I may be mad!

[Audi Bairn]

Probably crazy, given my S3 is only 16 months old, but rush of blood today resulted in me asking dealership for figures (usually the first step towards the point of no return for me) on an almost new S5 Coupe fully loaded and in stunning Floret.

Details I posted on the S5 forum asking for opinions below.

Would welcome any constructive thoughts.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/advice-opinions.369567/

 

[Flying Scotsman]

I have had the same thoughts when I saw one at the dealers during a service. Nixed it...Reasons: depreciation loss, and it was too large for my needs, colour choices did not turn my crank, 2 doors, preferred the sportback ( even more limited colour choices) It is a nice car though. The S4 did tickle me more but again, depreciation loss. I will wait to see a 2020 S3 or?

 

[Chris43]

"did not turn my crank" - now theres a proper petrol head statement!

 

[TYb]

Probably crazy, given my S3 is only 16 months old, but rush of blood today resulted in me asking dealership for figures (usually the first step towards the point of no return for me) on an almost new S5 Coupe fully loaded and in stunning Floret.

Details I posted on the S5 forum asking for opinions below.

Would welcome any constructive thoughts.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/advice-opinions.369567/

If you can afford to do it and you’re not writing silly amounts of money off of the S3 then I say do it. The A5/S5 cabins are glorious and whilst on paper the performance figures aren’t hugely different the V6 is a different beast all together. You have to stay on the S3 forum though...

 

[Jassyo06]

**** it yer loaded anyway lol l take this S5 is in a showroom being like you say fully loaded , don't think Floret would be my choice of colour for this car, but again its certainly lower maintenance than Navarra has it got a pano-roof? and the lsd, the interior is best in class so yer just torturing yourself really go for it or stay well away for another year lol

 

[Jassyo06]

Just read yer post on the deserted A5 forum lol magma red panoramic roof awesome and it has to have carbon inserts in the dashboard as the standard aluminium trim looks guff in my opinion go drive the thing then report back ps, my son has a M3 67 plate for £50k for sale lol

 

[Jassyo06]

Also go sell yer S3 on Autotrader.co.uk, then NO NEG EQ

 

[Jassyo06]

Outstanding optioned car matrix etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc lol
I likey

 

[Audi Bairn]

Just read yer post on the deserted A5 forum lol magma red panoramic roof awesome and it has to have carbon inserts in the dashboard as the standard aluminium trim looks guff in my opinion go drive the thing then report back ps, my son has a M3 67 plate for £50k for sale lol

Also go sell yer S3 on Autotrader.co.uk, then NO NEG EQ

The roads around here I'd kill myself in a RWD I think mate. Already "too confident" on these higher speed / sharp bends back roads. Hence my keenness for AWD.
I have to admit that my eyes have strayed to the Beemer website but x-drive only on selected models.
The price check I did says mine worth £25.5k but that's Audi's website and not sure what settlement figure would be.

 

[Pinky1959]

If the figures work out and you want it , can afford it , and like it
GO FOR IT ,
Your only here once so enjoy it while you can .
Only one condition you have to stay on this forum ! and we want LOTS of pictures ...........

 

[BarryG79]

Go for it, why not!

Your car needing a service soon is a good enough reason to swap, that’s my old mans thinking anyway lol

Stunning colour combo, just had a gander at it on Autotrader.


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[BarryG79]

The roads around here I'd kill myself in a RWD I think mate. Already "too confident" on these higher speed / sharp bends back roads. Hence my keenness for AWD.
I have to admit that my eyes have strayed to the Beemer website but x-drive only on selected models.
The price check I did says mine worth £25.5k but that's Audi's website and not sure what settlement figure would be.

You’d get a 540i msport xdrive for that kind of money pre reg. Think it’s a cracking looking motor imho


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[wab172uk]

S3 and S5 are completely different cars. So you need to ask yourself what type of car do you want / need.

The S5 will be more a cruiser, while the S3, will be more fun and nimble when the roads are right. Do you need rear doors?

No doubt the interior and tech are a notch up on the S3, but it is a newer car anyway. Why not wait for the New A3 to come out next year and see what the interior / exterior styling will be on that. As jumping to an S5 now (and costing a fortune in the process) may have you regretting your decision, then wanting to jump ship again. The S5 will lose money quicker than the S3. Bigger the car, the quicker they depreciate.

I sat in an A5 when I was last at Audi (couple weeks ago) and the A5 is a HUGE car. And to me, the exterior styling of the old A5 looks far better than the newer car. Step backwards in design IMHO

 

[B5NUT]

A5 is not a huge car the A8 LWB is a huge car.

Was running around in this for the last 6 months before my wifes A3 turned up.

They are very nice motors, but before they gave us the sportback they provide a 3 door A5 which was awful as tring to get my 3 year old in and out was a pain in the .....

Avoid if you have children... Style over function..

 

[Audi Bairn]

S3 and S5 are completely different cars. So you need to ask yourself what type of car do you want / need.

The S5 will be more a cruiser, while the S3, will be more fun and nimble when the roads are right. Do you need rear doors?

No doubt the interior and tech are a notch up on the S3, but it is a newer car anyway. Why not wait for the New A3 to come out next year and see what the interior / exterior styling will be on that. As jumping to an S5 now (and costing a fortune in the process) may have you regretting your decision, then wanting to jump ship again. The S5 will lose money quicker than the S3. Bigger the car, the quicker they depreciate.

I sat in an A5 when I was last at Audi (couple weeks ago) and the A5 is a HUGE car. And to me, the exterior styling of the old A5 looks far better than the newer car. Step backwards in design IMHO

Don't totally disagree but remember I've come from an A5 and S5 to the S3. And whilst you're right about the size, my S5 was actually better on the back roads than the S3. It felt more planted plus it rode the bumps better. Yes, it is a bit too big for my needs 90% of the time. This car is pre-registered so the price is not full whack, softening the depreciation a bit. A big part of a car to me is how it sounds and with the 3.0 you get great engine sound that the 2.0 is lacking. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the S3 at all but there are additional things which my previous one and the new has over my current car.

 

[4K]

I take it you've bought your S3 outright?

I'd be crying personally with the depreciation loss so soon, but that's just me. Also, I never buy cars outright for precisely this reason.

 

[Audi Bairn]

A5 is not a huge car the A8 LWB is a huge car.

Was running around in this for the last 6 months before my wifes A3 turned up.

They are very nice motors, but before they gave us the sportback they provide a 3 door A5 which was awful as tring to get my 3 year old in and out was a pain in the .....
View attachment 152082

Avoid if you have children... Style over function..
View attachment 152087

Yup, it's all relative I suppose. Coming from an A5 Coupe then an S5 Sportback the S3 felt small. IMHO the Coupe is the better looking of the two but in 10% of the time we drive parents the back doors are almost essential.
They are wide cars but I never felt it was cumbersome.

 

[wab172uk]

I take it you've bought your S3 outright?

I'd be crying personally with the depreciation loss so soon, but that's just me. Also, I never buy cars outright for precisely this reason.

Well it just depends on how often you plan to change your car doesn't it. I bought my S3 Saloon (decent spec) 3 years ago. With discount, I paid just over £34k. Today, I could maybe sell it privately for £25k, taking a £9000 hit.

Now, the car is mine to do with it what I want. Sell and move on, or keep and it doesn't cost me anything. With interest rates being roughly 0.5-1% on savings accounts, I've not really lost any interest on having the £34k sat in the bank.

On PCP/Lease/HP deals at about 6%, you are paying the depreciation on the car anyway. Plus any deposit you included at the start. Come the end of your deal, you are either forced to sign up to a new agreement, buy the car in a Balloon payment (which you'll fine is more than half the original cars price), or simply walk away, and get the bus everywhere.

However, if you buy outright and swap every 12-18 months, you will lose out, as the deprecation will hit your wallet hard.

I think if you intend to keep the car at least 3 years, have the cash in the bank, and don't intend to use that cash for anything else (buying a house) then buying outright is the cheaper option.

 

[Jassyo06]

Well it just depends on how often you plan to change your car doesn't it. I bought my S3 Saloon (decent spec) 3 years ago. With discount, I paid just over £34k. Today, I could maybe sell it privately for £25k, taking a £9000 hit.

Now, the car is mine to do with it what I want. Sell and move on, or keep and it doesn't cost me anything. With interest rates being roughly 0.5-1% on savings accounts, I've not really lost any interest on having the £34k sat in the bank.

On PCP/Lease/HP deals at about 6%, you are paying the depreciation on the car anyway. Plus any deposit you included at the start. Come the end of your deal, you are either forced to sign up to a new agreement, buy the car in a Balloon payment (which you'll fine is more than half the original cars price), or simply walk away, and get the bus everywhere.

However, if you buy outright and swap every 12-18 months, you will lose out, as the deprecation will hit your wallet hard.

I think if you intend to keep the car at least 3 years, have the cash in the bank, and don't intend to use that cash for anything else (buying a house) then buying outright is the cheaper option.

Again this old chestnut of rent or buy Zzzzzzzz, and you'll get nowhere near £25k for your current S3, more likely £22k

 

[Pinky1959]

Audi-Bairn, I know this is a stupid question ! !
What car upgrade is your wife going for ? (see said it was a stupid question ! ! )

 

[Bristle Hound]

@Audi Bairn - If the figures work out for you, why the hell not !

If the S5 your on about is this one (as mentioned by @S32B )
https://www.lookers.co.uk/audi/used-cars/8457570-audi-s5-coup-3.0-tfsi-quattro-354-ps-tiptronic/

Personally it just doesn't 'look' like a nearly £47k car to me. Very understated, but that may be your 'thing'
But it could just be me ...

As always, just my opinion of course ...

 

[wab172uk]

@Audi Bairn - If the figures work out for you, why the hell not !

If the S5 your on about is this one (as mentioned by @S32B )
https://www.lookers.co.uk/audi/used-cars/8457570-audi-s5-coup-3.0-tfsi-quattro-354-ps-tiptronic/

Personally it just doesn't 'look' like a nearly £47k car to me. Very understated, but that may be your 'thing'
But it could just be me ...

As always, just my opinion of course ...

Interior is a bit Dale Winton too. Come trade-in, expect the sucking of air through the teeth. No one wants a Red interior.

Personally, I don't think Silver suits the A5 shape.

 

[Bells]

I’ve not been in the new S5 but a mate of mine has an older S5 V8 with Miltek exhaust which sounds brutal. He paid a lot less for it than my S3 aswell, I love the tech etc in my newer car but the noise is a bit underwhelming at times.

Found myself looking at PFL RS3’s recently but think I’d miss the virtual cockpit too much. Have you considered an RS3 instead which may save you a bit of money and offer you a bit more with that 2.5 5 pot?

 

[Jassyo06]

@Audi Bairn - If the figures work out for you, why the hell not !

If the S5 your on about is this one (as mentioned by @S32B )
https://www.lookers.co.uk/audi/used-cars/8457570-audi-s5-coup-3.0-tfsi-quattro-354-ps-tiptronic/

Personally it just doesn't 'look' like a nearly £47k car to me. Very understated, but that may be your 'thing'
But it could just be me ...

As always, just my opinion of course ...

What Audi does look the money they charge, as for this fine example it's almost fully loaded and this cars RRP is up around £57k it's got almost £10k worth of options fitted, so in terms of it being a 18 plate and with the spec on it, plus you'll get X amount more off the price advertised, its a cracking car, that's the thing with a fully loaded car they do feel and look more special

 

[Audi Bairn]

What Audi does look the money they charge, as for this fine example it's almost fully loaded and this cars RRP is up around £57k it's got almost £10k worth of options fitted, so in terms of it being a 18 plate and with the spec on it, plus you'll get X amount more off the price advertised, its a cracking car, that's the thing with a fully loaded car they do feel and look more special

I agree mate. They’re all overpriced but I’d feel like I was getting my money’s worth with this S5 than if I specced up an RS3 Saloon which doesn’t look all that different to my S3. As you suggest I’d almost be getting the many options for free given it’s 2 weeks old


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[Audi Bairn]

...... I’m not hopeful over the figures so it will likely be irrelevant anyway boo hiss


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[Flying Scotsman]

Cars and the desires and wants they might bring to you are are weird. I was watching a film last night and there was a montage with a TTS and I said to myself that is me. I ponder the thoughts, cool car, fast enough, right size, presume good handling, and I rarely carry more than one passenger. Then, the doubts flood in....you do at times need two useable rear seats and luggage storage etc. Then that car defines itself as not practical and the balloon has been pricked. The reality is I desire that car but my mind creates roadblocks.
I try to say to myself you only live once and you will regret you did not do it. Believe me at my age that crops up more and more. So today my thoughts are a TTS Ara Blue in 2020 and therefore scratch my previous post and Audi Bairn do what your heart tells you to do, as long as you can afford it and screw rational thoughts.

 

[BarryG79]

Cars and the desires and wants they might bring to you are are weird. I was watching a film last night and there was a montage with a TTS and I said to myself that is me. I ponder the thoughts, cool car, fast enough, right size, presume good handling, and I rarely carry more than one passenger. Then, the doubts flood in....you do at times need two useable rear seats and luggage storage etc. Then that car defines itself as not practical and the balloon has been pricked. The reality is I desire that car but my mind creates roadblocks.
I try to say to myself you only live once and you will regret you did not do it. Believe me at my age that crops up more and more. So today my thoughts are a TTS Ara Blue in 2020 and therefore scratch my previous post and Audi Bairn do what your heart tells you to do, as long as you can afford it and screw rational thoughts.

Well said sir!


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[Bristle Hound]

What Audi does look the money they charge, as for this fine example it's almost fully loaded and this cars RRP is up around £57k it's got almost £10k worth of options fitted, so in terms of it being a 18 plate and with the spec on it, plus you'll get X amount more off the price advertised, its a cracking car, that's the thing with a fully loaded car they do feel and look more special

@jassyo06 - Thats why I added
'As always, just my opinion of course ... '
to the bottom of my post my wee scotch friend
lol

 

[TYb]

Cars and the desires and wants they might bring to you are are weird. I was watching a film last night and there was a montage with a TTS and I said to myself that is me. I ponder the thoughts, cool car, fast enough, right size, presume good handling, and I rarely carry more than one passenger. Then, the doubts flood in....you do at times need two useable rear seats and luggage storage etc. Then that car defines itself as not practical and the balloon has been pricked. The reality is I desire that car but my mind creates roadblocks.
I try to say to myself you only live once and you will regret you did not do it. Believe me at my age that crops up more and more. So today my thoughts are a TTS Ara Blue in 2020 and therefore scratch my previous post and Audi Bairn do what your heart tells you to do, as long as you can afford it and screw rational thoughts.

The current TT is a gem, I had a tdi ultra before the S3 and looking back I miss the TT more than I look forward to driving the S3, despite being an oil burner it just felt more special.

Also test drove the TTS, it was brilliant but at the time couldn’t justify the £10k or so extra over an S3.

 

[Jassyo06]

The current TT is a gem, I had a tdi ultra before the S3 and looking back I miss the TT more than I look forward to driving the S3, despite being an oil burner it just felt more special.

Also test drove the TTS, it was brilliant but at the time couldn’t justify the £10k or so extra over an S3.

The 3 door S3 maybe? but now the price difference between the saloon and the TTS ain't nowhere near £10k it's more like £2k plus you get super sport seats standard in the TTS and the thing with the TT range is your actually better off buying the 230bhp s-line model depreciation ain't as bad and performance ain't that different in the real world, the TT should be due a wee facelift, should be really interesting to see what Audi do with it , because that's the car that kicked off there trend for the oversized single frame grill that's been used on most of there mainstream models, A3 face lift, the new A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

 

[TYb]

The 3 door S3 maybe? but now the price difference between the saloon and the TTS ain't nowhere near £10k it's more like £2k plus you get super sport seats standard in the TTS and the thing with the TT range is your actually better off buying the 230bhp s-line model depreciation ain't as bad and performance ain't that different in the real world, the TT should be due a wee facelift, should be really interesting to see what Audi do with it , because that's the car that kicked off there trend for the oversized single frame grill that's been used on most of there mainstream models, A3 face lift, the new A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

Yeh just to clarify that was the 3 door, my 3 door was around £37k before discount whilst the TTS I test drove was £47k.

I have never driven the saloon but no doubt it’s a better drive especially with mag ride.

Will be interesting what they do, in terms of appearance I don’t think that they need to do a great deal with it. They should do away with the Audi sound system in the TT, it is the worst system I have ever had in a car, so tinny and distorts at low volumes.

 

[Snake Pliskin]

@Audi Bairn

Hmmmm interesting one mate

You’ve certainly found a gem of a car in that floret loaded S5

I do know where you’re coming from as we both had an S5 prior & there are parts of me that miss that car too.

The S5 feels ‘premium’ & ‘special’ doesn’t it.
The materials & cabin are a good step up on the 3 ... I even feel that with my RS3.

I’d have one of the current gen S4 or S5’s for sure. The cabin alone as you say is just wonderful and being a new platform car feels bang up to date where the 3 is now at the end of its life cycle and is feeling it’s age. But it came out in 2012 so it’s going to bring fair.

Looks awesome in floret too
I’d have this colour again in a heart beat.
Looks amazing

On the flip side ... your S3 is a lovely car & one of the best colour combos imo. Can you hang out a bit longer & run the full term of your car ... join me in waiting for the next platform S3 lol

 

[Flying Scotsman]

The 3 door S3 maybe? but now the price difference between the saloon and the TTS ain't nowhere near £10k it's more like £2k plus you get super sport seats standard in the TTS and the thing with the TT range is your actually better off buying the 230bhp s-line model depreciation ain't as bad and performance ain't that different in the real world, the TT should be due a wee facelift, should be really interesting to see what Audi do with it , because that's the car that kicked off there trend for the oversized single frame grill that's been used on most of there mainstream models, A3 face lift, the new A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

An interesting point on the grill. It is way too large on the current designs James mentioned. The FL TT and 2019 A3 design will be of great interest to me as to my next purchase. I really think the TTS is for me at this point. All the whistles and bells that Audi are now stuffing in their cars...autonomous rubbish, touch screens and lots of useless gadgets that you have to buy to get B&O as an example, are tuning me out. Give me great seats, good sound, smartphone interface, memory seats and a super nice cabin with tactile switches and knobs, no cosmetic exhausts and I am a happy camper

Edit: to keep on topic.....the S5 has a very nice interior, but the coupe door is BIG

 

[Jassyo06]

An interesting point on the grill. It is way too large on the current designs James mentioned. The FL TT and 2019 A3 design will be of great interest to me as to my next purchase. I really think the TTS is for me at this point. All the whistles and bells that Audi are now stuffing in their cars...autonomous rubbish, touch screens and lots of useless gadgets that you have to buy to get B&O as an example, are tuning me out. Give me great seats, good sound, smartphone interface, memory seats and a super nice cabin with tactile switches and knobs, no cosmetic exhausts and I am a happy camper

Edit: to keep on topic.....the S5 has a very nice interior, but the coupe door is BIG

Awesome post... Yer on the day lol

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Talking of BIG DOORS !!!!!

My wife has a mark 3 TT and the doors on that are not only huge, the lack of rear leg room means you have a hell of a job getting in & out - in say a garage or tight car parking spot - you can’t push the seat far enough back vs the angle of the door.

I had an S5 and that was 2 door and much better. So just bear that in mind Guys when considering a TT .. if you park in a garage close to a wall or frequent tight car parking spaces a lot.

 

[TYb]

Talking of BIG DOORS !!!!!

My wife has a mark 3 TT and the doors on that are not only huge, the lack of rear leg room means you have a hell of a job getting in & out - in say a garage or tight car parking spot - you can’t push the seat far enough back vs the angle of the door.

I had an S5 and that was 2 door and much better. So just bear that in mind Guys when considering a TT .. if you park in a garage close to a wall or frequent tight car parking spaces a lot.

The TT doors are super hige, even compared to my 3 door S3, was a pain in the work car park.

 

[Audi Bairn]

@Audi Bairn

Hmmmm interesting one mate

You’ve certainly found a gem of a car in that floret loaded S5

I do know where you’re coming from as we both had an S5 prior & there are parts of me that miss that car too.

The S5 feels ‘premium’ & ‘special’ doesn’t it.
The materials & cabin are a good step up on the 3 ... I even feel that with my RS3.

I’d have one of the current gen S4 or S5’s for sure. The cabin alone as you say is just wonderful and being a new platform car feels bang up to date where the 3 is now at the end of its life cycle and is feeling it’s age. But it came out in 2012 so it’s going to bring fair.

Looks awesome in floret too
I’d have this colour again in a heart beat.
Looks amazing

On the flip side ... your S3 is a lovely car & one of the best colour combos imo. Can you hang out a bit longer & run the full term of your car ... join me in waiting for the next platform S3 lol

Well summed up buddy!
Wouldn't disagree with any of that.
Just done a stunning day trip up A9 to Aberfeldy, Kenmore, Loch Tay, Loch Earn and home in wifes TT on some stunning winding roads. Makes me wonder I feel I really need 300 or 400 bhp when I can do this in a 1.8 TT.

 

[Jassyo06]

Talking of BIG DOORS !!!!!

My wife has a mark 3 TT and the doors on that are not only huge, the lack of rear leg room means you have a hell of a job getting in & out - in say a garage or tight car parking spot - you can’t push the seat far enough back vs the angle of the door.

I had an S5 and that was 2 door and much better. So just bear that in mind Guys when considering a TT .. if you park in a garage close to a wall or frequent tight car parking spaces a lot.

LOL....On that subject.....My Mrs has very PERT.....doors.....actually Awesomely Pert...given the age n mileage of her..................

 

[BarryG79]

LOL....On that subject.....My Mrs has very PERT.....doors.....actually Awesomely Pert...given the age n mileage of her..................

She must open and close them a lot then me thinks!


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