Audi A5 Exterior Battle: 2012 vs. 2013 (Pics inside)

[min_kim]

Hello. I've posted here about buying a brand new Audi A5 about a week ago. After hours of research and budgeting, I just couldn't justify making a new purchase now and thought it would be much smarter to buy a used one.

I am currently deciding between 2012 Audi A5 (Black exterior) and 2013 Audi A5 (White exterior). They both have similar mileage and similar price point (the 2012 model is $1,000 more expensive). There, I'm strictly deciding based on its looks and I honestly cannot decide which one looks better. One day, I think 2012 model looks miles better while other days, I think 2013 looks much more amazing.

Could you guys give an opinion of which model you like more and help me decide? I do appreciate the sporty look of the 2013 while 2012's classic look looks more clean and flows better. The 2012 model does have more features, but I don't really care about options, so the difference is almost negligible to me.

Which of these would you rather buy?

[ThewhippetsS5]

I'm biased, but 2012! Plus that 2013 doesn't have the LEDs in front, so 2012 probably has much more options

[JamesRS5]

It's not really down to us to make this choice, it's a decision you have to live with so should come from your heart.

Do you prefer the look of the face lift front with the more modern looking angular lights or the more traditional looking squared lights of the pre-face lift?
The black pre face lift is an older model yet more expensive so that would suggest it's a higher spec car, you need to take that into consideration, not just the looks of the car. My mother would say "beauty is only skin deep, it's what's on the inside that counts". I dont think she was talking about cars but it might apply here so let's use it.

Lastly, the color; you have picked two colors at the opposite ends of the spektrum, which one 'wows' you the most when you look at them. Practically, they are both as difficult to keep looking good and show the dirt, black shows more dings in the doors where white tends to hide them a bit better. Black looks stunning when polished with more depth to the shine, white less so.

Print off the pictures and put them in front of you, close your eyes and swap the pictures around, open your eyes and see which one you look at first. That's the car you should buy.

If you go cross eyed, you're screwed.

[Lockon_B7]

Normally I'd say the 2013 because the B8.5 facelift looks phenomenal. However the 2013 does not have the LED xenon headlights, which would make me lean towards the 2012. Especially since the 2012 doesn't have oil consumption issues and already has any and all updated parts that the 09-11 B8's didn't have. However, I would also take into consideration the other packages that each car has.

[a5weiss]

I'd go for white only because black paint is impossible to get all the scratches out, white hides dirt and scratches amazingly well. I also like the look of the 2012 over the 13, gives off more of that sporty muscle car vibe, the facelift looks like a regular old sedan with the normal curves on it. Your opinion may vary :)

[bknewtype]

SAVE THE PRE FL! PRE FL FTW! BLACK FTW!



I love the pre fl front end way more than the fl, unless its an RS5. however, usually if I were to give advice to an outsider, I would say, newer would be a better purchase. BUT, since the one you are looking at does not have the LED DRL's, its a no brainer to go with the pre fl.

that black one looks identical to the one I picked up 2 years ago :)

[Hatchman]

I think the Pre-FL looks better, and this one has LED driving lights, and more "options" which might not matter to you know but it will on resale.

Black has the wow factor for me, white looks good but when black is waxed up real good it just pops! White just looks a little too "vanilla" on an A5, but looks really good on an A4 for some reason.

2012 Black Pre-FL for the win. Those LEDS will make a difference in safety, they really stand out during the day... even though every car manufacturer on the planet is trying to copy them.

[Brozee]

I like the white, to me the black looks aged a bit more and is pre-facelift. Both are snazzy colors but I'd go white after owning a few black cars and the nightmare it is to keep them clean.

[brunogomes]

I think the new front end looks a lot better, specially when you factor in minor upgrades like the rs5 grille and sport bumpers. The new LEDs are just beautiful, prob like top3 out of all cars in the market currently.

But, out of the 2 options you have there, since the A5 doesn't even have the good LEDs, I would go with the black pre facelift! Unless you plan on adding E-codes to the white A5!

[Mops@Nemesis]

I dunno how many have actually had white vehicles, but they certainly have their own challenges. White shows swirls pretty bad, can get dingy looking if not well kept, and shows everything! Same as say white carpets, white shoes etc. Most of this stuff you lift off the street, does not show on a black car. Silvers and greys are the easy colors.

[bknewtype]

I dunno how many have actually had white vehicles, but they certainly have their own challenges. White shows swirls pretty bad, can get dingy looking if not well kept, and shows everything! Same as say white carpets, white shoes etc. Most of this stuff you lift off the street, does not show on a black car. Silvers and greys are the easy colors.

can you explain why black cars chips white, and white cars chip black?

[Mops@Nemesis]

can you explain why black cars chips white, and white cars chip black?

I dunno, shit seems racist bro bro.

[bknewtype]

I dunno, shit seems racist bro bro.

if black cars woulda chipped black, and white cars woulda chipped 1, this world would be problem free!

[Mops@Nemesis]

if black cars woulda chipped black, and white cars woulda chipped 1, this world would be problem free!

As Nene would say, life is cruel, and unfair.

[bknewtype]

As Nene would say, life is cruel, and unfair.

I think it would be an interesting debate on why. im gonna post the Q in the main section :D

[Mops@Nemesis]

Lol just call my shop ;)


Mops on the move

[i1overice]

Go white. We all know white is more better.

[a5weiss]

can you explain why black cars chips white, and white cars chip black?

If i had to guess, its because the crack is in the clear coat which would show up white on black. On a white car, the crack will likely get full of dirt and grime and show up as black. Or they use dark primer under the white and that shows through.

[a5weiss]

I dunno how many have actually had white vehicles, but they certainly have their own challenges. White shows swirls pretty bad, can get dingy looking if not well kept, and shows everything! Same as say white carpets, white shoes etc. Most of this stuff you lift off the street, does not show on a black car. Silvers and greys are the easy colors.

Mine is actually white but not by choice, i got a great deal on a used a5 that was traded into a dealer and color was the last thing on my mind. The white definitely shows rust spots and road grime more. Need to be friends with your clay bar :)

[Dwelve]

It's whatever you want and feel comfortable driving at the end of the day. As for the color, I've owned one white vehicle (wife's Tiguan) and it was a pain to keep clean and certain blemishes show easier, but once clean, very sharp and bright looking color.

[Scumbucket]

I would keep looking until you find the color and options you're looking for. There are plenty of used 5's out there.

[Dayzel108]

Scumbucket makes a valid point, keep looking until ur satisfied with looks, options, and color. I personally prefer the pre fl front as it looks sportier and more aggressive, IMO.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Found one for sale!




Mops on the move

[Dayzel108]

Found one for sale!




Mops on the move

I like, how much?

[Mops@Nemesis]

I like, how much?

It's mine :). $23.5k.


Mops on the move

[Dayzel108]

Year and mileage?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

[Mops@Nemesis]

Year and mileage?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

'08, 6MT, S-line, 49.2K miles. Pretty much a cream puff.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Tons of pics here if you know anyone interested...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/91999203@N06/

Thanks!

[Dayzel108]

Tons of pics here if you know anyone interested...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/91999203@N06/

Thanks!

I'll def. keep u posted. I'll ask a few buddies. I'm assuming that this is an A5 based on the price? Went through all the pix and the car is a beauty. Do u have any rims that your selling from the car?

[Mops@Nemesis]

I'll def. keep u posted. I'll ask a few buddies. I'm assuming that this is an A5 based on the price? Went through all the pix and the car is a beauty. Do u have any rims that your selling from the car?

Yea, 3.2L A5. And thanks for the compliment, and your time! Nope, all wheels are finally gone. Only the Avant Garde M580 that are on it currently. It's a great price IMO. I have it priced with other like cars that are in no where near the great condition, plus you get all of the mods. This is a VERY rare color too.

Current/included mods...

Satin black painted front splitter and fog grilles
BO fog trims
BO S5 grille
OEM ecodes
Clear bra on bumper cover
Roc-Euro intake
Tint - 15% and 35% windshield
AG M580 20x10 ET25
Oem all weather mats plus trunk mat
H&R street coilovers
Stoptech front/rear slotted rotors with gloss black oem calipers
Custom exhaust with AWE mid, 2.5 SS pipe to solo performance 90mm quads
Deval rear valance
S5 trunk lid
Oem Pre-FL LED tails
LED license plate lighting
Matte black window trims
OEM RS5 pedals
BFI knob
EC bars
034 transmission mount
Apikol diff mount

[JimWB]

Plus MOPS drove it...that alone is worth an extra 5K. Honestly tho, you can tell she has been babied. Shame it does not come with the 8+ sets of wheels he has gone through ;)

[Powderhound]

Found one for sale!




Mops on the move

I would buy this one over either of the two posted by OP. Already has tasteful mods, well kept, and an AZ favorite. Plus Mops is practically in your back yard!

[Frinkferta]

Seriously, buy Mops car. You are going to get WAY more with this car than the other 2.

[mag1c12783]

That's a steal for Mops car with all the mods he has

[FourZeroSe7en]

damn Mops, i loved the TEs, i would have loved to get them..

but to the original post, I'm a little bias towards the '13 facelift, but those LEDs are good looking!

[Mops@Nemesis]

Plus MOPS drove it...that alone is worth an extra 5K. Honestly tho, you can tell she has been babied. Shame it does not come with the 8+ sets of wheels he has gone through ;)

Hehe!

I would buy this one over either of the two posted by OP. Already has tasteful mods, well kept, and an AZ favorite. Plus Mops is practically in your back yard!

Seriously, buy Mops car. You are going to get WAY more with this car than the other 2.

That's a steal for Mops car with all the mods he has

Thanks guys!

damn Mops, i loved the TEs, i would have loved to get them..

but to the original post, I'm a little bias towards the '13 facelift, but those LEDs are good looking!

Thanks! Loved those wheels. Really hated to sell them. I can get you a set if you ever decide you want.

MopsTE37Ultra-9056 by Audiyos, on Flickr

[ExhaustNote]

still partial to the pre-fl.
Don't really like the FL on the A5/S5 but I think it works better on the RS5. If there was a pre-fl rs5 in the US, Id be all over it.

[Mops@Nemesis]

still partial to the pre-fl.
Don't really like the FL on the A5/S5 but I think it works better on the RS5. If there was a pre-fl rs5 in the US, Id be all over it.

Did you catch the Avus Pre-FL RS5 I posted from SoWo?

[min_kim]

Thanks for the response guys! I think I'm going to go with the pre-fl black version. I told the dealership that I'll be coming to pick up the car tomorrow morning. I'll finally be able to join the crew and I'll be sure to update with pics and make a formal introduction in the forums.

[min_kim]

SAVE THE PRE FL! PRE FL FTW! BLACK FTW!



I love the pre fl front end way more than the fl, unless its an RS5. however, usually if I were to give advice to an outsider, I would say, newer would be a better purchase. BUT, since the one you are looking at does not have the LED DRL's, its a no brainer to go with the pre fl.

that black one looks identical to the one I picked up 2 years ago :)

To be honest, I was a BMW guy before I happened to stumble upon your rebuild thread couple months ago. After I saw it, I absolutely fell in love with it and I wanted to purchase a similar model and make it exactly like yours. Would you be able to give me tips and advices on what parts to get and how to mod it? I'm new to the car modding game and I never owned an Audi before, so I am completely clueless about it. I would appreciate any help!