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There's a nice 57 plate s5 at my local audi garage....

I've got a tt quattro sport, but need 4 seats for a baby, so is the s5 a wise choice?

I assume the running costs are a bit better than a rs4 etc, I'm ok with the mpg, just don't want huge bills!

Any advise on running costs and problems?

Cheers

I've gone from considering an RS4 (DRC failures, insurance, brake pad & disc costs, running costs and the fact that it is being imminently replaced let me to dismiss the car as an option) to considering an S5 and I'm in the same boat as you.

I'm coming from a Scirocco which has been great in terms of getting a rear facing baby seat in and out the back, but our wee boy has just graduated to a front facing seat which is much easier. My wife's work colleague has an A5 3.0TDI and I'll get a chance to muck about with the kiddy seat in the at the weekend. He says that he has had his grandson in and out the back in a forward facing seat a few times and and hasn't had any issues. I really should be going for something more practical but I think the S6 is just wee bit big and as special looking.

That and the fact that the cost of a well specced S5 is coming in at not much more expensive than a 3.0TDI (performance figures are very similar) and that I do 6000 miles a year is making the S5 very attractive. I'll report back at the weekend on the baby seat issue. If the S5 remains at the top of my list after that then you know it's not an issue!

EvilDerboy wrote:I've gone from considering an RS4 (DRC failures, insurance, brake pad & disc costs, running costs and the fact that it is being imminently replaced let me to dismiss the car as an option) to considering an S5 and I'm in the same boat as you.

Two entirely different beasts, running costs on the RS4 if you get one that has had a recent brake service are minimal, I have taken mine all round Europe this year and commute occasionally with it. Total running costs = £0 other than fuel. Plenty out there with dealer warranties so DRC is not an issue especially if you pick up a late 07 version. I tend to agree about its replacement however its not due out for a while and the new one will obviously be an unknown entity for a bit and will of course have that new price tag. I always tend to let someone else take the first hit of depreciation when buying a car.

You will struggle with the S5 for the baby seat but it does have an updated interior. Fuel costs will be similar, driving will be lame compared to the RS4 (only natural I say that of course!), it will sound great though.

Practical high performance grin factor car whose depreciation will plateau = RS4

Good looking lazy tourer = S5

Just my 2p

Keep me informed on the baby seat issue.....

should I buy an S5 ?

NO

Well for comparison, I just stuck a front facing baby seat in the back of the Scirocco which is a bit smaller in the back than the A5/S5 I believe and it's no hassle what so ever. So much easier than a rear facing one.

I'll keep you posted on the A5 when I try it out this weekend.

Appreciate the comments on RS4 vs S5 but you guys are bound to be biased, which is only natural and I appreciate they are too completely different kinds of car. I have ditched the idea based on the fact that I would be in B8 S4 money for a decent B7 RS4. It all comes down to personal usage. I wont be tracking the car. I want something that looks modern (B7 will look even further dated when the B8 facelift is launched next year) is comfy for the nipper and the missus and has plenty of go. I don't need an all destroying performance machine.

One thing that anyone considering an S5 should think about is this:

Audi S5 4.2 V8 - 354BHP / 0-60 in 5.1 seconds / 324.5 lbs/ft torque
Audi A5 3.0 TDI - 240BHP / 0-60 in 5.9 seconds / 369 lbs/ft torque

The attraction of the S5 over the 3.0TDI for me is the equipment levels, body kit and prestige but if I can get a well specced 3.0 TDI then I'd need to consider it. That's if I don't change my mind again and go down the S4 route...

Haha, you sound like me trying to justify every car! I've my eye on a nice one now, just negotiating a few hundred more for the qs!

Had a go in the A5 with the child seat and there's bags of room. Also had A test drive of an A5 3.0 TDI. Sold. I'm definitely buying one over the S5. Very quick, plenty of kit. Can't justify the extra cost with very little performance gain for the S5. So I have to concur with aka_dk!

And thus ends my Audi S / RS aspirations. When a diesel is that good against an S car it's hard to keep hankering after the badge.

I would not buy an s5 but that's me, do what you feel right mate, we should not be making the decision for you. Depends if you want a cruise or a bruiser, both cars totally different.

No, buy a BMW 335I M Sport coupe.