Buying S5 from across the country, need your help.

[rooneyy]

hey guys,

This is my first post here and I just wanted to say what a great community you have here which is helping to influence my purchase of an S5. I know there are millions of "Should I buy this car" threads but I am asking for help as well.

I am interested in a 2009 S5 4.2 Prestige, Backup Camera (tech package I assume?), no drive select, B&O, Nav, Panda interior, H&R Super Sports, awe touring exhaust and awe intake, RS grill, 23K miles, new tires (with receipt)...asking $29,600. It is located in Pennsylvania and I am in Southern California. Link to the posting on Autotrader

It may be a lot to ask (being a brand new member and all) if it's possible to have someone in Philadelphia area to check out the car for me? I would compensate you of course, we can discuss that. I am pondering the idea of buying it sight unseen but i have reservations naturally. He definitely seems like a legit stand up guy and we have been talking for nearly 2 weeks.

In your opinion is his something that would be worth it for me to pursue? He has had all oil changes done at the Audi dealership in Audi Devon, West Lancaster, PA. He has papers showing this.

My apologies for the long post, I'd really appreciate any feedback as this is my first Audi and first big purchase of this kind.

[GeauxA5]

I bought my A5 from a dealership in Chantilly, VA sight unseen back in 2012. I flew from New Orleans on a Friday night and picked her up on Saturday morning. I haven’t any major issue.

Just my opinion, but if he has all the service records, you should be good to go. Nothing else, fly out with a round trip ticket, take it be checked out and if you aren’t comfortable, just fly home and continue to search.

[Gonzoe11]

I just bought an RS5 from Texas sight unseen and had it shipped to NY. If records are complete and the car checks out then go for it. If you can't find someone that can check it, call the service advisor at Devon Audi and ask him about the car, and get the actual service history. Otherwise, it's spec'd well and the mileage is good. Find out who did the exhaust and intake install as well.

[rooneyy]

Thanks so much for the input guys. That's really helps. I will contact the Audi dealership as you mention. He gave me the name of the shop where all the work was done at. I can call them to verify as well.

I know all used cars of any kind will come with issue but being my first German car, I have some reservations. I have done an extensive amount of research and reading about the B8 S5`s and seem to gather some common issues.

[bknewtype]

looks like a solid buy. 6mt, low ass miles, v8 pre fl, black, rare interior. GO FOR IT!!!

maybe @wootek is close by?

[rooneyy]

It looks great and from what I've seen there isn't anything that stands out to me as a bad idea.

As a new member I know it's a lot to ask for someone to go see the car but I would very much appreciate it!

[ChipB]

One option to consider is to send a small deposit to the owner and have him take it for a pre-purchase inspection to an independent shop. You should make the arrangements with the shop over the phone, and make it clear that you are paying for the PPI, and results should be provided to you. With a proper PPI the car will be put up on a lift and any issues with suspension, exhaust, leaking seals, etc can be checked out.

[b8audis4]

Yeah a friend of mine just bought a car in Florida, and then flew down to pick it up and drove it back. Biggest thing is to get a pre purchase inspection. Have him take it to a dealer and for $200 the dealer will tell you everything that is wrong with the car mechanically and physically. I have helped out many people on forums and went and looked at cars, but I am in Cleveland so wouldnt be able to do it.

[rooneyy]

Thanks for the offer @b8audis4. I was also planning on the PPI, would you guys recommend I take it to the Audi dealership even with the aftermarket parts on it? I'd assume they are better than an independent service shop. Good point @ChipB, I should let them know to provide the results directly to me. I did mention this to the owner and he said he'd be more than happy to take it for an inspection.

This just looks like such a great car that I can't pass it up.

[8T_BoCO]

+1 on the pre-purchase inspection by an independent Audi specialist on your dime.

[rooneyy]

I'm looking for an Independent Audi specialist for a PPI but I am not find much in the Philadelphia area. Does anyone know one by chance?

[rooneyy]

Looking to take delivery of this baby in 2 weeks. I'm excited to join this community!

[bknewtype]

very nice, congrats.

my friend just did similar. lives in NY, flews down to florida site unseen and bought an rs5. driving it back up

[rooneyy]

very nice, congrats.

my friend just did similar. lives in NY, flews down to florida site unseen and bought an rs5. driving it back up

Thanks bknewtype. I would have LOVE to drive from PA to CA but the 39 hour 2700 mile drive would have killed me since I'd have to drive pretty much nonstop. I would have wanted to make it a week trip to enjoy the cross country drive but I'd be crunched for time.