Need Advice on a used 2013-2017 S5 Cabriolet purchase

[E-Storil24]

I'm going to be a first-time Audi owner in the market for a 2013-2017 S5 Cabriolet. I've wanted this particular car for a while and finally have the funds to pull the trigger -- just a lot of decision factors that I could def use some advice on from experienced S5 owners.

MILEAGE - I'm looking for something with between 60K and 85K miles on it. I feel like the sweet spot is 70K if I can find one. My questions on mileage are:

1. Is there a huge difference between a 65K and say a 85K for an older model S5 in terms of potential condition/issues coming up?
2. Is 85K too much given that I've read many of the problems start coming around 75-100K?

YEARS - Any difference in the years 2013-2017? I read somewhere that 2013-2015 S5 models have had slightly more issues than other years...any truth to that?

COLOR - I realllly (stubbornly) want an S5 in blue, although these are far more rare and hard to find in great condition. I've heard that Estoril Blue has a lot of problems (twirls, repaint color matching etc.) but I love the color. Just saw Sepang Blue in person as well and was also blown away. I've now had two Estoril Blue S5s inspected and both of them were entirely repainted (despite clean Carfax on both), not amazingly I might add. Inspectors gave the paint jobs a 6.5 or 7 out of 10 and said "for a luxury vehicle I'd hope to see a better paint job." Any input on these two colors?

CONDITION - I expect any 8-10 year old S5 to have some dings, scratches, general interior wear, etc. What would be the top things to look for in terms of red flags or reasons not to purchase? The two S5s I had inspected yielded the following issues/recommendations:

2014 Estoril Blue S5, Prem. Plus Fully Loaded, 85K, $17,700 - sagging headliner, brake fluid flush needed, 50% tread on tires, car's been repainted (6.5 or 7 out of 10 rating).

2014 Estoril Blue S5, Prem. Plus Loaded but less than other, 87K, $17,400 - driver's side/wheel well issue (shaking/vibrating) when driving 75+, pending codes P2006 and P2007 Intake Manifold Runners Stuck Banks 1a and 2a (I've seen on these forums this can be a pain to address), car's been repainted (7 out of 10). This second one was more concerning imo given the wheel well issue and the engine-related pending codes.

OWNERS / CAR HISTORY - Would you even consider an S5 that has had 5+ owners, making me the 6th owner? What about vehicles that have been all over the U.S. (i.e. from NY to IL to TX to FL)? This 2013 Blue S5 I had inspected has had 5 owners and has moved all over the country.


Sorry in advance for all of the questions. This is the biggest purchase of my life and I really want to make sure I get the right S5. ANY advice or thoughts on above would be so helpful!

[eskimo0101]

I definitely wouldn't go near a car that was repainted with a 7 out 10 unless I was buying it as a track day car. I'd also never buy a car with codes pending because that 100% tells you the prior owner did not keep up on maintenance. Wheel shake could be as minor as worn tires being out of balance, a little more serious of a bent rim, or far more serious with suspension/bearing issues. Again, that the prior owner didn't fix it is a big red flag.

Number of owners is a little bit of a red flag but can also be explained by the fact that a lot of people buy sporty convertibles as a toy 3rd vehicle, have them for a year or two and realize they're just sitting in the garage 99% of the time and then sell them. That a car like a convertible S5 has been all over the country doesn't really surprise me either because they're pretty rare cars that some enthusiast was likely willing to either have shipped or go get from a long distance. I'm outside Buffalo, New York and found my 15 S5 Cab at Audi Atlanta and did a fly in drive home epic road trip when I bought it. Little different though that it had 20k miles and was a CPO with a warranty.

[humphammer]

I purchased a 2018 last year with 31,000 miles. Zero mechanical issues and just a couple minor cosmetic issues which I was able to fix myself. I'd suggest putting a little more into a lower mileage vehicle with less issues. Getting mechanical or cosmetic work done on an Audi is very expensive unless you can do most of the work yourself.

[Neil F]

I have a 14 Presteigne Estoril cab I got as a CPO in 17 with 45k. I now have 160k

It was the color I wanted and found one in my backyard at a local dealer (yes paid a lot with the dealer)

I got screwed on my paint. Looking at it, I thought the thought the front end looked a little off in color but let it go. Soon the front was potmarked with rock chips.......long story and dealer and Audi denied responsibility. It was a poor paint job. It since has been repainted and is fine. I have seen andom posts that Estoril paint has "issues" . As far as I am concerned, mine is fine.

From your other post, sagging headliner. That is common and there are threads if you google sagging headliner audi cabriolet. Mine is also sagging. The liner is glued to the metal ribs and over time comes loose. It can be DIY stiched back on as opposed to glued or a convertible top shop can repair

I had the ventilated comfort seats which is Malino leather. I don't know. Within the last couple of years both my drivers and passenger seats developed large tears. Passenger seat is rarely used. I tried google and can't find much that these seats have a problem but mine went to crap. Just a warning.

The 3.0 motor is very solid and there are not a lot of problems. 70-100k there are a number of things that MAY come up and or recommended. Thermostat, PCV, water pump are usual suspects. My thermostat stuck at I think 80k. The supercharger has to be removed and while that is off common recommendation is to do the other items while it is off. Carbon cleaning of the intake ports is also recommended every 70k or so.

2013-2017 are the same. No real issues. 14+ have improved mectronics in the trans and are slightly less prone to issue. I have had none.

I love the car. Year round daily driver. (ouch to see the going prices. had not looked at what mine is worth) . I'm pumping in a lot $$$ this year. Just had trans and diff serviced. Front control arms are shot and have replacements. Time for second set of brakes/rotors. Have them. They lasted about 90k. New front seats. Carbon cleaning is due and PCV needs replacement again.

[E-Storil24]

Appreciate everybody's insights! My price range is $22-$25K so something with low, low mileage isn't in the cards right now and I want to have a reserve for repairs/maintenance but I am going to look for something in better condition with more service records/less owners.

Also, that's a beautiful vehicle you got there Neil!!! Those seats go perfect with Estoril imo.

[AudiS52015]

Not sure if you have purchased one yet but I will be selling my 2015 S5 in the next few weeks with currently less thank 45k on the clock. Grey with black/silver sport seats & upgraded from Rotors. 2nd owner since Nov 2015 & full service history. Incl set of 18" rims with winter tyres.