C7 S6 or B9 S4/S5 sportback?

[Deganem]

Hi,
Unfortunately I’m in the market for a new car since my late B8.5 was totalled towards the end of last year. It’s hard to find a car better yet a deal on any used S cars these days in Canada (supply is very limited and prices through the roof).

I’ve found a really nice 2017 S6 that has s a few options (diamond seats, driver assist, 20in wheels). 50k km (Canada).
The price on these S6 are very similar to a similar equipped 2018 S5 sport back.
My dilemma: love the 4.0t, but the interior tech looks super dated (which it is since it was designed in 2013). The S5 is not that much off the S6 in terms of performance (handling is better?) and the interior looks way more modern, but at the same time less expensive if you know what I mean.

I’m curious what would you choose if you had the choice!

Cheers,


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[choy188]

After living with a c7 for a while, I would personally go with the b9 sportback, since they look amazing, the lift back has a lot of utility, and you get a smaller lighter better handling car. I do understand the interior feeling cheaper, or for lack of a better term, less mercedes-like but unless you need a big back seat, I would go with the b9, since it is also likely more reliable/less $$$ to fix than a 4.0t

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

[Roboticus]

I've have the same problem on the west coast in Vancouver. Very limited supply, not a lot of used cars optioned the way I want. Currently in a slow mercedes, but came from a B8.5 S5.

I've been going back and forth between a C7.5 S6, S7, or a B9 S5 Sportback. They're all within a few $k of each other.

I will likely go with an S6 or S7 with the sport package (diff and exhaust). I want to own one of these V8TTs at least once in my life, and my kids are big enough to appreciate the extra room in the back. If I fall in love with the car I'll tune it and keep it until they force us to go electric. If the shine wears off I'll trade it for a B9.5 Sportback in a couple of years.

Not really helpful, I know, I keep going back and forth. My partner is very patient at listening to my latest opinions about what I will buy.

[choy188]

I've have the same problem on the west coast in Vancouver. Very limited supply, not a lot of used cars optioned the way I want. Currently in a slow mercedes, but came from a B8.5 S5.

I've been going back and forth between a C7.5 S6, S7, or a B9 S5 Sportback. They're all within a few $k of each other.

I will likely go with an S6 or S7 with the sport package (diff and exhaust). I want to own one of these V8TTs at least once in my life, and my kids are big enough to appreciate the extra room in the back. If I fall in love with the car I'll tune it and keep it until they force us to go electric. If the shine wears off I'll trade it for a B9.5 Sportback in a couple of years.

Not really helpful, I know, I keep going back and forth. My partner is very patient at listening to my latest opinions about what I will buy.

You are a lucky man

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

[A665]

FWIW, my boss got out of a C7 A7 and into a B9 A5 Sportback. He misses the luxury feel & touch of the A7, as the A5 is sporty but the interior leaves him cold.

[sepheroth86]

FWIW, my boss got out of a C7 A7 and into a B9 A5 Sportback. He misses the luxury feel & touch of the A7, as the A5 is sporty but the interior leaves him cold.

Based on simply pictures alone. I do not prefer the B9 interior to the C7/7.5.

Now a C8 on the other hand....

[Roboticus]

You are a lucky man

I absolutely am.

[Deganem]

Yeah this is a tough one. Google shows me lots of people with the same dilemma! (1st world problem).

I should also mention that the prices of used luxury cars are easily 10-15% higher than before the pandemic.
There is a nice 2017 S6 available locally. It compares in price to a 2018 or even a 2019 s5 sport-back.
My concern is also about the age of the vehicle. It is just past basic warranty and I can get two additional years which won’t be much, whereas on a 2019 there is good change I can find one and walk out with almost 4 years of coverage.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Roboticus]

I bought my S5 with 4 years of warranty left, and I spent the entire time waiting for the warranty to run out so I could tune it. This time around I'm going for 1-2 years of warranty so I can get to know the car risk free, and then tune it when I'm comfortable.

Knowing I'm going to burn the warranty with a tune makes it less of a factor.

[prestige.phantom]

Heres my opinion on the C7 S6 vs. B9 S4/5 debate

If you carve canyons, drive your car extremely hard, etc. Get a B9. They're lighter, smaller, and have more warranty.

If you spend more time on highways, carrying people, or at the drag strip. Get an S6. They're more tunable, more comfortable, and more "prestigious"

Personally, I like the interior design of the C7, especially the slightly upgraded 7.5 more than the B9. B9s do get the virtual cockpit, but a good C7.5 with CarPlay has enough tech for me personally. The 3.0T in the B9 is a good engine, but its not particularly characterful. The 4.0T is a bit more unreliable, but is definitely a more charismatic and exciting engine, especially with the right exhaust.

If it were me personally, I would get the S6 since I don't autocross my car or do anything more than a couple spirited drives. As long as you are able to afford the maintenance, its in my opinion the better car.

[christianb5s4]

Best thing to do is test drive both to see what you prefer. I agree with many (as I cross shopped before buying my A6), the overall build quality of the C7.5 is higher than the B9. It just feels like a more substantial and solid car. In terms of tech, I don't think the difference is all that great honestly. Especially if you get a 2017+ with Carplay/Android auto or have it added aftermarket.

[Deganem]

Okay you’ve all sold me in the S6. I will go over to the dealer and see if I can get a deal of some sorts. I guess if I don’t like it I can always try to sell it in a couple of years (but S6 is harder to sell vs S4/S5).
My wife always complained about the rear seat room in the S4 since she would often sit there with our daughter. I don’t think the S5 will be any better.
The tech is almost the same, since this one has the advanced driver assistance and car play.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Deganem]

IMG_4863.JPG
This is what she looks like!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[choy188]

IMG_4863.JPG
This is what she looks like!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Good luck man, hope you can get a good deal!

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

[prestige.phantom]

IMG_4863.JPG
This is what she looks like!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Hope it goes well! Looks like a nicely optioned car!

[Deganem]

Didn’t go for it... a few red flags: two owners already, and the second owner never brought it in for service despite having Audi care. Last service was in Dec 2018 at 30,000km and the car now has 57,000km. Of course salesman said it shouldn’t much and they will do the missed services now.
Despite this they held to the asking price of 49k (CAD) and wouldn’t budge a dollar. Felt it was too risky. Last thing I want to do is spend 50k on an oil burner!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Deganem]

Anyone have thoughts on this? Would missing a service on these 4.0t be a deal breaker?
Would appreciate your input. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Roboticus]

The photos show it is a CPO car - how long is it under warranty?

That price is fine for the car. I'd have expected the HUD and B&O for $49k, but it looks like it has ACC, the sport diff and exhaust?

If the car had 1yr or more of CPO warranty left, I would think about it. The biggest worry is turbo failure due to oil starvation. The lack of documented oil change for 27k kms is worrying. I'd ask about it, and what they can do to provide peace of mind.

How will you feel if you have to shell out $5k+ for a turbo rebuild?

[A665]

OP, I'm not sure how much you need an S6 versus other types, and perhaps you've already considered this, but why don't you look at a well-optioned C7.5 A6 and tune it? I know it's tough to match the S6's grunt in terms of torque, but the 3.0T motor and the ZF8 transmission are pretty bulletproof/worry-free, and adding even a Stage 1 tune will get you to roughly 450hp at the crank. Get into a Prestige model and you're enjoying quite a bit of luxury as well---all at a price well under what you were preparing to spend on this S6.

[Deganem]

The photos show it is a CPO car - how long is it under warranty?

That price is fine for the car. I'd have expected the HUD and B&O for $49k, but it looks like it has ACC, the sport diff and exhaust?

If the car had 1yr or more of CPO warranty left, I would think about it. The biggest worry is turbo failure due to oil starvation. The lack of documented oil change for 27k kms is worrying. I'd ask about it, and what they can do to provide peace of mind.

How will you feel if you have to shell out $5k+ for a turbo rebuild?

From what I was told It doesn’t have the sport diff or exhaust. The car is a lease return exactly at the 4 year mark warranty expires on Monday and they will certify it and provide the two years additional CPO warranty for free.
What I don’t like is the lease the was transferred to the second owner in early 2019 and he basically drove the car for two years and never brought it in.
The residual on the lease was well below 40k, so it’s interesting the he didn’t buy it out or try to sell it and make an easy 5-10k.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Deganem]

OP, I'm not sure how much you need an S6 versus other types, and perhaps you've already considered this, but why don't you look at a well-optioned C7.5 A6 and tune it? I know it's tough to match the S6's grunt in terms of torque, but the 3.0T motor and the ZF8 transmission are pretty bulletproof/worry-free, and adding even a Stage 1 tune will get you to roughly 450hp at the crank. Get into a Prestige model and you're enjoying quite a bit of luxury as well---all at a price well under what you were preparing to spend on this S6.

An A6 is essentially a more boring version of my 2015 S4. I did try a really nice low mileage one back in December that was was almost 10k less. I wasn’t that impressed.
Agree the 3.0t is bull is pretty much proof and a c7.5 a6 would be the best car of the three to buy for reliability and cost.
My options are essentially an S4/ s5 sportback or S6. Maybe I really nice A6 competition could work too.Unlike most people I really like the Audi sport seats, I think I fit them well.

My most desired option would be a black/black S5 sportback with black optics and the rotor wheels!

My issue with the cost of this S6 is that it’s a 2017. If it was a 2018 with 1 year left of original warranty,
then the 50k makes more sense.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[gk1]

FWIW I vote S5 sportback.
The S6 is great, but it sounds like you are looking for value for money which it is not.
The smaller chassis is more "nimble", the sportback is more "useful", gas mileage is better, sportback style is more "desirable" if you look to sell.
Tech on the S6 is pretty much dated, then again so am I, and I understand it does not go over well with many technophiles and pretty much all new cars. I prefer buttons to touchscreens though, but understand I am in a minority.
If I wasn't the original owner of My S6 I'd be hard pressed to buy one from an unknown source.
"What I don’t like is the lease the was transferred to the second owner in early 2019 and he basically drove the car for two years and never brought it in."
While it is possible he did his own oil changes it is far more likely he leased it for 2 years and never had it serviced.

[Alabama]

From what I was told It doesn’t have the sport diff or exhaust. The car is a lease return exactly at the 4 year mark warranty expires on Monday and they will certify it and provide the two years additional CPO warranty for free.
What I don’t like is the lease the was transferred to the second owner in early 2019 and he basically drove the car for two years and never brought it in.
The residual on the lease was well below 40k, so it’s interesting the he didn’t buy it out or try to sell it and make an easy 5-10k.

If you have the VIN you can look up the original window sticker and know exactly what options the car started with. 50km on a four year old car seems pretty low. The CPO warranty is worth about $2K and should cover turbo replacement which apparently is the biggest worry if the oil was never changed. If you then plan to modify the car with RS7 turbos, the concern about oil changes lessens. Other smarter folk may know if this is possible: perhaps you could drive it for a while then commission an oil analysis; if the results reveal problems get them addressed under the CPO warranty.

[Deganem]

FWIW I vote S5 sportback.
The S6 is great, but it sounds like you are looking for value for money which it is not.
The smaller chassis is more "nimble", the sportback is more "useful", gas mileage is better, sportback style is more "desirable" if you look to sell.
Tech on the S6 is pretty much dated, then again so am I, and I understand it does not go over well with many technophiles and pretty much all new cars. I prefer buttons to touchscreens though, but understand I am in a minority.
If I wasn't the original owner of My S6 I'd be hard pressed to buy one from an unknown source.
"What I don’t like is the lease the was transferred to the second owner in early 2019 and he basically drove the car for two years and never brought it in."
While it is possible he did his own oil changes it is far more likely he leased it for 2 years and never had it serviced.

He had Audi care so I thinks it’s unlikely he paid to do his own oil changes when they were free from the dealer.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[prestige.phantom]

From what I was told It doesn’t have the sport diff or exhaust.

I dont know if the Canadian cars were different, but for US cars the red calipers indicates "S" Sport package. The S Sport Pack comes with Sports exhaust, Sports diff, and red calipers.

[ichi d]

I dont know if the Canadian cars were different, but for US cars the red calipers indicates "S" Sport package. The S Sport Pack comes with Sports exhaust, Sports diff, and red calipers.

In Canada we never got the sports exhaust but we did get the sports diff.

[christianb5s4]

I prefer buttons to touchscreens though, but understand I am in a minority.

I don't think you're in the minority. Having talked to a lot of friends who have cars that are mostly touch screen oriented, having to go through multiple steps to adjust simple functions gets old over time. Probably the best middle ground is having buttons for common items and still having touch screens.

[choy188]

I don't think you're in the minority. Having talked to a lot of friends who have cars that are mostly touch screen oriented, having to go through multiple steps to adjust simple functions gets old over time. Probably the best middle ground is having buttons for common items and still having touch screens.

The rotary knob Mmi definitely has a learning curve when you first get into it but over time it's way easier to use than having to actually look where your finger is trying to point (also significantly safer as mazda found)

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

[prestige.phantom]

I prefer buttons to touchscreens though, but understand I am in a minority.

I agree with the only exception being CarPlay. C7/B9 CarPlay without touchscreen is really annoying to use. CarPlay was clearly developed with touchscreen in mind, and the MMI rotors wheel just doesn't work with it.

In almost every other application, however, I would take buttons any day.

[Deganem]

Here is the build sheet:

IMG_4935.jpg

I don’t see sports package despite the red brake calipers. Perhaps in Canada it was different...


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[choy188]

Here is the build sheet:

IMG_4935.jpg

I don’t see sports package despite the red brake calipers. Perhaps in Canada it was different...


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Are the exhaust tips chrome on the non sport package cars? Maybe the PO just had them painted

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

[Roboticus]

In Canada we never got the sports exhaust but we did get the sports diff.

Huh - I didn't realize that. I was fooled by the red callipers. It's weird that the red callipers are not on the options list they gave you. According to some older forum sources, some cars in Canada may have come with the Sport Diff standard in 2016. It does not appear to be standard in 2017, but without an order guide or the build sheet for the specific car it's ???

I've had luck emailing the VIN to Audi directly and asking for the build sheet if you want to know exactly what is on the car. You can email Audi Canada at auditalk at audi .ca, they respond anywhere betweek 1-5 days in my experience.

[Deganem]

As much as I would like to buy this car (it’s in amazing condition), the fact that there was two previous owners and skipped maintenance sets off alarm bells in my head that I’m possible looking for trouble by choosing this one. Yes there will be two years of CPO warranty (which is not the same as the original) but I would prefer to not have to use it. We all know how difficult it can be to get a repair done with oil burning issues as most manufacturers will require a consumption test and then say it’s “normal” if it’s not completely excessive.


My B8.5 S4 was bullet proof, requiring nothing extra the entire time I had it. When I bought it, it had all the right info (services all done, single owner, 2x Audi care remaining).

Am I being too picky?

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[A665]

Nothing in the world is without some form or degree of risk. Even brand-new, never-before titled cars sometimes have issues. This is reality. Whether or not you can be comfortable buying this particular car---a CPO, and in amazing condition---is a question that only you can answer.

If I liked this particular car, I'd buy it on the spot. But that's me, not you. Point is, it's probably not fruitful to ask others here whether you're being too picky. :)

[Deganem]

Nothing in the world is without some form or degree of risk. Even brand-new, never-before titled cars sometimes have issues. This is reality. Whether or not you can be comfortable buying this particular car---a CPO, and in amazing condition---is a question that only you can answer.

If I liked this particular car, I'd buy it on the spot. But that's me, not you. Point is, it's probably not fruitful to ask others here whether you're being too picky. :)

Unfortunately I came to the same realization that this is an amazing car in excellent condition (minus the lack of service) and almost impossible to find, a bit too late, since I called the sales rep back a couple days later and they sold the car.

I’m now more inclined to go for the slightly older S6 vs the newer S4/S5 sportback since for the same money you get way more car (V8T, larger rear seats, double pane glass, etc...). The only drawback is very dated looking interior but it is still way better than most cars on the road today!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[sepheroth86]

Unfortunately I came to the same realization that this is an amazing car in excellent condition (minus the lack of service) and almost impossible to find, a bit too late, since I called the sales rep back a couple days later and they sold the car.

I’m now more inclined to go for the slightly older S6 vs the newer S4/S5 sportback since for the same money you get way more car (V8T, larger rear seats, double pane glass, etc...). The only drawback is very dated looking interior but it is still way better than most cars on the road today!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

The only thing that I find dated in regards to interior is the MMI. lol