Audi A5 2.0 TDI Coupe Newcomer Considering Options
Discussion
Hi,
I recently purchased a 2014 Audi A5 Coupe S Line Manual 2.0TDI to get myself out of a bit of a mess. For context, see recent history at the end, and also note that my primary use for my car is twice-monthly long-distance motorway cruising, combined with twice-weekly runs on country roads.
After two months, I am now so satisfied with this car that, ironically, I am already thinking of what I would like to replace it with, but only in the sense of "What version would I have waited for if I'd had more time?"
- I am very happy with the cabin, the general feel of the car and the comfort on long drives.
- After an initial adjustment period, I have no complaints about the S-Line suspension.
- I appreciate the ridiculously cheap £35 Tax, the torque of the TDI and the 50mpg I get on a run.
- I also enjoy my first manual in a long time, particularly on the country roads.
- 9 times out of 10, I drive alone, but I sometimes have a passenger, although I rarely carry passengers in the rear.
- I am satisfied enough with the boot space to think that a 4 seat Coupe with fold-down seats will do for the foreseeable.
However, as an Audi newcomer, I'm now starting to notice everybody else's Audis, missing the the feel of rear-wheel propulsion and, as the weather improves, getting a wee bit jealous of other people's Convertibles.
I also wonder whether a TT might not be a good idea, particularly as they seem such good value, their owners seem to love them, and the boot is very practical once the seats are down.
- Money aside, an S5 Convertible is an attractive proposition, assuming they are all Quattro, and would seem to settle the front / rear-wheel-drive argument.
- My manual occasionally seems to judder on lower gear changes, but that might be due to the diesel, or just my getting used to it.
- I have no experience of the S-Tronic auto and would want it to be at least as much fun as a manual.
- A high-spec TT Convertible looks like it might be a fun option, but arguably not as comfortable on the longer drives.
- A Convertible presumably warrants a petrol, although my diesel doesn't sound bad at all once it's warmed up.
- I'm pleasantly surprised with the 2.0 TDI and, whilst I've had reasonably powerful petrols in the past, I'm now middle-aged and not looking to race anyone.
So I'm wondering:
- Is a Quattro really that much better than Front-Wheel-Drive?
- How does the bargain tax and fuel economy of a diesel compare to the more refined petrol, particularly on a convertible?
- How does the compact sportiness of a TT compare to the GT cruising feel of an A5?
- Are there any downsides to the Convertible compared with the Coupe, other than a bit less boot space?
In summary, what would consolidate all the things I like about my A5, whilst also making it satisfying enough to want to keep for a good few years and stop wondering if the grass is greener in some of the other options I see knocking about, bearing in mind that some are more readily available and reasonably priced than others?
Of course, the real answer is to try them all and make my own mind up and, given time, I may do this but, in the meantime, I'm just curious as to what the internet has to say on the matter.
I replaced that with a 1998 BMW E39 528i Auto Saloon which was wonderful in its Aspen Silver (Bronze) with Aubergine leather and, realistically, met my needs perfectly, and scratched an itch I'd had for a long time.
It is, therefore, regrettable that, in a "f**k it" moment, I swapped this a few weeks later for a 2005 BMW E61 525i Auto Tourer (thinking I wanted the bigger boot) which waited two weeks before putting me on first name terms with the AA when it required a new battery, then a new coolant hose, and then went on to leak rainwater as winter set in and it did nothing but rain for a couple of months. The water leak couldn't have been better designed to leak through the tailgate and onto the battery and fusebox, driving me absolutely insane with all the resulting shenanigans, and left me trapped while staying with parents 200 miles from home.
In desperation, I asked a trusted German-car-specialist-mechanic what to do, and was told to avoid any recent BMW and instead to get any Audi from 2014 onwards, and that a 2.0TDI would suit my high-mileage cruising.
I gave myself a 1 mile radius to search, in which I had a choice of an A4 Tourer, an A6 Saloon, and an A5 Coupe. The A4 felt a bit cramped after my earlier executive-type cars, the A6 was fine but a bit bland and made me nervous by collecting water around the boot seals, and the A5 just seemed "good enough" which, under the circumstances, was all I could ask.
Previous vehicles include:
- 1998 Volvo 940 2.0 Manual Touring (underpowered stop gap)
- 2000 Jaguar XJ 3.2 Auto Sport (lovely, just lovely in every respect)
- 1996 BMW E34 252i Auto Touring (felt like it just wanted to be a manual)
- 1995 BMW E36 323i Manual Coupe (pretty good, smooth all-rounder)
- 1990 BMW E30 318 is Manual Coupe (many wonderful memories of a twitchy back end with a responsive engine that liked to be revved)
I recently purchased a 2014 Audi A5 Coupe S Line Manual 2.0TDI to get myself out of a bit of a mess. For context, see recent history at the end, and also note that my primary use for my car is twice-monthly long-distance motorway cruising, combined with twice-weekly runs on country roads.
After two months, I am now so satisfied with this car that, ironically, I am already thinking of what I would like to replace it with, but only in the sense of "What version would I have waited for if I'd had more time?"
- I am very happy with the cabin, the general feel of the car and the comfort on long drives.
- After an initial adjustment period, I have no complaints about the S-Line suspension.
- I appreciate the ridiculously cheap £35 Tax, the torque of the TDI and the 50mpg I get on a run.
- I also enjoy my first manual in a long time, particularly on the country roads.
- 9 times out of 10, I drive alone, but I sometimes have a passenger, although I rarely carry passengers in the rear.
- I am satisfied enough with the boot space to think that a 4 seat Coupe with fold-down seats will do for the foreseeable.
However, as an Audi newcomer, I'm now starting to notice everybody else's Audis, missing the the feel of rear-wheel propulsion and, as the weather improves, getting a wee bit jealous of other people's Convertibles.
I also wonder whether a TT might not be a good idea, particularly as they seem such good value, their owners seem to love them, and the boot is very practical once the seats are down.
- Money aside, an S5 Convertible is an attractive proposition, assuming they are all Quattro, and would seem to settle the front / rear-wheel-drive argument.
- My manual occasionally seems to judder on lower gear changes, but that might be due to the diesel, or just my getting used to it.
- I have no experience of the S-Tronic auto and would want it to be at least as much fun as a manual.
- A high-spec TT Convertible looks like it might be a fun option, but arguably not as comfortable on the longer drives.
- A Convertible presumably warrants a petrol, although my diesel doesn't sound bad at all once it's warmed up.
- I'm pleasantly surprised with the 2.0 TDI and, whilst I've had reasonably powerful petrols in the past, I'm now middle-aged and not looking to race anyone.
So I'm wondering:
- Is a Quattro really that much better than Front-Wheel-Drive?
- How does the bargain tax and fuel economy of a diesel compare to the more refined petrol, particularly on a convertible?
- How does the compact sportiness of a TT compare to the GT cruising feel of an A5?
- Are there any downsides to the Convertible compared with the Coupe, other than a bit less boot space?
In summary, what would consolidate all the things I like about my A5, whilst also making it satisfying enough to want to keep for a good few years and stop wondering if the grass is greener in some of the other options I see knocking about, bearing in mind that some are more readily available and reasonably priced than others?
Of course, the real answer is to try them all and make my own mind up and, given time, I may do this but, in the meantime, I'm just curious as to what the internet has to say on the matter.
- Context #
I replaced that with a 1998 BMW E39 528i Auto Saloon which was wonderful in its Aspen Silver (Bronze) with Aubergine leather and, realistically, met my needs perfectly, and scratched an itch I'd had for a long time.
It is, therefore, regrettable that, in a "f**k it" moment, I swapped this a few weeks later for a 2005 BMW E61 525i Auto Tourer (thinking I wanted the bigger boot) which waited two weeks before putting me on first name terms with the AA when it required a new battery, then a new coolant hose, and then went on to leak rainwater as winter set in and it did nothing but rain for a couple of months. The water leak couldn't have been better designed to leak through the tailgate and onto the battery and fusebox, driving me absolutely insane with all the resulting shenanigans, and left me trapped while staying with parents 200 miles from home.
In desperation, I asked a trusted German-car-specialist-mechanic what to do, and was told to avoid any recent BMW and instead to get any Audi from 2014 onwards, and that a 2.0TDI would suit my high-mileage cruising.
I gave myself a 1 mile radius to search, in which I had a choice of an A4 Tourer, an A6 Saloon, and an A5 Coupe. The A4 felt a bit cramped after my earlier executive-type cars, the A6 was fine but a bit bland and made me nervous by collecting water around the boot seals, and the A5 just seemed "good enough" which, under the circumstances, was all I could ask.
Previous vehicles include:
- 1998 Volvo 940 2.0 Manual Touring (underpowered stop gap)
- 2000 Jaguar XJ 3.2 Auto Sport (lovely, just lovely in every respect)
- 1996 BMW E34 252i Auto Touring (felt like it just wanted to be a manual)
- 1995 BMW E36 323i Manual Coupe (pretty good, smooth all-rounder)
- 1990 BMW E30 318 is Manual Coupe (many wonderful memories of a twitchy back end with a responsive engine that liked to be revved)
The A5 is a very reasonable car for the money. Quattro does impove things and you do get a sensation of rear push when pushing on however not like a proper rear wheel drive car. I've had the 2.0 tdi in various guises and currently have a 2019 a4 quattro with the same engine. It's fine for daily "trouble free" motoring.
Instead of changing yours out why don't you keep it for a while? Get your monies worth out of it. Shame on the Mercedes, changing a few brake lines wouldn't have been the end of the world cost wise.
The Quattro system in the TT is not the same as the system found in larger Audis (A4 onwards). The TT version is basically front wheel drive unless slippage where as the other systems are 60/40 rear bias, but alternative bias depending on conditions between axles.
]
Instead of changing yours out why don't you keep it for a while? Get your monies worth out of it. Shame on the Mercedes, changing a few brake lines wouldn't have been the end of the world cost wise.
The Quattro system in the TT is not the same as the system found in larger Audis (A4 onwards). The TT version is basically front wheel drive unless slippage where as the other systems are 60/40 rear bias, but alternative bias depending on conditions between axles.
]
Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 2nd April 10:22
66HFM said:
I think limiting your search distance for an Audi to a 1 mile radius may have been your main problem...
Is that meant to be helpful?66HFM said:
I'd suggest keeping it for a few more months and seeing how you go, the grass is always greener....
Realistically, I will, more than likely, keep it until its MOT in December before I look to trade it. For what it's worth, it's the first car I've ever bought from a dealer and so I have yet to find out how much I'd lose when it comes to selling it.Edited by trevor distance on Tuesday 2nd April 11:39
Edited by trevor distance on Tuesday 2nd April 11:41
Edited by trevor distance on Wednesday 3rd April 16:05
VeeReihenmotor6 said:
The A5 is a very reasonable car for the money. Quattro does impove things and you do get a sensation of rear push when pushing on however not like a proper rear wheel drive car. I've had the 2.0 tdi in various guises and currently have a 2019 a4 quattro with the same engine. It's fine for daily "trouble free" motoring.
There's a lot to be said for "trouble-free" motoring. My main concern wasn't so much the cost of the brake lines but the time involved in getting the work done at short notice, given how hard it can be just to speak to a mechanic thesedays, and the fact that I relied upon the car more than perhaps was wise.Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 2nd April 10:22
VeeReihenmotor6 said:
Instead of changing yours out why don't you keep it for a while? Get your monies worth out of it. Shame on the Mercedes, changing a few brake lines wouldn't have been the end of the world cost wise.
As for the A5, I think I'll likely keep it for 12 months (it came with a fresh MOT and I imagine I'd sell it with one). I've yet to work out what my "money's worth" really is and so I may be in for a shock when I'm faced with the reality.
Whilst I agree that it's a shame about the Mercedes, I'm afraid that's the price I paid for running and depending on such an old car for a daily, not to mention taking the word of a mechanic who I'd never dealt with before.As for the A5, I think I'll likely keep it for 12 months (it came with a fresh MOT and I imagine I'd sell it with one). I've yet to work out what my "money's worth" really is and so I may be in for a shock when I'm faced with the reality.
Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 2nd April 10:22
VeeReihenmotor6 said:
The Quattro system in the TT is not the same as the system found in larger Audis (A4 onwards). The TT
version is basically front wheel drive unless slippage where as the other systems are 60/40 rear bias, but alternative bias depending on conditions between axles.
Interesting point about the pseudo-Quattro on TTs.version is basically front wheel drive unless slippage where as the other systems are 60/40 rear bias, but alternative bias depending on conditions between axles.
Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 2nd April 10:22
In retrospect, if I had my time again, I would probably have bought a TT to give me breathing space to sort out the Merc and taken my time to consider my options but, hey ho, we live and learn.
I am actually very happy with the A5 but, as a newcomer to Audis, it has opened lots of new doors in terms of ideas and so I'm curious to explore them.
Edited by trevor distance on Wednesday 3rd April 09:31
Come back to the Mercedes fold & buy one of these 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...
Petrol:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402106...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401065...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...
Petrol:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402106...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401065...
Not sure if it is of any use as the below is based on what I’ve read on the web and not from experience.
New shape Audis seem to suffer from more reliability issues and ‘lesser’ build quality.
Auto are slow from a stand still start
Quattro is one of the best system out there
Might not be fun or engaging but remain very capable cars.
As already mentioned, this is not from experience but from feedbacks I’ve read up so far.
An A5 is on my ‘possibles’ list hence I’ve been looking it up.
New shape Audis seem to suffer from more reliability issues and ‘lesser’ build quality.
Auto are slow from a stand still start
Quattro is one of the best system out there
Might not be fun or engaging but remain very capable cars.
As already mentioned, this is not from experience but from feedbacks I’ve read up so far.
An A5 is on my ‘possibles’ list hence I’ve been looking it up.
ZX10R NIN said:
Come back to the Mercedes fold & buy one of these
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...
Petrol:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402106...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401065...
Hmmm... They do look like nice cars, and I hadn't seriously considered a Merc option. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...
Petrol:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402106...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401065...
One of the reasons was that I bought my W124 from a Mercedes Dealership technician who ran two of them and an ML, and said he wouldn't touch anything more modern because he spent all day troubleshooting them for days at a time, and seemed to feel sorry for the customers whose cars were always off the road.
A neighbour of mine has a 2017 C Class from new and, for the first year or two, it would change colour overnight or transform from a saloon into a tourer then back again a week later. Admittedly, it seems to have settled down now, but none of this fills me with confidence.
dema said:
Not sure if it is of any use as the below is based on what I’ve read on the web and not from experience.
New shape Audis seem to suffer from more reliability issues and ‘lesser’ build quality.
What counts as 'new'? I saw a nice-looking 2017 S5 Convertible Auto the other day which prompted my post, so where do you draw the line?New shape Audis seem to suffer from more reliability issues and ‘lesser’ build quality.
dema said:
Auto are slow from a stand still start
What do you mean by 'slow'? Is this a reference to gear changes, acceleration, or something else?dema said:
Quattro is one of the best system out there
That's good to know. I've spun the front wheels on mine a few times without meaning to. It was at low speeds while accelerating out of corners, and I was alerted to it more by the dash warning than any feeling of losing control, but I'm thinking I'd appreciate the security of a Quattro system.dema said:
Might not be fun or engaging but remain very capable cars.
I'm pleasantly surprised by how fun and engaging my A5 is. I know people complain that the steering could have more feel but it doesn't bother me and, with the manual gearbox, I'm quite happy just slipping through the gears in the corners, which is engaging enough, really. My years of kicking the back end out are probably behind me now.dema said:
As already mentioned, this is not from experience but from feedbacks I’ve read up so far.
An A5 is on my ‘possibles’ list hence I’ve been looking it up.
You've saved me some research so it's appreciated. I certainly vote in favour of the A5, I'm just looking for how best to refine it if I decide to get another one at some stage.An A5 is on my ‘possibles’ list hence I’ve been looking it up.
Edited by trevor distance on Wednesday 3rd April 13:09
Edited by trevor distance on Wednesday 3rd April 13:21
I’ve just bought a 2017 TT 2.0TFSI S Line, really enjoying it so far - looks great, very good engine, plenty of toys (a lot of things can be activated cheaply even if they weren’t specced from new - Nav, Apple CarPlay and more), it’s comfortable and decent to drive plus quite practical. I’d describe the driving dynamics as more fun cruiser than a B road destroyer - you can make rapid progress on those roads but it isn’t an all out sports car. You buy it for the all round package rather than out and out driving thrills but it works great for me.
LightningBlue said:
I’ve just bought a 2017 TT 2.0TFSI S Line, really enjoying it so far - looks great, very good engine, plenty of toys (a lot of things can be activated cheaply even if they weren’t specced from new - Nav, Apple CarPlay and more), it’s comfortable and decent to drive plus quite practical. I’d describe the driving dynamics as more fun cruiser than a B road destroyer - you can make rapid progress on those roads but it isn’t an all out sports car. You buy it for the all round package rather than out and out driving thrills but it works great for me.
"Fun cruiser" sounds very much like what I'm after. In many ways, that's how I'd describe mine. Is yours Manual or Auto?
And how do you find it on the motorway? My A5 feels like a cocoon which I really like, whereas I suspect that "an all out sports car" would get a bit tiring for longer trips.
trevor distance said:
"Fun cruiser" sounds very much like what I'm after. In many ways, that's how I'd describe mine.
Is yours Manual or Auto?
And how do you find it on the motorway? My A5 feels like a cocoon which I really like, whereas I suspect that "an all out sports car" would get a bit tiring for longer trips.
I think you’d really like it, the A5 will be great too. My TT is a manual which I’m ok with, the auto is well-regarded and makes it a bit quicker to 60. Quattro makes that a bit quicker still, but in the real world we’re not doing drag races all the time and I’ve not struggled to get the power down with two wheel drive. I had factory nav with latest maps, Apple CarPlay, speed sign recognition, auto beam control and auto dip of the passenger mirror for reversing activated by a VAG retrofitter almost straight after buying it - I was already happy with the car but that’s really improved it and didn’t cost much at all. Is yours Manual or Auto?
And how do you find it on the motorway? My A5 feels like a cocoon which I really like, whereas I suspect that "an all out sports car" would get a bit tiring for longer trips.
The TT is cocooning too and comfortable for motorway journeys. If you get one make sure you find one with cruise control and speed limiter as they’re apparently difficult to retrofit, luckily mine has those.
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