A5 3.0TDI

carrick76

Having had my mind set on a e92 coupe for the last year I've decided to have a look at an A5 3.0TDI quattro, 2008 50k miles.

I'm planning a test drive in one over the nest few days

What's the general opinion on these?
Are there things I need to watch out for?

aristotle25

A5 is a girls car really

Anan1

aristotle25 wrote: »

A5 is a girls car really

No place for insecure men, so.

Tea 1000

A5 Quattro - Better in the snow.
E92 - Better everywhere else.

Besides, I think the A5 coupe is manky looking.

carrick76

aristotle25 wrote: »

A5 is a girls car really

ha...I've heard that from a few people but I don't think so.....
I think they look great especially with the s-line trim

BostonB

I've seen white and red A5's with the right wheels and they look fantastic. All the reviews say the BM is the better drivers car. Probably depends on the driving you do, and how a test drive goes.

carrick76

I have read some of the reviews and driven a few 320d e92's.

Very nice but I think part of the problem is I've had a e46 for 5 years and the e92 seems too similar looks wise. (not very similar but you know what i mean)

Also I fancy something with a bit more power than a 320d. 330d/335d are hard to come by near where I live and I haven't got round to organising to see one yet.

I'm also trying to figure out whether a petrol would be a better option, do about 12-14k miles a year, half motorway, half city. there are some cheap 07 petrols around and the difference in cost would pay for a lot of petrol and tax.

Going to have a drive in the A5 to see how I like it but accept it may not be the same drivers car as an e92 ..... and some people may call me a girl

BostonB

Theres also the quattro if it snows...

heate

carrick76 wrote: »

I have read some of the reviews and driven a few 320d e92's.

Very nice but I think part of the problem is I've had a e46 for 5 years and the e92 seems too similar looks wise. (not very similar but you know what i mean)

Also I fancy something with a bit more power than a 320d. 330d/335d are hard to come by near where I live and I haven't got round to organising to see one yet.

I'm also trying to figure out whether a petrol would be a better option, do about 12-14k miles a year, half motorway, half city. there are some cheap 07 petrols around and the difference in cost would pay for a lot of petrol and tax.

Going to have a drive in the A5 to see how I like it but accept it may not be the same drivers car as an e92 ..... and some people may call me a girl

Its not huge mileage you're doing a 335i would be a good choice and they are getting dirt cheap!
As for all this snow rubbish - there hasn't been much snow yet and on top of that its lasts all of two weeks. People need to get themselves checked we don't live in a country where snow is an issue. The A5 is a fine male car but they are still hugely in demand and as such I can't see them being worth the extra premium

btkm8unsl0w5r4

The 3.0d A5 is a fine powerful engine, however i recently drove a 1.8T and it was tragic. Also FWD is not suited to these cars make sure its a 4WD model. 335i is a better al-rounder or a 335d if you want economy.

BostonB

heate wrote: »

... People need to get themselves checked we don't live in a country where snow is an issue. ...

Depends where you live you might live work, in the mountains in Kerry or Donegal where it might be handy. Besides which the Quattro is not just for snow. Its for all weather/performance. Unless you think a 911 Turbo is designed for the snow.

RobAMerc

OP if you've had an e46 and liked the way it drives you won't be too happy with the A5 me thinks. Beware the advantage in a test drive is heavily tilted toward the new car as you;ve already got some emotional investment in it ( well I do ) but within a few very short days you miss the way your e46 turned into bends or gave you feel through the wheel and seat when you were pushing on. take this from a man who bought an W211 Merc because it was big and seemed very comfortable - exactly what I hate about it now !

BostonB

I think you'd need to test drive it on the right road too. A drivers road, if thats your thing.

EVO mag was running a RS5 as a long termer. (Slightly different I know) but they reckoned it was a fantastic motorway muncher. But not enjoying B roads. I assume it would be similar for the other A5's. Check out their reviews online.

aristotle25

Slightly joking when I said the A5 is a girls car (I am a BMW driver .

I did really like the look of the A5 when it first came out but whenever I see a man driving it they looked squashed in it unless you are 5ft tall. The cabin seems to have a low roof but thats probably typical of a coupe like the A5.

A5 3.0 quottro must be a great engine all the same.

I'd go for a 330d\335d or 530d\535d if I had a choice.

Anan1

heate wrote: »

As for all this snow rubbish - there hasn't been much snow yet and on top of that its lasts all of two weeks. People need to get themselves checked we don't live in a country where snow is an issue.

With respect, that depends on how much your time is worth. Bad weather aside, i'd be confident that car would be an all around better drive with AWD.

carrick76

Thanks for the feedback guys....tempting me back to the BMW but will have a spin in the Audi first.

Tea 1000

carrick76 wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback guys....tempting me back to the BMW but will have a spin in the Audi first.

The Audi grips very well, but feedback is zero, which will be a bigger factor in owning than a brief test drive. It's also over-harsh on slow speed rough roads, and its composure can be undone much more easily than the E92.
The E92 interior really is bland though. Quality, but bland. Thankfully they sorted that in the F30