Considering buying a used A5 (probably 3.0 TDI Quattro) - advice/feedback appreciated

[Blimsters]

Hi, new member here.

I'm considering buying an A5, most likely the 3.0 TDI Quattro, ideally the Sport or S Line model. My budget means I'm probably looking at a 2008-2010 model. Might go as old as a 2007 if it's got a decent mileage and good specs. I've read loads of reviews (both professional and owner, which seem to be a bit hit or miss), but would appreciate as much owner feedback and advice as I can get. I have a few particular questions before I go looking at cars...

Any known/common issues I should look out for? Particular questions I should ask dealers/sellers?
I've always been put off diesels because of the terrible engine sound. How does the 3.0 V6 sound from inside the car?
Is the room in the rear as bad as some reviews make it sound? I don't have a family but will occasionally be giving friends a ride. Is it ok for a small adult?
Any highly recommended extras/equipment I should try to look out for?
Would anyone recommend a different engine over the 3.0 TDI?

Basically I like to be as informed as possible when buying a car, so any other feedback (including warnings) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[TheWineLake]

Space in back not too bad, really - even in Cabriolet. Why not go for a test drive. I thought the 3.0 TDI Quattro cab rather lovely. Running costs put me off a bit, though.

[rowdy-999]

Hi, I own an A4 Avant 3.0 TDi.
Known issues are poorly Tiptronic gearboxes and rattling chains. You may get a quick rattle on cold start up, that appears normal.
The 3.0 TDi sounds nice inside and outside the car, nothing like the VAG 1.9, or 2.0 units.
My current average mpg is 34. That is basically the school run, and a 7 mile round trip to work. Expect mid 40s on a steady long run.

[M1tchy]

Wife has a 3.0 V6 A5 and has had it for about 4 years so know it well. I'd stay away from the 2.0 engine as we found it sluggish and generally pants. The 3.0 however is great, plenty of power and nearly silent in the cabin. When you give it some power it gives a nice growly sound that doesn't sound like a diesel.

I think a reverse camera is a must, but that because I've not driven without one for years now so too used to it!

Space in the back is ok, sloping roof makes it tight but I'm 6'2 and can fit comfortably for a few hours.

Hope that helps


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[Loolis]

Owned my A5 2.0TFSI for 2 years and love it. Just putting it up for sale, but only because I have been lured into buying a new S5!

Would make sure it has AMI and interior light pack. Mine also has the folding mirrors, BT calling and a sunroof, but the mirrors and sunroof are pretty rare during those model years.

Room in the back is perfectly fine. Never had anyone in there for a prolonged period, but never had any complaints.

Window regulators are a common fault across all models and can be costly to fix out of warranty. Don't know much about the diesels, but the 2.0tfsi is also plagued by oil consumption issues so make sure you have proof the fix has been done by Audi.

In any case, if you fancy a 2.0 petrol give us a shout and I can give you the details on mine

GLWS!


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[markp306]

the 2.0tfsi is also plagued by oil consumption issues

Oh?

What else burns oil like the 2.0 petrol then?

[Loolis]

Oh?

What else burns oil like the 2.0 petrol then?

It's been known to affect any 2.0TFSI A5 between 08-11. Believe it also affects the A4 and Q5, but not sure what exact model years. Guessing they all shared the same engine.

Not heard of any other model being affected by it, well at least on such a wide basis. Seen a couple of instances S5s with the 3.0 V6 have it, and possibly the 1.8TFSI, but they seem to be very isolated cases. Was rarer to find a 2.0TFSI between those years that a didn't have the issue! Thankfully Audi are doing the fix for free now, even outside of warranty. A lawsuit in the USA and Watchdog exposure seemed to finally get them to admit it was a design fault...Better late than never I suppose!

[markp306]

Ok, got you. (I thought you meant other engines, not other 2.0 tfsi models).

[Loolis]

Ok, got you. (I thought you meant other engines, not other 2.0 tfsi models).

Ah nah...well not that I know of anyway...and theres quite a bit I don't know about to be fair! :P