Thinking about buying a 2013 Audi S5

[DaTT]

I did a quick Google search of common problems and have found that there is, or was an issue with the power steering module. I haven't discovered if this is a warranty or recall to fix it.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with these beautiful German specimens?

 

[RLGL]

Friends have had them.....always in the shop.....expensive

 

[Fritzo]

M4 seems to be better engineered.

 

[agent00f]

M4 seems to be better engineered.

M4 is also not same price category since the S-line is below the M's RS counterparts. Audi/VAG reliability used to be pretty shit but Audi particularly made a turn for the better in the last gen or so, and 13/14 is right around that inflection point. So generally/statistically speaking newer would be much better. I suppose it's a german car so maintenance will always be highish but you could do a lot worse than a late model audi.

 

[Raizinman]

Make sure you have a garage or two that works on Audi. I live in a medium size city and there is only one Audi dealer and most garages won't otherwise touch an Audi except for brakes and normal maintenance items.

 

[A5]

Out-of-warranty German = have a line on a good mechanic.

 

[PricklyPete]

If expensive maintenance is not your thing, I would look elsewhere.

If you either don't mind doing work yourself, have a good independent shop in your town, or don't mind paying the dealer, you should be fine.

Audi's have bucked their reputation and are proving to be pretty reliable with even CR now recommending them.

A big key with German cars in general is that you keep them properly maintained. This is not a Toyota Camry that you can neglect for years at a time.

Just to give you an anecdotal story about German car maintenance costs, I recently wanted to add a tow hitch for our Audi Q7. 3rd party places will throw something on for $500, but that does not include the trailer module and I did not hear good feedback regarding fit and how it affects systems (parking sensors, lane change assist, etc.). So I called an Audi dealership to see what they would charge to install. $1900+ with $1100+ being for parts. To be honest, this hitch will likely be used 99% of the time for hauling our bikes and I couldn't stomach that cost. Was able to find the parts online for slightly under $850 and installed on an overcast Saturday. I realize this is not maintenance, but it just gives you an idea of how much more German parts/service costs vs. a domestic or Japanese brand.

If you enjoy driving a composed, beautiful car and don't mind the expense...go for it!

 

[DaTT]

Thanks all for your input.

I have owned an Audi in the past, so I am aware of the cost of parts and such. I would have considered a V8 S5, but that timing chain tensioner issue has be scared.

 

[Spicedaddy]

The 4.2 V8 is nice, but the 3.0T V6 is more reliable, lighter, and can be easily modded.