Buyers Guide??

[Daveperc]

Hi guys! Some of you will know me from over on the C5 forum - been there for years and still love my Beast. But at 200K on the clock, it's beginning to show its age (like me...)

So, I've had a quick browse and couldn't spot a Buyers Guide - if there is one then please just point me there.

If not, what are the things you would look out for - there are a few 13 and 14 cars starting to come on the market at the sort of money I could afford so am interested in where the weak points are!

Thanks

Dave

[Markp]

So far no common issues as far as I am aware. A few with DRC knocking and leaks (as ever) on cars that don’t have air, but most now fixed with upgraded dampers and otherwise pretty tough. I know of one gearbox and one engine replacement under warranty - but just bad luck probably as both seem very reliable.
Enjoy - a huge step up from your car

[harding]

I am also leaning to the C7 market and wondering what to look out for. The RS4 B7 buyers guide was an extensive one so it had me looking for the right car for almost 1 year!

[MikeFish]

These cars are still relatively new with only the earliest examples outside of warranty now so not much to look out for as any issues should have been picked up under warranty and as stated above I can't think of any known big issues. Just need to find one that with the right spec, mileage for you etc.
The biggest decision is whether you go for pre facelift or post facelift but even still both versions are great cars.

[Eddie555]

Don’t forget to check for Round 21inch wheels. A good choice would be to buy a car with the 20’s and buy after market 21’s. Keeping the 20’s as a winter setup.

[Markp]

Don’t forget to check for Round 21inch wheels. A good choice would be to buy a car with the 20’s and buy after market 21’s. Keeping the 20’s as a winter setup.

+1

[Daveperc]

Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback, and the confidence.

I bought my first C5 about 4 years after the model came out (end 2006) and even by then the forums were full of woe about DRC. I'll admit I had my share initially (both in and out of warranty) but after about three years they had it licked. I added better ARB's (to reduce the load on it) and my set up is still fine, and I've now passed more than 200K miles in it!

The more recent major issue for many has been the gearbox, and here I ended up getting a rebuilt and strengthened box from the US, and have been fine ever since.

So, encouraging to hear the "no problems apart from making sure the wheels are round" message (presumably easily detected by vibration at speed?)

I'd be really grateful (to save me hunting) to know what the "facelift" changes were, and when it happened. My money will probably only stretch to an early version (2013/14) and I presume this means pre-facelift. So, what will I be missing

Also interested to know what priority you'd give to any mods. I'd probably take it very early to see my good friends at MRC and let them do a little magic, but what else are people doing - and why!

Keep the info coming!!

Dave

[rtd]

These cars are still relatively new with only the earliest examples outside of warranty now

earliest cars would have been out of warranty from october 2016 onwards. my car will be 5 years old this october and has done 69k now. had one faulty petrol fuel cap, a broken wire relating to the air suspension and a temperamental start/stop which is still under investigation. everything done under warranty. i'd say they were very well made cars and very reliable to boot.

[zzz]

Pre facelift
Double glazing was an option (you want it - wind noise was pretty grim without it)
The MMI system only runs on 3g. Not a deal breaker for google maps (assuming you get audi connect).

Thread here: viewtopic.php?f=76&t=123277 still relevant.

Avoid dynamic steering option IMO, it makes the inputs variable so you never really know where you are when you turn in (you can probably get used to it and perhaps know what it's going to do). Decent thread discussing it here: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5 ... g-2934858/

I'm on Air suspension and feel it's more suitable for general driving on the UK roads. The difference between comfort and dynamic is large. Many much prefer dynamic. If you're ever going to toe, you have to have air.

There were (probably) a bad batch if disks floating around on 2014/15 cars, they tended to warp after 3-5k miles so should be sorted by the time you get them. I warped another set after 12 laps of the ring (not concurrent, across the whole day). Evident upon breaking. Make sure you come to a gentle stop at some point during the test drive and tune into if you're feeling a variation in brake force with an even break pedal.

Many want the sports exhaust and that still isn't loud enough for them and go aftermarket. I'm on standard. It's worth noting that with double glazing and noise cancellation it's generally quite quiet inside regardless of what exhaust you use. People I've dropped off always comment the car is pretty loud from outside at full beans. I prefer sleepers.
Standard vs Akrapovic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peemyjvui5A
Sports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoLoVp_H4Cc (he is short shifting)
Akrapovic inside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnoUb2akNWw (the loudest)
Akrapovic outside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZriBoYAvTw
Milltek vs akrapovic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtk3A1GFx1s

Options I like: Privacy Glass, Soft Close Doors, Advanced Key with hands free boot opening, audi connect, tech pack high, matrix LEDS, convenience pack, reverse camera (was this standard?),
Price list with options (instead of fannying around with the configuration) https://www.audi.co.uk/content/dam/audi ... celist.pdf

Face lift
MMI updated to include 4g connection. New headlights. Quattro grille at front.

[Daveperc]

Many thanks - really helpful, especially the link to the old thread - hadn't found that one!

Sounds like the main FL (2015) improvements that people value are double glazing (for wind noise), 4G connectivity, and LED matrix headlights.. Happy to hear views about importance of any of those.

Right now this is the one I fancy https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... New&page=1 - Any views?? I appreciate it is pre FL.

All help gratefully received (Oh, and send £'s!!)

Dave

[Markp]

You could have my one owner from new 36000 mile facelift 65 plate car for 5k more than that if you wait until September. Good spec inc pano roof, sports exhaust, red calipers, carbon pack (exterior) etc and 4th year Audi warranty.

[skirs6]

Many thanks - really helpful, especially the link to the old thread - hadn't found that one!

Sounds like the main FL (2015) improvements that people value are double glazing (for wind noise), 4G connectivity, and LED matrix headlights.. Happy to hear views about importance of any of those.

Right now this is the one I fancy https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... New&page=1 - Any views?? I appreciate it is pre FL.

All help gratefully received (Oh, and send £'s!!)

Dave

That looks very nice mate and a big bonus with ceramics. As said already the C7 is in a different league to the C5 and C6. I should know I’ve had all three. My C7 is stunning both looks and performance. I think I’ve just been unlucky with a blown engine soon after purchase then new suspension but all under Audi approved used car warranty.

[skirs6]

We actually need a Graham on the C7 forum he did the C6 variants thread but unfortunately went the Tesla route post C6

[chunky79]

Many thanks - really helpful, especially the link to the old thread - hadn't found that one!

Sounds like the main FL (2015) improvements that people value are double glazing (for wind noise), 4G connectivity, and LED matrix headlights.. Happy to hear views about importance of any of those.

Right now this is the one I fancy https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... New&page=1 - Any views?? I appreciate it is pre FL.

All help gratefully received (Oh, and send £'s!!)

Dave

That looks pretty nice MrPerc, possibly even better if you have the chrome wrapped black. I couldn't see any where stating if these cars can swim though? We know the C5 can't!

[Daveperc]

Many thanks Sksirs6 (If you say that fast it sounds decidedly Russian!!). Interesting that Graham went the Tesla route - that is my alternative too! Drove one 18 months ago and it is a mighty impressive vehicle!

Oh, and hello Chunky - should have known I couldn't slip quietly away from the C5 forum without being spotted! As for waterproofing, no problem mate - I'm going to ask Doug to come up with a full package for me - you know, roof mounted air intakes and all the kit!!

Dave