Any fellow Q5ers feeling the itch?

[VroomVroom]

Time off work and a few extra sheckles in my pocket...couple that with cash and interest incentives from Audi USA, and I have to admit.....that SQ5 urge is awfully hard to fight. Just curious if anyone else is contemplating the same?

No huge/particularly tangible motivation on my end. I love my Q5, it works just fine, and i still owe aplenty before I see title in-hand. But the extra horsepower, perhaps a little feel of Nappa hides...and of course, some black optics are fueling the fire. (Un)fortunately, none of the SF bay area dealers have exactly what I want, so the trigger has not been pulled. That said, my two favorites are emailing me every day with flirtatious offers and suggestions on a couple of machines that come close. Sigh.

Tell me I'm not alone...

[boomtime]

They should offer it with the ventilated seats option...

[jacho22]

Gotta admit I've had that itch too, but waiting to see more developments on the RS Q5

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/audi-rsq5-coming/


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[QUBE5]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a SQ5/Q5 right now since the refresh is right around the corner (although the new Q5s will be produced in Mexico, which is a huge negative to me). Once the new refreshed Q5s come out, the resale on the current models will take a ding, but do what makes you happy.

If you want one badly enough, you may be able to get a deal.

[SQive]

What can I say? I loved my first one so much, I went out and bought another one.

[VroomVroom]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a SQ5/Q5 right now since the refresh is right around the corner (although the new Q5s will be produced in Mexico, which is a huge negative to me). Once the new refreshed Q5s come out, the resale on the current models will take a ding, but do what makes you happy.

See, that's part of my rationalization. :) MiM is a huge show stopper for me. Not sure if I want to chase a deal now, or go after a '15 or '16 CPO once the refresh takes. Decisions, decisions...

[LINDW4LL]

What would be your net cost to upgrade? That's what it really comes down to.

My opinion is that the SQ doesn't offer all that much over your 3.0T S line. I'm not sure if warranty, mileage etc... plays a factor in your decision, but if it's simply to have the latest and greatest, I couldn't justify the [likely] $10-15k? out of pocket over your current car.

You can tune your 3.0T to the same levels that you could an SQ5 (while obviously exceeding stock SQ output by quite a lot). Black Optics is also an easy job.

[wrxray]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a SQ5/Q5 right now since the refresh is right around the corner (although the new Q5s will be produced in Mexico, which is a huge negative to me). Once the new refreshed Q5s come out, the resale on the current models will take a ding, but do what makes you happy.

If you want one badly enough, you may be able to get a deal.

I specifically wanted a 2016 because I have had good luck getting new cars near the end of their current production run so most of the bugs are worked out...and the transition to Mexico does not sound promising to me. The electronics will be a generation behind with my 2016 when the new one comes out, but I am ok with that. If it were me, and the right SQ5 was available for the right price, I would personally do it!

[VroomVroom]

What would be your net cost to upgrade? That's what it really comes down to.

My opinion is that the SQ doesn't offer all that much over your 3.0T S line. I'm not sure if warranty, mileage etc... plays a factor in your decision, but if it's simply to have the latest and greatest, I couldn't justify the [likely] $10-15k? out of pocket over your current car.

You can tune your 3.0T to the same levels that you could an SQ5 (while obviously exceeding stock SQ output by quite a lot). Black Optics is also an easy job.

Thanks so much for this. Great thoughts, all valid. Much appreciated.

Trade values being negotiable, I'm right around break-even. Obviously that doesn't make for a "real" number, but it appears my upfront out-of-pocket expenses would be zero...which would essentially reset the clock on the term of the new loan, but keep my payment very close to the current amount. Not a wise financial decision, but that's never stopped me before. Doh.

Again, great thoughts. Thank you. I already have it pretty darn good.

[drumnjuny]

I say wait till they get the new Q5's in, get a stupid deal, do it. why? because you want to lol. who cares, it's only money. you clearly have thought about this a bit haha. the next SQ5 might not be here for another 2 years or so, idk about you but i didn't wanna wait that long. by then, i'll have put 30-40k miles on this one and be ready to upgrade assuming i even have this one that long

[q5 dave]

feeling the itch for something new? I vote for new wheels and a tune.

[Mops@Nemesis]

We're still 20+ months from the seeing the Q5. Then expect about another year for the SQ5. There could also be delays. I say go ahead and pick up an SQ, and enjoy it for 2-3 years, maybe longer if you're not a fan of the new new.

[QUBE5]

See, that's part of my rationalization. :) MiM is a huge show stopper for me. Not sure if I want to chase a deal now, or go after a '15 or '16 CPO once the refresh takes. Decisions, decisions...

You'll probably be able to get a great deal on a '15 or '16 CPO when the refresh hits (as long as there isn't a significant production issue with the new models coming from Mexico), so that does sound like a great option. Although, adding a tune and some other mods (or SQ5 parts) to your current Q5, as others stated, is also a great suggestion which would save you some money.

Good Luck with your decision.

[zachf88]

Keep your 3.0T and mod it. Don't see much of a point in the $7-12K difference between Q5 3.0T and SQ5. You are mostly paying for the "S" badge. That was the basis of my decision.

[jomama229]

Thanks so much for this. Great thoughts, all valid. Much appreciated.

Trade values being negotiable, I'm right around break-even. Obviously that doesn't make for a "real" number, but it appears my upfront out-of-pocket expenses would be zero...which would essentially reset the clock on the term of the new loan, but keep my payment very close to the current amount. Not a wise financial decision, but that's never stopped me before. Doh.

Again, great thoughts. Thank you. I already have it pretty darn good.

i'm with lindw4ll here - the performance is easily achievable with a tune. as for the aesthetics - there's nothing on the SQ5 that really makes me jump out of my seat. you also need to factor in that uncle same wants to bend you over every time you buy something. in CA, you can't reduce your tax obligations by the value of your trade-in. so essentially, you'll be paying 9% tax on ~$50k all over again. that's $4.5k you'll never see back. =( this is what keeps my eyes from wandering too much...b/c those macans do look quite sexy!

[hurricanes28]

But when you do your taxes for the year that 4.5k in sales tax you can claim


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[hurricanes28]

And also those Macans cannot be tuned


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[jomama229]

But when you do your taxes for the year that 4.5k in sales tax you can claim

is this a massachusetts thing? what writeoff category would this fall under? i typically use turbotax and i've never been presented such an option.

i know in NJ, if you have a trade-in, you only pay taxes on sale price minus trade-in value. that's not the case in CA.

the macan is plenty fast w/o any tunes. i'd have no problems leaving it stock. =)

[drumnjuny]

honestly, the one thing i wanted from the macan is the handling. seeing as it has the same chassis, i had a feeling just upgrading the suspension would alleviate my concerns. since upgrading suspension, i was 100% sure of my decision to get the SQ over the macan. I even dropped the alu kruez and sway bars from my future mods list.

that being said, the 2017 macan (one i was going to order) comes with carplay, an updated nav and backup camera, and a GTS model that's very appealing.

[hurricanes28]

Tes that Is a mass Tax write off. The macan was a choice that I wanted but that sticker price is a steep one. It has the same chassis as the Q5. But the q5 and SQ5 lack horse power. But I can always tune it to SQ5 horse power and upgrade suspension and wheels and still be under the macan price tag


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[LINDW4LL]

Totally didn't think about the tax implications with him being in California, either. That's big.

Figure a '13 Q5 is worth somewhere between 30-35k on trade-in? So an extra ~$15k, plus another $4-5k in sales tax to make the move. That's ridiculous for what is by and large the same car.

The SQ gives you, over your car:

-"SQ" imprint on the seats.
-Shorter gearing
-Different Grille
-Quad Exhaust with cool diffuser/valance
-Carbon fiber interior trim
-Is the suspension different from the S-Line? Don't think so, but even then you are already lowered.
-More power (again, tuning your car will far exceed stock SQ numbers)

[Silverarrow240]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a SQ5/Q5 right now since the refresh is right around the corner (although the new Q5s will be produced in Mexico, which is a huge negative to me).

They'll be 2018 models. Not around the corner... Figure at least 1.33 years till ordering starts, no then God knows how long until the S model comes out...

Go drive one and see how you feel then... My heart always out votes my brain with cars... $$$$ is secondary too. Lmao oh well!

[goliath1]

See, that's part of my rationalization. :) MiM is a huge show stopper for me. Not sure if I want to chase a deal now, or go after a '15 or '16 CPO once the refresh takes. Decisions, decisions...

\

Quality control is so meticulous nowadays they could assemble these in Elbonia. They don't make the parts there...they are just assembled there.

[QUBE5]

They'll be 2018 models. Not around the corner... Figure at least 1.33 years till ordering starts, no then God knows how long until the S model comes out...

Go drive one and see how you feel then... My heart always out votes my brain with cars... $$$$ is secondary too. Lmao oh well!

Yup 2018(as long as no delays from the new manufacturing facility cause that to be postponed even longer). However, 2 years goes by really fast. I can hardly believe my Q5 is creeping up on 2 years old already. Although, I agree with you that 2 years could feel like an eternity waiting for something you really want to be released. Good advice though. Do what your heart wants.

[zcd2.7t]

SQ5 is cool, but I'm not tempted.

The combination of torque, comfort and efficiency that our TDi provides is still very compelling to me/us.

Macan looks and handles better, but is $$$$$, and isn't as practical.

[MilesM]

We're still 20+ months from the seeing the Q5. Then expect about another year for the SQ5. There could also be delays. I say go ahead and pick up an SQ, and enjoy it for 2-3 years, maybe longer if you're not a fan of the new new.

+1. And also the reason I'm currently awaiting delivery of my SQ :)

[VroomVroom]

Quality control is so meticulous nowadays they could assemble these in Elbonia. They don't make the parts there...they are just assembled there.

No offense, and not to argue, but.... 15+ of years of experience seeing friends and family members with GM 1500 trucks & SUV's and VW Jettas assembled in Mexico tells me otherwise. Maybe you're right, and I certainly hope things continue to improve, but I'll be much happier making that assessment after this new plant has been online for a few years. That'll be my dilemma *after* this one. :)

FWIW...I think I've pretty much talked myself off the ledge. No guarantees the next time the bug strikes, but for now, I'm happy. Thanks again to all for the feedback.

[Qumag]

feeling the itch for something new? I vote for new wheels and a tune.

What he said.... That should hold you off for a yr or 2 and by that time Sq5/RSQ5 should be out!:)

[CloseEncounters]

Time off work and a few extra sheckles in my pocket...couple that with cash and interest incentives from Audi USA, and I have to admit.....that SQ5 urge is awfully hard to fight. Just curious if anyone else is contemplating the same?

No huge/particularly tangible motivation on my end. I love my Q5, it works just fine, and i still owe aplenty before I see title in-hand. But the extra horsepower, perhaps a little feel of Nappa hides...and of course, some black optics are fueling the fire. (Un)fortunately, none of the SF bay area dealers have exactly what I want, so the trigger has not been pulled. That said, my two favorites are emailing me every day with flirtatious offers and suggestions on a couple of machines that come close. Sigh.

Tell me I'm not alone...

Haha you're not alone my friend. I just got the wife a '15 Q5 but after having my "heavily" modded '12 B8 Avant Its painful to drive the soooo "slow" Q5 :( I'm already considering sneaking in an APR or GIAC Tune after 5000 miles along with the AWE down-pipe and Full exhaust and hoping she'll approve...sadly at present these are more in my budget range than the SQ5.

[boomtime]

Haha you're not alone my friend. I just got the wife a '15 Q5 but after having my "heavily" modded '12 B8 Avant Its painful to drive the soooo "slow" Q5 :( I'm already considering sneaking in an APR or GIAC Tune after 5000 miles along with the AWE down-pipe and Full exhaust and hoping she'll approve...sadly at present these are more in my budget range than the SQ5.

Dude even the stage 1 APR reflash is a night and day difference on that 2.0T no need for full exhaust.
With e85 its even better, the torque bump is insane.
Keep in mind APR can flash back to stock for audicare but GIAC cant...


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[CloseEncounters]

Dude even the stage 1 APR reflash is a night and day difference on that 2.0T no need for full exhaust.
With e85 its even better, the torque bump is insane.
Keep in mind APR can flash back to stock for audicare but GIAC cant...


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Agree on the APR flash having the ability to easily return to stock mode with the APR dongle and iPhone APP but the "STG 2" really needs the freer flowing exhaust to get the Turbo spooling better and realize it's full potential...ask me how I know. The exhaust is also just too quiet for the wife as she came from an Infiniti FX35 to the Q5👍🏾

[LINDW4LL]

Agree on the APR flash having the ability to easily return to stock mode with the APR dongle and iPhone APP

"Stock mode" with the APR dongle is not the same as flashing back to stock and will still be flagged TD1 if scanned.

[q5 dave]

Keep in mind APR can flash back to stock for audicare but GIAC cant...

Audi care isn't affected by td1

[boomtime]

Agree on the APR flash having the ability to easily return to stock mode with the APR dongle and iPhone APP but the "STG 2" really needs the freer flowing exhaust to get the Turbo spooling better and realize it's full potential...ask me how I know. The exhaust is also just too quiet for the wife as she came from an Infiniti FX35 to the Q5👍🏾

"Stock mode" with the APR dongle is not the same as flashing back to stock and will still be flagged TD1 if scanned.

Audi care isn't affected by td1

Yes its the dealers discretion to scan spec/actual.
Yes stock load level map with the dongle is not the same as the APR dealer flashing your stock BIN file... the latter is what i meant.
Glad we are all on the same page here.

[VroomVroom]

Well....itch scratched. Took a while to find the right one, and then spent a little time establishing rapport, and then...boom.



Heavy lifting was done via email, and I was out of the dealership in just over an hour, including the test drive. Amazing experience, and the machine is awesome.

2016 PP, Tech, Nappa, 21's, Black Optics, Guard Protection & Wheel Locks, Carbon Atlas, Lightning Cable.

I negotiated in Audi Care and passed on the rest. Not sure I could be much happier with the vehicle or the experience. Happy.

[jomama229]

congrats on the purchase - that thing looks sick!! and glad you stayed in the white family!!

[bomb39]

Well....itch scratched. Took a while to find the right one, and then spent a little time establishing rapport, and then...boom.



Heavy lifting was done via email, and I was out of the dealership in just over an hour, including the test drive. Amazing experience, and the machine is awesome.

2016 PP, Tech, Nappa, 21's, Black Optics, Guard Protection & Wheel Locks, Carbon Atlas, Lightning Cable.

I negotiated in Audi Care and passed on the rest. Not sure I could be much happier with the vehicle or the experience. Happy.

Nice. Is that Concord?

[drumnjuny]

balls. didn't know i could negotiate the lightning cable in!

[riceboy22]

Wow congrats! Now when's it getting dropped LOL? (BTW, I'm getting the Bilstein B8s installed in a week, so I'll report back on whether it significantly improves the ride from just H&Rs. And my exhaust tips are finally clean haha.)

[q5 dave]

Congrats Jerry!


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