S5 vs S6, especially on maintenance

[tfocker4]

Well, some fine gentleman did me the courtesy of running a light and totaling my car, so it's time for something new. And, by something, I mean my first Audi. I've found some good deals on a 2009 S5 Coupe and a 2011 S6, and am trying to compare them, especially on a cost basis. As for performance, my general sense is that the S5 is a bit faster and more nimble, though the S6 is certainly no slouch. The ones I'm looking at are automatic, is there much of a difference in the responsiveness of the tiptronic transmission and paddle shifters?

Anyway, back to maintenance. They're both around 80k miles. I've been reading a fair amount about known issues with them, expected maintenance, etc., but remain with a few questions. In particular, one of the big concerns with the S6 is the carbon buildup and difficulties with some common sorts of maintenance because of part placement (like the O2 sensor), but most all the information I've found on the V10 and its issues comes from '07 and '08 models. Were there some changes in the later run of the C6 S6's that made these non-issues? Are there other things I should watch for in the '11 run? Otherwise, my sense is that the S6's engine is pretty solid and I haven't heard too many other major issues.

I've seen similar stuff about carbon buildup for S5's, but can't tell whether this is more/less of an issue for that car, nor how the costs compare; have seen quite a bit more info on this for the S6. I've seen some issues with vibrations/rattles with the S5, too, but haven't seen a lot of conclusive information on what's to be done about this or what it costs. It seems like the timing chain issue is a problem for this car, should I expect to see it present at 80k miles? Any cost estimates? This isn't a problem for the S6, correct?

Those are the primary issues I've seen from these cars for irregular maintenance, but I'd welcome other input. In terms of regular maintenance, I've not seen a lot of difference between the two, unsurprisingly. Are there any major hits for maintenance costs that I might not see coming?

Thanks in advance for all the help.

-T

[Brozee]

S6 will be much more in costs. Period. Electronics, suspension, anything part related will be more.

[kmarei]

S6 will be much more in costs. Period. Electronics, suspension, anything part related will be more.

66% higher spark plug cost :)

[Brozee]

I just realized you said a 2011 S6. I absolutely would go with the S5. The S6 has the same engine as the S8 which I know a lot about. It suffers from bad carbon buildup, and quite a few issues with O2 sensors, etc. Look at the D3 forum and look into the S8's issues. Also the trans on the S6 may need a flush or update to avoid the "hoot" issue it experiences. Regardless if money is your issue as to why you're buying older I would stay with the S5, or spend a bit more cash and get a 2013 S5 with the newer 3.0T with the nicer dual clutch trans.

[tfocker4]

Interesting. I figured it'd be more, especially around the engine, but didn't appreciate that it'd be that much worse. I do like that the S6 is 3 years younger, though I don't know how much that'll buy me since they have similar mileage.

[DreDay]

S5 has some carbon build up, not not nearly as bad as the previous generation 4.2 engine. Also, the timing chain issues were also in the previous engines. I believe this one is belt driven.

For me, it would come down to space. I love my S5 but would like more space sometimes.

Good luck!


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[i1overice]

Interesting. I figured it'd be more, especially around the engine, but didn't appreciate that it'd be that much worse. I do like that the S6 is 3 years younger, though I don't know how much that'll buy me since they have similar mileage.

Where in MD are you? Which S5/S6 are you looking at?