2009 A5 3.2 Used purchase!

[Exile1337]

Hi all - Been reading through threads all week on this fantastic forum :)

Thought I would finally make a post and get some opinions.
I am considering purchasing a used 2009 A5 3.2 with 30k miles. S-line package, B&O stereo, Tech/Nav package - Listed at $21k
One owner vehicle; talked to the dealer, it was his weekend car and he only put about 4k miles a year on it. Garage kept! CarFax shows regular maintenance was done at the Audi dealership up until 2015. Had its 55k service package performed at 24k miles including spark plugs & all systems checked.

What do you guys think? Obviously it is out of warranty - but has low miles. It's still 8yrs old, which makes me nervous. Hoping to go test drive in the next couple days if it stays in inventory that long.

I am somewhat mechanically inclined; but my experience is with GM vehicles, not an Audi
I've read about the carbon build up issue; the window regulator issues; front LCA issues at highway speed. Anything else I should be aware of for a 2009?

[Audiforumuser]

I have a similar car but 111,000 Kms on mine. The 3.2 is a pretty rock solid engine and I haven't had any major issues at all. Had my lower control arms replaced early on and haven't had carbon issues yet or had to replace a window regulator. I much prefer it to the 2.0t in my A4. Sounds like a nice find!


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[aboone]

Sounds like a good one. 3.2 is pretty bulletproof, have 130,000 miles on my 09 and its just starting to feel broken in. Yes, it's 8 yrs old but looks and feels maybe 2 yrs old. Nobody believes it's an 09 because...well...it looks better than 90% of the newer cars on the road. I've spent a total of $300 beyond regular maintenance in upkeep (replaced n80 valve and had throttle body cleaned). Enjoy...or..tell me where it is. My girlfriend wants one so she might take a look.


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[Exile1337]

Thnx for the replies - looking positive!
My only concern is any sort of 8yr old computer issues/failure. Obviously something I couldn't handle in my garage. Car would no longer be garage kept in my ownership either...worried going from garage --> baking in the sun might cause some computer issues. Maybe I'm just paranoid!

Any computer / control module issues that you guys know of? Common at all?
Anything else I should pay attention to during a test drive/in-person inspection?

[Audiforumuser]

Not that I'm aware of. I wouldn't sweat it.


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[namvar]

Thnx for the replies - looking positive!
My only concern is any sort of 8yr old computer issues/failure. Obviously something I couldn't handle in my garage. Car would no longer be garage kept in my ownership either...worried going from garage --> baking in the sun might cause some computer issues. Maybe I'm just paranoid!

Any computer / control module issues that you guys know of? Common at all?
Anything else I should pay attention to during a test drive/in-person inspection?

You are paranoid.

If it is going to spend a lot of time in the elements I suggest investing in some Adam's Polishes product to protect both the exterior and interior.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Had my 3.2 for 5.5 years. Never one issue. It's actually back up for sale. That was one minty car.

[pw-sherman]

I bought my 09 with around 30k on it 3.5 years ago, and I'm around 130k at the moment. I had the carbon cleaning done at 100k and it wasn't that bad. I haven't had any major repairs (fingers crossed) up to this point. It's a really great car. The only electrical issue was my B&O amp broke while my windows were getting tinted, so if you're looking to tint your car make sure you either take the amp out or have the shop take extra precautions. If I remember correctly a new B&O amp runs about $1600.

[Exile1337]

You are paranoid.

If it is going to spend a lot of time in the elements I suggest investing in some Adam's Polishes product to protect both the exterior and interior.

aha, I can't disagree. I dabbled in car detailing a bit... she'll be pampered well :P

I bought my 09 with around 30k on it 3.5 years ago, and I'm around 130k at the moment. I had the carbon cleaning done at 100k and it wasn't that bad. I haven't had any major repairs (fingers crossed) up to this point. It's a really great car. The only electrical issue was my B&O amp broke while my windows were getting tinted, so if you're looking to tint your car make sure you either take the amp out or have the shop take extra precautions. If I remember correctly a new B&O amp runs about $1600.

Good to hear. Where is the AMP located in the vehicle? I definitely plan to get the windows tinted.

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Also, have NOT seen many threads about the transmission or the AWD system. Issues common at all with either of these?

[pw-sherman]

Good to hear. Where is the AMP located in the vehicle? I definitely plan to get the windows tinted.

It's going to be on the left side of the trunk.

[ooA5oo]

I made the same decision about a year ago and have been really happy with my 3.2. Pretty much the same situation and scenario for my A5 as yours. Mine came CPO so it has a full 2-year warranty. I had a wheel bearing go shortly after the purchase, which should have been replaced like the other front one was when that went. Other than that no issues. Wish you the best!

Check out my build thread. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...r-Build-Thread

[Exile1337]

Well, this took an unexpected turn.
The BMW dealer the A5 was at sent the car to auction today. I was going to test drive it yesterday but was told the car's status was pending before I made the trip up there. Received this email today:
"Unfotunatley the car had to go to auction due to an airbag recall on it. We can not sell it. Sorry for the inconvienience."

I will still keep an eye out for an A5 after hearing so much good about them. Shame to lose a shot at this gem though.

[Okan509]

Had my 3.2 for 5.5 years. Never one issue. It's actually back up for sale. That was one minty car.

except for the near total rear ending.. lol

But the work they did was superb, top notch, excellent.

:D

[aboone]

So....the dealer who claimed it was his weekend car did not know 1. About the airbag recall and 2. That he couldn't sell it at the dealership due to the airbag recall so it had to go to auction? Either I am misunderstanding or missing something or its complete BS.


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[Audiforumuser]

Well, this took an unexpected turn.
The BMW dealer the A5 was at sent the car to auction today. I was going to test drive it yesterday but was told the car's status was pending before I made the trip up there. Received this email today:
"Unfotunatley the car had to go to auction due to an airbag recall on it. We can not sell it. Sorry for the inconvienience."

I will still keep an eye out for an A5 after hearing so much good about them. Shame to lose a shot at this gem though.

LOL I call BS here. The airbag recall does not apply to the 2009 A5 (yet anyway). I own one and a 2010 A4. Neither have been recalled yet. The newer B8.5 cars have a round airbag that is completely different than what is in the B8 cars.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/24/bu...ware-flaw.html

[superbondbond]

LOL I call BS here. The airbag recall does not apply to the 2009 A5 (yet anyway). I own one and a 2010 A4. Neither have been recalled yet. The newer B8.5 cars have a round airbag that is completely different than what is in the B8 cars.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/24/bu...ware-flaw.html

I'll chime in on this as I own a 2009 3.2.
The NYT article you linked is from 10/2014. I can look up my VIN and see an active recall for my A5 that was issued on 5/23/2016 related to the airbag.
The recall on my vehicle is NHTSA #16V376, Audi #69O1
you can look up your VIN here: http://web.audiusa.com/recall/

[Audiforumuser]

I'll chime in on this as I own a 2009 3.2.
The NYT article you linked is from 10/2014. I can look up my VIN and see an active recall for my A5 that was issued on 5/23/2016 related to the airbag.
The recall on my vehicle is NHTSA #16V376, Audi #69O1
you can look up your VIN here: http://web.audiusa.com/recall/

Crazy, did not know that. Thanks for sharing, the link only works for vehicles in the US though. Here is the Canadian recall notice, Transport Canada Recall # 2016246:

http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/...rchResult&pg=0

Typically letters are sent to customers impacted by a recall. Odd that I have not received one.

[superbondbond]

Typically letters are sent to customers impacted by a recall. Odd that I have not received one.

I have not received anything from Audi USA yet either. (I have owned my A5 since only Feb. 2016). I'm considering contacting the nearest dealer to inquire.

[Audiforumuser]

I have not received anything from Audi USA yet either. (I have owned my A5 since only Feb. 2016). I'm considering contacting the nearest dealer to inquire.

If you read the Canadian recall notice it alludes to cars with the airbag malfunction light illuminated as those that are impacted by the defect. So I wonder if Audi or dealerships only refer to the recall when approached by a customer with that symptom? Still, you'd think they would send out a letter advertising the issue.

[superbondbond]

Still, you'd think they would send out a letter advertising the issue.

Funny, I received a letter from Audi USA today regarding this recall. The letter states that the repair for this is pending, and to only contact a dealer at this time if the airbag warning light is on. It does say that all vehicles affected will be repaired.

[Audiforumuser]

Funny, I received a letter from Audi USA today regarding this recall. The letter states that the repair for this is pending, and to only contact a dealer at this time if the airbag warning light is on. It does say that all vehicles affected will be repaired.

LOL! Good to know, i'll look for my letter. I'm sure it's coming soon.

[Rshane]

I had a Monza Silver 09 S-line 3.2 6M. Loved that car. I still have my AWE exhaust and TSW Snetterton wheels in the garage.

[Exile1337]

I bought my 09 with around 30k on it 3.5 years ago, and I'm around 130k at the moment. I had the carbon cleaning done at 100k and it wasn't that bad. I haven't had any major repairs (fingers crossed) up to this point. It's a really great car. The only electrical issue was my B&O amp broke while my windows were getting tinted, so if you're looking to tint your car make sure you either take the amp out or have the shop take extra precautions. If I remember correctly a new B&O amp runs about $1600.

I'm curious - since I'm still looking at Audi's with the 3.2 - How much did the carbon cleaning run ya?