Opinion on first car: 2018 A5 Sportback

[jbloomfeld]

Hi all, I just joined this forum. I'm excited to buy my first Audi and would like some opinions. Some basic info: 2018 Audi A5 Sportback Premium Plus. I was debating between the A4 and A5 Sportback, and decided to go with the A5 for the sleeker look and the practicality of the hatchback. I've never seen that much cargo space on a sedan that looks as sleek as the A5. 23k miles on it, and my out-the-door price was $37k. I've been doing research on this model for the past few months now and haven't seen many with that low mileage with an out-the-door price under $40k. I bought it through CarMax and they have a 30-day return policy, so after I get the car I plan on taking it to a mechanic who specializes in VW/Audi to inspect it for any issues that CarMax may have not reported. Overall would just appreciate general input/advice as not only is this my first Audi, it's my first car in general. Thanks!

Here's the link:
https://www.carmax.com/car/22629981?...EM_XferShipped

[chrisdazzo]

Decent buy. Despite missing out on Bang & Olufsen audio, the S-Line sport package, and ventilated (cooled) seats, I think you got a decent price in this market. And at least you have the digital cockpit, that's a must-have.

Definitely take it to a local Euro shop (cheaper than a dealer, and in all honestly probably better) to have it inspected. That's usually only a couple hundred buckaroonies. The A5 might have remaining warranty, but you may also want to consider the extended Carmax warranty, though the 2.0T engines have been in Audi's forever and they're relatively reliable now.

[jbloomfeld]

Thanks! Yeah I had to make some sacrifices in terms of options to get the price/mileage I was aiming for (<30k miles and <$40k out-the-door). Premium Plus was the lowest trim I'd go because, like you said, the virtual cockpit was a must. I know the S-Line is all cosmetic differences, not performance upgrades, so that wasn't the biggest concern for me. B&O would have been cool, but I could settle without it. Wasn't too much inventory to choose from with my price/mileage limits. Definitely taking it to DAS Autowerks (https://dasautowerks.net/) for an inspection prior to the 30-day return policy is up. They specialize in VW/Audi.

I do live in Tampa so now I wish I found one with ventilated seats...

[chrisdazzo]

DAS Autowerks has great reviews, I'm sure they'd be happy to help! I'd schedule that ASAP, leave no room for Carmax to not honor the 30-day warranty (esp with mileage limits).
And all the above said, yeah, the S-Line sport package is mostly cosmetics and a less forgiving suspension, so you're probably better off.

[jbloomfeld]

Yeah I've heard great things about them, so I'm taking the car in a week from tomorrow to have it inspected. Only $120, which is less than I was expecting for their thorough inspection. Hoping there are no issues because I don't want to have to deal with finding another car! Thanks for all of your input. I'll post pics once I get the car later this week.

[ShiftyWolf]

Posted a response to you on the AW forum. Good luck with the purchase.

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[Groove1]

I am very happy with my 2018. I have 80k miles with no issues. I have the B&O and it not the best sounding system a lot of us have added subs and changed out speakers to make is sound good. I am sure you can add a amp and a sub and make the standard system sound decent.


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[ingraha3]

I'm certainly enjoying my 2018 A5 Sportback. Quick, agile, and relatively good fuel efficiency. I've had no issues thus far and no oil consumption with the 2.0T at 39K.

Congrats and have fun with it!

[Daaavid]

I see the car says it's sold, so congratulations on your purchase if all went through. Reach out to your local dealer and see if the VIN has AudiCare on it. There could be 1 or 2 remaining paid services left and the 4-year transmission service pays for itself if Audi Care is still active.

[jbloomfeld]

Hi all, really appreciate the comments. Just picked her up last week. Going to a mechanic tomorrow that specializes in VW/Audi for a full inspection for peace of mind, but so far it's been excellent. Beyond sleek, practical with the hatchback, and so much fun to drive. This is my first car ever at 25 years old (lived in cities prior to moving down to FL) so I had several working years to save up for a generous down payment and couldn't be more proud of this purchase. And yes I know, I need to take the front license plate cover off (not required in FL) to show off the grill.

[Daaavid]

Hi all, really appreciate the comments. Just picked her up last week. Going to a mechanic tomorrow that specializes in VW/Audi for a full inspection for peace of mind, but so far it's been excellent. Beyond sleek, practical with the hatchback, and so much fun to drive. This is my first car ever at 25 years old (lived in cities prior to moving down to FL) so I had several working years to save up for a generous down payment and couldn't be more proud of this purchase. And yes I know, I need to take the front license plate cover off (not required in FL) to show off the grill.

Sweet ride, congratulations. Consider a tune after you get acclimated, trust me. ;-)