Overview

Since its UK launch back in 2007, the Audi A5 range has continued the theme of thorough engineering, a premium badge and ownership satisfaction that we have come to know from the German brand. With its practicality and properly sorted interior build quality, the A5 – as with most Audis – should prove to be one of the best used car buys when bought sensibly.

Though not without their problems, Audi’s tend to be well looked after, and some owners lavish them with more affection and care than they would with their partners.

Expect good quality and avoid anything tired and rough from shady vendors or dodgy gravel forecourts with a caravan for an office. Thanks to superb paint and panel fit, a bad A5 will stand out like a post box in a desert and there are plenty to choose from. So take your time and shop around.

Audi A5 Sportback (2009-2017) known faults and common problems

As with any premium used car, make sure it looks absolutely tip-top inside and out. On the whole, Audi A5 drivers take care of their cars, but there’s an increasing number being run on the cheap. As is always the case with this sort of car, try and find out how the previous owner actually ran the car – look at the tyres, because if they’re budget brands you’ve not heard of, or mismatched, that really should be a red flag.

Buying guide

Common issues, and what to look for if you’re looking at getting one

1. It’s a wrap (paintwork)

Some misguided owners owners try to make theirs look like an RS5 by having the whole body wrapped in a satin effect finish. This can look fabulous in some cases, but more often than not can hide something more sinister. Stone chipped paint and previous damage can be hidden this way very easily. Unless this is the look you really want, look elsewhere and remember that bad cars tend to be sold by bad owners.

2. A lesson in history

Stepping up to an Audi for some buyers can be costly. Main dealer servicing is notably much more expensive compared to lesser mainstream marques but specialists are plentiful. Some brand-specific independent outlets offer superb if not better care of the cars than some agents so don’t worry too much if the service book isn’t all main dealer. Simply check the garage’s reviews on Google and draw your own conclusion. Remember though, when coming to sell it on or part exchanging for new, main dealer servicing will always get you the best price in the marketplace.

3. Radio Ga-ga

Numerous reported problems are known about faulty stereo/infotainment systems. These range from memory ports not working, CD or DVD players being erratic or the loss of one or more speakers – especially sub-woofers. Thoroughly check the system and even though there are plenty of audio workshops out there, repair and/or replacement will be costly and it’s a headache you can do without.

4. Poor performance

Some petrol models earlier on can suffer from internal carbon build-up that can cause hesitant performance, which particularly affects cars with shoddy servicing history. This really shows up when the engine is cold with a lumpy idle, stuttering on part throttle blipping and in some severe cases – cutting out or being easy to stall. Do nothing except say ‘thank you’ and walk away in these cases. It isn’t worth the hassle or the bartering unless you are looking to bag a really cheap car. Better ones are in abundance.

5. Oil consumption

The 2.0-litre TFSI models have been known for high oil consumption. This affects earlier cars, in part because of a piston ring issue. Have a close look around the exhaust tailpipe for dark sticky residue or previous MoT sheet failure details for high hydrocarbon emissions. Any oil bottles spotted on the sellers garage shelf or hidden in the boot may also confirm this. Later models saw manufacturing improvements to cure this. However, some oil consumption between services cannot be ruled out regardless of age or mechanical condition.

6. Front suspension

Despite having typically Germanic ride qulality that’s on the firm side, the action of the suspension should be quiet. Any thumping or knocking can point to wear in the front track control arm bushing or ball joints. If the car is reluctant to hold a straight line without constant driver input or the front tyres are showing excessive shoulder wear, you may be looking at a rebuild before too long.

7. Automatic transmission

Multitronic transmissions aren’t nicknamed ‘multi-trauma’ for nothing, as they can be problematic. Drive take-up should be smooth, quiet and linear. Look out for a delay in pulling away or anything like stuttering or rough changing as you go through the gears. Check all the modes properly and keep your nose open for a burning oil smell if the car is fitted with a towbar. If the car tows above its plated limit, it can cause the transmission to overheat in some cases. Also, try to find out if the car has had a transmission flush in its lifetime. This often gets overlooked, as it’s a specialist job.

8. 2.0-litre TDI turbo and wastegate problems

The diesel TDI unit is a good solid engine in general, capable of very high mileage with superb fuel consumption if looked after properly. Look out for excessive smoke, poor performance or engine surging that could indicate either a problem with the electronic wastegate valve or sticking of the dual action vanes on the turbocharger itself. Replacement costs can be tolerable owing to various reconditioning specialists that exist, but avoid cheap parts at all costs.

9. Airbag warning lights

Driving a car with an illuminated SRS lamp cannot only be dangerous but also have insurance implications too. Audi issued a recall to modify the wiring under the seats that control the adjustment and heater system on some models. The wiring can chafe against the SRS cables, in some cases causing the airbag disable itself. Brand-specific specialists know of this problem and can sort it for a reasonable cost – a potential good bartering lever for the buyer.

10. Coolant leaks

Reports are known for minor coolant leaks from the water pump area on TFSI powered cars. Modern antifreeze, just like engine oil, can stain the road or driveway to give you a clue. Inspect the coolant bottle for a low level and the floor for any staining to confirm a coolant leak. High mileage TDI units are also known for water pump failure and beware of some very poor quality pattern-fit replacements that creep around the after-market parts circuit too.

Main Dealer Coverage: Very Good

Click through the next few pages to find out how practical, economical and safe the Audi A5 is – and what it’s like to drive, then read on for our verdict on whether a used example is a good place to put your money.