Need help choosing between 2 S5's

[Wenkels]

Hi, I'm new here, and I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to cars so I was hoping I could get some help from you guys. I'm currently looking for a car to buy for around 30-32k and I've sort of settled on a used S5. I'm away at school but I'm going home for thanksgiving when I'll test drive and possibly buy one, but I don't have a lot of time. There are two near me and I'm trying to decided which one to look at if I can only see one. The first one is a 2012 S5 Prestige with ~20,000 miles and what looks like a good amount of options, the second one is a 2013 S5 Premium with ~55,000 miles and less options. Having trouble deciding because while the 2012 has much lower mileage & more options (it also looks better IMO), the 2013 has the supercharged V6 that has tuning potential while the V8 really doesn't. Both are grey, and neither one has the sports diff (), wondering which one you guys think would be the better choice.

other things to note
- If I knew for sure that I could get an ECU tune I would probably be more interested in the 2013, but I'm only 19, so I don't know if an ECU tune would make my already high insurance un-affordable or if it just wouldn't be allowed, and I'm not gonna try to hide it from my insurance company
- Despite that, I might keep this car for a long time and I could maybe do something with the ECU further down the road, but I don't know
- From what I understand both engines perform roughly the same stock, but the V8 sounds better and the V6 weighs less (?)
- I don't care about fuel economy
- I don't have a car right now
- other cars I've driven regularly include a 2004 Highlander and a 2011 Accord so I'm guessing the car will feel really fast to me even without a tune

Finally, I know there are already V6 vs V8 threads on here but I wanted specific input on these two options, thanks.

The two cars
https://www.audicrevecoeur.com/used/...50a6803490.htm
http://www.selectmotorsinc.com/2013-...9/Details.aspx

Thanks for any input



Finally got my car! I'm currently in Cincinnati and it's in Missouri, so I probably won't get back to it until winter break starts for me, but I took a couple of pictures of it last time I was at the dealership.

[Sweep]

Insurance will not know about an ecu tune nor will they even ask you about it. The only way they would know is if you called them up and told them. Even so, not sure how that would impact insurance.

If they're both near you why not test drive both?

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[Wenkels]

Does an ECU tune effect reliability significantly?


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[Sweep]

Always a risk but I would be inclined to say no. Especially with an off the shelf tune like APR, from what I've heard gains are not as big as other tunes but they're pretty stable. Try reading through some threads to see what people are saying. I don't have an S5 so I cannot provide any first hand info.

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[Zonsolo]

Depends on what your preferences are.

Are the options the B8 has important to you?
Is the sound of a V8 important to you?
Is the sound of a supercharger important to you?
Do you prefer the look of the B8 vs. B8.5?

You sound like the speed difference tuned vs. untuned doesn't really matter to you. I see the tune ability of the V6 as 99% just bragging rights, if I was concerned about having a fast car it wouldn't be an S5.

Price value are roughly the same due to the higher optioned lower mileage car vs. the 1 year newer car with less options and higher miles.

I like the alcantara interior much better, and I'm a sucker for the B8 front end.

When I was looking I quickly knew I wanted a V8. I'll just leave this here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRwrk1rjS10

[Mops@Nemesis]

Quick scan, but a forum member car is going to be for sale soon. Low mileage Ibis 6mt 4.2. @1overice

[DreDay]

20k miles- check
V8 sound- check
Jealous of those suede inserts- check


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[TLstylin]

I don't think an apr ECU tune affects reliability much itself. Especially with the V6t engine which from asking around at various audi mechanics, is rock solid and reliable.

If the original owner was tracking a lot and going hard then yeah, anything will be prone to breaking down faster.

Try to look into how the cars were used. You can ask if it was a dd or track car. Also look for signs such as premature brake wear or replacement for the mileage.

[dseag2]

This is the perennial argument re: the V8 vs. Supercharged V6, and I can only give you my opinion. I test drove one of the first B8 S5s at the dealership. Loved the car and the rumble of the V8, but it felt nose heavy. Since then, I've owned 3 S5s with the V6... '10 S5 Cab, '11 S5 Cab, '15 S5 Coupe. The V6 has torque throughout the rev range and feels pretty nimble. It is really quick. The V8 takes longer to build torque and feels more nose-heavy. Both engines seem to be reliable.

A few other things to consider:

-Were there technology upgrades with the MMI system from 2012 to 2013? Most likely there were with the refreshed design.
-Did the 2012 have the DSG transmission? I don't think it did, but I'm not sure. The DSG is the next best thing to a manual.

Good luck with your decision!

[Wenkels]

This is the perennial argument re: the V8 vs. Supercharged V6, and I can only give you my opinion. I test drove one of the first B8 S5s at the dealership. Loved the car and the rumble of the V8, but it felt nose heavy. Since then, I've owned 3 S5s with the V6... '10 S5 Cab, '11 S5 Cab, '15 S5 Coupe. The V6 has torque throughout the rev range and feels pretty nimble. It is really quick. The V8 takes longer to build torque and feels more nose-heavy. Both engines seem to be reliable.

A few other things to consider:

-Were there technology upgrades with the MMI system from 2012 to 2013? Most likely there were with the refreshed design.
-Did the 2012 have the DSG transmission? I don't think it did, but I'm not sure. The DSG is the next best thing to a manual.

Good luck with your decision!

I was starting to lean heavily towards the V8 because I'm in school and ultimately I think I'm too poor to deal with modifications at least at the moment, but one thing that has piqued my interest is learning that the Supercharged V6 develops 20-40 more WHP. I'm wondering if this makes it significantly / noticeably faster in a straight line for somebody who has only driven basic cars - would it be a big difference for me? Only even moderately fast car I've ever driven is a CLS550 that I got to floor on an empty highway.

I'm still leaning towards the V8 a little because of the much lower mileage, prestige package, alcantara, better sound, and muchhhhhhhhh better looking front end (IMO), but if the V6 has a really noticeable straight line speed advantage that could change my mind. I know it handles better because of engine weight and length, but I do mostly highway driving so I'm not as concerned with that. The door would also be open to tune in the future which is a plus.

Ultimately I still have to test drive but I'm trying to have something in mind incase I don't have time to test drive both. Thanks.

[dseag2]

If you are too poor to deal with mods, why are you not concerned with MPG? Just sayin...

Re: the 0-60 numbers, I think they are similar.

If you like the looks of the '12 model, the lower mileage does seem attractive. Go for it!

[Wenkels]

If you are too poor to deal with mods, why are you not concerned with MPG? Just sayin...

Re: the 0-60 numbers, I think they are similar.

If you like the looks of the '12 model, the lower mileage does seem attractive. Go for it!

I can budget for consistent costs like fuel, but I don't wanna deal with big "surprise" costs - since I'm only 19 my parents will still help with repairs when things break but if I touch the engine at all and something breaks they'll blame it on tuning whether that was the cause or not (and subsequently make me pay for it all myself)

thanks a lot for the help though

[Sweep]

how about the pre FL A5 with the 3.2 V6? if you like the B8 look, it'll be cheaper than an S5, better mileage, still sound pretty good with an aftermarket exhaust.

[dseag2]

how about the pre FL A5 with the 3.2 V6? if you like the B8 look, it'll be cheaper than an S5, better mileage, still sound pretty good with an aftermarket exhaust.

Yes, it's a strong car. I owned an '09 A5 S-Line. It had that great V6 sound and was fun to drive. Just be sure you find one with the S-Line package so you get the sport seats and 19" wheels.

[ihop]

19- still in school
Please heed my advise as the father of a 19 year old still in school
GET T
HE LOWER MILEAGE AUTO- Same price with much less miles. You like the looks better. 20 Hp or even 50 is not what's important to you now
MILEAGE difference is too great too pass up.
Just my humble opinion.
Good Luck

[outback]

I agree with Ihop, lower mileage...enjoy the car for longer.

[JamesRS5]

Another bonus on the 2012 model is "Side Assist" this is a great option and has saved my bacon many times when cars are in your blind spot, a really useful tool for a younger driver.

There's some questionable advice on here with regards to insurance and having the ECU mapped. The very first thing my insurer did on inspecting the car was plug in to the ECU to see if it was OE software. If they found a tune on your car, your insurance would be void immediately. Worth considering this if you don't declare a tune.

[doug97gxe]

you cant compare mileage on 2 cars with totally different engines, the best bet is to read this forum the v8 specific forum to see what problems if any v8 owners have and what is the cost for maintenance then read the B8 S4 (Same engine) Forum and see what problems if any those owners have had... telling someone one to compare mileage is like telling someone to choose a B6 A5 with 100k miles over a Honda Accord with 200k miles.. Apples to Oranges. Your better bet however would be to buy a brand new car still in warranty instead of both these options of money and budgeting is a concern. an A5 S-Line physically looks like an S5

[mcbuck]

For someone with limited sportscar experience, you likely wouldn't even be able to tell the difference in the how these cars perform if you drove them back to back. IMO get the V8 - better package, alcantara, fewer miles, and people don't expect the V8 sound from an Audi. As far as it being nose heavy and understeering, addition of a stiffer rear sway bar will help that tremendously. Good luck with your decision and definitely keep us in the loop.
AND if you get the V6 and start down the tuning road, you'll spend all your time on the forums planning the next engine mod and trying to figure out how to pay for it.....

[Okan509]

I don't think I would encourage buying a used german automobile while in school.

Look for something with more reliability, newer and cheaper running costs, IMO.

[Wenkels]

I was really leaning towards the 2012 but the big thing swaying me back to the 2013 is reading about how much more power the Supercharged V6 puts out at the wheels - from what I've read it seems the 2013 would definitely be faster than the 2012 and that a lot of the 0-60 times quotes for the V8 one-time results much lower than what most people actually achieve. I drive super aggressively and I don't know if it would bother me some knowing that the V6T was faster. The biggest thing for the 2012 is 20k miles (and front end) though which is much, much less. I honestly feel like I flip flop everyday. Only two more days until I test drive though so I'll let you guys know what happens.

[JamesRS5]

I drive super aggressively

Buy the cheapest of the two.

[DreDay]

Buy the cheapest of the two.

LOL


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[HazeMyth]

Another bonus on the 2012 model is "Side Assist" this is a great option and has saved my bacon many times when cars are in your blind spot, a really useful tool for a younger driver.

There's some questionable advice on here with regards to insurance and having the ECU mapped. The very first thing my insurer did on inspecting the car was plug in to the ECU to see if it was OE software. If they found a tune on your car, your insurance would be void immediately. Worth considering this if you don't declare a tune.

My insurance company hasn't inspected any of my cars since after the first vehicle I insured with them, and they certainly didn't check the ECU for any tunes. Is that just a Dubai thing, maybe?

[JamesRS5]

This was after an accident, the insurance assessor came to inspect the car to make a quote for the repair. He also inspected the car for undeclared modifications. This was with AIG (American International Group) insurance so I'm not sure if it was just a Dubai thing, possibly, but something to be aware of.

[doug97gxe]

This was after an accident, the insurance assessor came to inspect the car to make a quote for the repair. He also inspected the car for undeclared modifications. This was with AIG (American International Group) insurance so I'm not sure if it was just a Dubai thing, possibly, but something to be aware of.

They don't go that deep here in the US.. physical inspection and that's it. I totaled a lowered maxima with aftermarket rims and they didn't mention anything of it being an issue even allowed me to go to the body shop and swap whatever I wanted

I hope AIG is better at direct insurance than reinsurance or sub prime mortgages


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[dejangcool]

lmao looks as if all this bloke is concerned about is how fast it is down a straight road, you're buying the wrong car if thats all your after. A/S/RS5's are much more than that . I would get the v8 for the better driving experience.

[doug97gxe]

lmao looks as if all this bloke is concerned about is how fast it is down a straight road, you're buying the wrong car if thats all your after. A/S/RS5's are much more than that . I would get the v8 for the better driving experience.

What exactly defines better driving experience?


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[Omegahare]

If you're not gonna put it on coils then get a scion. These cars look absolutely incredible in person with a stance.

[Wenkels]

lmao looks as if all this bloke is concerned about is how fast it is down a straight road, you're buying the wrong car if thats all your after. A/S/RS5's are much more than that . I would get the v8 for the better driving experience.

There are a lot of different things I looked at to get set on an S5 in the first place ( I looked at a lotttttt of different cars ), but it's not like straight line speed isn't important. Ultimately both will feel fast to me and it's probably gonna come down to mileage because 20k is really low


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[JamesRS5]

What exactly defines better driving experience?


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This is a good point, the two cars are two completely different beasts, one is more about sound and ringing the engine out to make it perform, the other is more low down torque and ultimately being a more driveable car more of the time. The lighter Supercharged V6 will always be the better performing car over the V8, that's why Audi changed the design in the later models.

[doug97gxe]

This is a good point, the two cars are two completely different beasts, one is more about sound and ringing the engine out to make it perform, the other is more low down torque and ultimately being a more driveable car more of the time. The lighter Supercharged V6 will always be the better performing car over the V8, that's why Audi changed the design in the later models.

That and the illusion of better gas mileage


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[Wenkels]

Just drove my cousins A6 with APR tune.... thing was ridiculous


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[dseag2]

Well, good luck with your decision. You've heard every possible argument. Let us know what you decide on.

[Wenkels]

So I test drove the 2012 S5 ... absolutely loved it and couldn't hide my smile from the sales person. Went to drive the supercharged V6 and it's already been sold to some guy in Minnesota (but man that interior was nice). Currently trying to get insurance info and stuff for the V8 and if that's all good and I can make a deal I'm gonna try to get it. Looooooved the V8


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[dseag2]

Even better when your decision is made for you. I'm sure there was a reason the 2013 S5 was already sold. Good luck! The S5 in any form is a beautiful car, no doubt.

[Wenkels]

Even better when your decision is made for you. I'm sure there was a reason the 2013 S5 was already sold. Good luck! The S5 in any form is a beautiful car, no doubt.

Yeah, and TBH after driving the V8 I didn't even wanna try the 6 very much, having already experienced the engine in my cousins A6 (and that was with the tune). The only thing that would really stunned me was how nice it's interior looked when I saw it sitting in the lot (hadn't been shipped yet) but it had less options and more miles anyways.

I was surprised at how completely different the S5 felt from the A6 - the A6 seemed really light and floaty while the S5 had a really solid, heavy, planted feel that made it super satisfying to drive even at low speed to me. I also liked the driving position / coupe feeling you get sitting in the S5 a lot more




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[mcbuck]

Haha, love it! While the SC V6 may be quicker, there just something intrinsically soulful about the V8. Pics as soon as purchased.


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[doug97gxe]

Yeah, and TBH after driving the V8 I didn't even wanna try the 6 very much, having already experienced the engine in my cousins A6 (and that was with the tune). The only thing that would really stunned me was how nice it's interior looked when I saw it sitting in the lot (hadn't been shipped yet) but it had less options and more miles anyways.

I was surprised at how completely different the S5 felt from the A6 - the A6 seemed really light and floaty while the S5 had a really solid, heavy, planted feel that made it super satisfying to drive even at low speed to me. I also liked the driving position / coupe feeling you get sitting in the S5 a lot more




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Sounds like u would have loved the 2013.. responsiveness of the A6 with the driving position, handling and looks of the S5 .. like my good man said above it's a reason the S5 sold so fast


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[4.too]

Wenkels,

You will love the V8 every day. Everyone has different priorities when buying a performance car. I test drove a V8, SC V6, and the RS5 then ran back to the V8 with a deposit immediately. The other 2 cars will be faster on a track (I'm assuming you are not in the position at 19 to be tracking your car yet....but you would not be the first) and perhaps faster in a drag race if the V6 was tuned (these cars are not really intended for drag racing (and stupid to do that on the street,)) but when I made the buying decision it was based solely on driving experience. I wanted the car that was the most fun to drive (my personal opinion.) Fast is important, but I don't care about being faster than anyone else or top speed etc. I just want to enjoy every moment behind the wheel.

The V8 is plenty fast enough where it matters most. 95% of the fun you will have in this car is between 15-75mph. If you want to enhance the fun factor, snag a used AWE or Milltek exhaust in the classifieds or save up for new pipes. Also, a rear sway bar, and Alu Kreuz are great mods for adding smiles. After that it's mostly cosmetic or minor performance enhancements for big dollars. HR springs and a set of spacers go a long way towards making the car look just a bit more special.

I wish I could have found a low mile V8 with the options I wanted when I purchased mine.

Great find Sir! Congrats!


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