Should you buy a used Audi A5 Sportback Mk1?

Good looks, an iron-plated brand image, well equipped and plenty to choose from, the Audi A5 Sportback is a well-engineered and respected car. Thanks to its popularity, there is an abundance of cars to choose from and a wide range of drivelines to suit everyone. It may be a little plain on the inside, but the practicality and rear legroom make it a sound proposition.

Main dealer used examples request top money to buy, but the Audi used warranty programme is solid and dependable – it’s here you’ll find all wheat and no chaff. Good low mileage cars can be found in car supermarkets at reasonable prices but check the warranty – it may be worth you buying your own policy in some cases. Avoid anything rough, tired or with more mileage than the Enterprise, but don’t be scared to look at ex blue-chip fleet cars – these can often be well looked after bargains.

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Jaguar XF (2015-)

The Jaguar XF is still a very pretty car viewed from all angles. Good range of petrol and diesel engines with the later Ingenium diesel DPF issues now seemingly cured at long last. They drive well and come well equipped but big question marks hang over it regarding reliability but long distance horizon chasing is effortless and smooth.

Interior build quality disappoints if you are used to German cars, but presentation is good. The supercharged XFR and XFR-S are laughably expensive to fuel, but addictive to drive with a soundtrack so good you’ll never turn the radio on again. Be warned though, rear seat legroom isn’t great compared to the Audi.

Alfa Romeo Giulia (2015-)

Like the Jaguar, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is a really good-looking car that promises proper driver entertainment. Most engines offer a scintillating level of performance and there’s even a sprinkle of diesels for those who require thrift with their thrust. Top of the line Veloce models have a wonderful leather interior, beefed up brakes and sublime road manners. The Giulia is without a doubt a brilliant driving tool.

On the downside though, interior build quality is light years behind the likes of Audi or BMW and the passenger space isn’t much to boast about either. The driving position can be uncomfortable or annoying for taller people and reliability, as always with an Alfa, can be patchy. Dealers can be inconsistent too with some being brand-heritage focussed and great to know, while others can be downright poor in terms of quality and customer care.