
The endless battle for the very best non-SUV every day driver wages on. I want there was a approach to decide a winner, however there are simply too many to select from. One high quality, high quality alternative is the Audi RS5.
Many members of Unique Automotive Hacks are on the hunt for a high-performance every day driver that fights depreciation and holds worth even with truthful to reasonable utilization. Bonus factors if the automotive is beneath $100k.
That’s precisely what the Audi RS5 is, and whereas it will not be as talked about because the Mercedes S63, or the BMW M5, I feel it must be.
Whether or not you’re looking on the older V8 variant or need one thing with the newer tech and the turbo-charged V6, we now have the reply to the query you are actually asking your self, is the Audi RS5 appropriate for me?
Driving Expertise
My private favourite within the RS line is the RS6. That factor is simply the final word every day driver to me, however it’s a bit out of the beneath $100k worth vary, which makes the RS5 so interesting.
If have been to check one other RS in the identical worth vary, the RS5 has a extra favorable drive than the RS7. Each RS7 I’ve ever pushed has a little bit little bit of a tighter suspension than I would like in my every day driver.
The RS5 is nimble, shorter, and extra planted, making taking this automotive to and from work, out on the freeway, and even down a drag strip thrilling and interesting.
The RS5 has had two completely different engines, a naturally aspirated V8 within the early physique model and now the dual turbo-charged V6 within the newer generations. Nevertheless, each are tuned to the identical 450 horsepower with a 0-60 time of simply 3.7 seconds and a high velocity of 178 miles an hour. Fairly speedy.
Audi RS5 Widespread Issues
So the RS5 generally is a little tough relating to the problems it’s infamous for, as it may be fairly costly to repair the issues that go unsuitable.
The V8 is thought to have carbon buildup within the engine, which interprets to consumption valve points.
The V6 is thought to undergo from spark plug and ignition coil failure while you get into the upper mannequin examples.
Each fashions appear to have points with their transmissions, primarily thermostat failure, solenoid failure, and so forth. Fortunately, steady upkeep will negate plenty of these from occurring.
Oil leaks, coolant points, and electrical points additionally plague the RS5 and primarily most RS mannequin Audi’s whatever the trim.
Now this will sound scary – however don’t fear. Bear in mind, these vehicles are labeled as every day drivers and so the extra mass-produced vehicles that get good freeway and metropolis miles placed on them while additionally being increased efficiency can usually have these points.
A good way to make sure your potential RS5 is freed from these identified points is to get the automotive PPI’d. Most respected outlets are capable of carry out these pre-purchase inspections on these Audis for simply round $300-$400.
Audi RS5 Value of Possession/Upkeep
Audi’s are fairly straightforward to personal and keep, most RS5s are out of guarantee at this level until you might be shopping for a 2021+ mannequin (which I don’t suggest as you’ll lose on depreciation – written in 2023). This may increasingly appear scary to the typical particular person, automotive hackers know that an out-of-warranty automotive is nothing to concern.
You need to already be pleasant with or know an area mechanic who’s trusted and revered within the unique and luxurious automotive area. An Audi is a good looking Volkswagen, so doing routine repairs and upkeep will not be too difficult and will even be cheaper than you suppose. Positive, it gained’t price the identical as your neighbor’s Jetta, but it surely gained’t be as a lot as my Bugatti, that’s for positive.
Given these vehicles are every day drivers greater than anything, most of your price of possession will come all the way down to put on and tear stuff reminiscent of service, tires, and possibly even brakes. Fortunately, all of this may be achieved at a trusted store for pennies on the greenback in comparison with what a dealership would price you for a similar work, and also you gained’t should take care of nosey salesmen.
Audi RS5 Trim Variations
The Audi RS5 is the best trim degree of its make/mannequin/class.
Greatest Audi RS5 To Purchase
In relation to the very best RS5 to purchase, I actually wish to give attention to the distinction between the generations.
The 13-15’s are less expensive when it comes to asking worth. However given these are almost 10-year-old vehicles, they should be PPI’d BIG TIME. There isn’t any approach to go round that, and it’s not the factor you wish to low cost out on. That $300 might prevent 1000’s and 1000’s of {dollars} in repairs.
The model new 2021 and up era are a bit too new and will expertise arduous hits of their depreciation schedule. Proper now (2023) it might not be clever to get into.
From a hackability standpoint, I’m going to encourage you to look into the 18-19 12 months vary for the RS5. They’ve proven good time-based depreciation, and given their age, and the enhancements in Audi development during the last 6-7 years, they’re way more dependable than the earlier era.
Clearly, the upper the sticker, the higher, with the bottom fashions being usually across the $69k vary (good), and a loaded instance with unique paint and different excessive ticket choices can be about $85k.
Conclusion
Backside line, the RS line for Audi is strong. They make nice every day drivers whether or not a wagon, an SUV a full-body sedan, or a midsize four-door. They’re vehicles that always get ignored in favor of different makes and fashions which can be possibly extra notorious, however that could be a mistake. These vehicles are prestigious, truthful to keep up and maintain their worth nicely within the present market. So in case you are questioning what every day driver so as to add to your lineup, I’d take into account the RS5 or considered one of its relations.