an S5 is more comparable to a 335 than it is to an M3. This is a factor that may make it a much better DD than the M3. However, if you're looking for something that you could track/drive balls out with and use as a comfortable DD (like me) then the M3 is probably the best option out there.
We don't mind, but if you have a long commute, 15mpg sucks.