An Audi A5 used car offers a premium look and driving pleasure, but only if you take the known issues seriously. Timing chain, oil consumption, transmission, suspension and electronics all deserve extra attention. If you choose an example with a clear maintenance history and carry out an extensive test drive, you can find an excellent car.
The Audi A5 is known for its sporty design and refined finish. However, each generation and engine option has clear points of attention that can influence the purchase. The 2.0 TFSI variants in particular, certain automatics and the electronics require a thorough check before you buy.
Anyone who relies blindly on looks risks expensive surprises. This buying guide helps you recognise the risks and make a well-considered choice.
What to look out for with the 2.0 TFSI engine?
The 2.0 TFSI is often described as prone to problems. The timing chain and chain tensioners on certain model years can wear prematurely. A rattling noise on a cold start is a clear warning sign that points to wear.
Oil consumption is another common problem. Some examples use significantly more oil than is acceptable, especially at higher mileages. This can lead to serious engine damage if it is not recognised in time.
With a used car with a 2.0 TFSI engine, always check the service book. Long oil change intervals increase the risk of problems. Ask for invoices for work carried out on the timing chain or oil pump.
‘ Manual versions are often mechanically simpler and less prone to faults than automatics. ’
Best engine for a reliable Audi A5?
The 3.0 TFSI V6 is often seen by enthusiasts as the stronger choice. This engine is smooth, powerful and generally better regarded than the 2.0 TFSI. It does, however, come with higher fuel and maintenance costs.
Among diesel fans, the 2.7 TDI has a good reputation. This engine is considered one of the more robust diesel options, provided it is well maintained. Do pay attention to the usage profile: lots of short journeys can lead to DPF (soot filter) loading and EGR contamination.
Manual versions are often mechanically simpler and less prone to faults than automatics. With manual models, do check the clutch and dual-mass flywheel for wear.
Transmission and automatic gearbox: known complaints
The Multitronic automatic gearbox does not have a reputation for reliability. Owners regularly report complaints about jerky gear changes, abrupt acceleration from a standstill and slow responses at low temperatures.
During a test drive it is important to test the automatic both cold and warm. Pay attention to the following points:
- Smooth pull-away without slip or jerks
- Logical and seamless gear changes
- Normal reversing behaviour
- No warning lights or fault messages
If the automatic shows abnormal behaviour, repair can be expensive. In many cases replacement or overhaul is needed, which can cost thousands of euros.
Checklist for test drive and inspection
A thorough test drive is essential. Always start from cold and listen for rattling noises that indicate timing chain or tensioner wear. Check the dipstick and see whether any smoke comes from the exhaust.
Test the steering at different speeds. From later model years onwards, complaints have been reported about electric power steering: too heavy, too light or vague steering feel. Hesitant self-centring can point to faults in the system.
During the drive, pay attention to the following:
- Thumping or creaking from the suspension
- Vibrations when braking or at high speed
- Uneven tyre wear or misaligned wheels
- Operation of parking brake, sensors and windows
- Infotainment system without freezing or black screens
After the drive, ask for a diagnostic scan if you have doubts about the electronics or fault codes. This can reveal hidden issues that are not immediately visible.
Electronics and moisture problems
The Audi A5 is richly equipped, but that makes it sensitive to electronic faults. Parking sensors can fail, windows may operate irregularly and the infotainment system can freeze or restart.
An important point of attention is blockage of the water drains below the windscreen. If water remains there, it can reach nearby electronic modules. This leads to moisture problems and electrical faults that are expensive to resolve.
Always check for:
- Damp carpets or boot lining
- Condensation in the lights
- Operation of all buttons, switches and displays
- Faults in the electric parking brake
Moisture damage can cause several systems to fail at the same time. In the worst case, modules need to be replaced, which quickly adds up to substantial costs.
Checking the chassis and suspension
The A5’s chassis should feel quiet and tight. Thumping control arms, creaking bushes and uneven tyre wear indicate wear or alignment issues.
On models with quattro drive it is important that the system operates unobtrusively. Jerks or vibrations in the drivetrain can indicate differential or gearbox problems. Tyres with different circumferences can also put strain on the quattro system.
During inspection, listen for unusual noises at low speeds and while manoeuvring. Also check that all four tyres are wearing evenly. Uneven wear can point to overdue maintenance on the suspension.
Value of an Audi A5 with known defects
An Audi A5 with known issues loses value, especially when it comes to transmission, engine or moisture damage. Used cars with an unclear history or missing service stamps are harder to sell and fetch less money.
On the other hand, an example with proven maintenance, invoices and technical updates can actually hold its value well. Clear documentation of timing chain replacement, automatic gearbox servicing or electronic updates makes the car more attractive to buyers.
When considering the purchase price, take potential repair costs into account. If the timing chain or automatic gearbox has not yet been replaced, set aside a budget for this work. This prevents financial surprises after the purchase.
Which version makes the most sense?
For those seeking reliability, a well-maintained 3.0 TFSI or 2.7 TDI is often the best choice. These engines are more robust than the 2.0 TFSI, provided the maintenance history is correct.
Budget-conscious buyers can also opt for a 2.0 TFSI, but only if there are no timing chain or oil consumption issues and the maintenance history is complete. Always check whether recalls and technical updates have been carried out.
Preferably avoid examples with the following characteristics:
- Unclear or missing maintenance history
- Complaints about gearshift problems with the automatic
- Faults in steering or electronics
- Traces of moisture in the interior or boot
- High oil consumption without a clear cause
A good maintenance history is more important than mileage alone. An A5 with 150,000 kilometres and full service history can be more reliable than an example with 80,000 kilometres and no history.
What do owners say about the Audi A5?
Owner experiences show that the A5 drives pleasantly and feels premium. The design is timeless, which supports its used value. Problems mainly occur with poorly maintained examples or models that have done lots of short journeys.
Users emphasise that a fully stamped service book and invoices for work carried out are decisive. Anyone buying an A5 without a clear history runs a higher risk of unexpected repairs.
Owners of the 3.0 TFSI and diesel versions are generally satisfied with reliability. Complaints focus mainly on the 2.0 TFSI and Multitronic automatic, especially with examples that have not received regular servicing.
Practical tips for buying
Ask in advance for the service book and invoices for timing chain, water pump, oil and automatic gearbox servicing. Check MOT comments for recurring complaints or repeated repairs.
During viewing you should look for a cold start without rattling, smoke from the exhaust, oil leaks and traces of coolant. Also test all comfort systems such as heated seats, air conditioning, navigation and parking assistance.
After the test drive, check again for leaks or warning messages. Ask for a diagnostic scan if you are unsure. This costs little but can provide a lot of clarity about hidden faults.
‘ make a well-considered choice. ’
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Frequently asked questions
The most important points of attention are the 2.0 TFSI engine (timing chain rattle on cold start and potentially high oil consumption) and the automatic gearbox, especially the Multitronic (jerky or slipping gear changes, slow response, difference between cold and warm). During the test drive and inspection also pay close attention to the steering (heavy/“notchy” steering, poor return to centre) and to thumping or creaking suspension with uneven tyre wear. Finally, thoroughly check all electronics (infotainment, parking sensors, electric parking brake, windows) and look for signs of moisture in the interior and boot due to possible water drain issues.
To tackle excessive oil consumption on a 2.0 TFSI you should roughly count on anything from a few hundred to well over a thousand euros, depending on the cause (software update/minor work vs. piston rings/gaskets). A timing chain repair or replacement on the A5 in practice often runs from around a thousand to several thousand euros, especially if guides, tensioners and additional labour are required. Prices vary greatly per garage (independent vs. dealer) and per engine type, so a quotation based on registration number and VIN is always essential.
There are no specific “golden” model years or engine codes for the A5 that are completely free from the known issues, but some combinations are clearly regarded as more robust. In general, the 3.0 TFSI V6 and the 2.7 TDI (with demonstrably good maintenance) are considered more reliable than the early 2.0 TFSIs. The early 2.0 TFSI engines in particular are known for timing chain and oil consumption issues, which makes later, well-documented examples preferable. Ultimately, the maintenance history is more important than model year or engine code alone.
In the maintenance history, look for oil changes, timing/chain work and gearbox services that have been carried out on time and can be proven (with invoices, not just stamps). Check invoices for recurring complaints or repeatedly replaced parts (e.g. chain tensioners, ignition coils, sensors, electronic modules), as these often reveal deeper issues. Compare the recorded maintenance and repair dates with the mileages to uncover illogical jumps or “gaps” in the history. Finally, check whether known weak points of the specific model have demonstrably been addressed preventively rather than only when faults occurred.
After purchase it is advisable to have a major service carried out straight away, including fresh engine oil, filters and – on an automatic – fresh gearbox oil. Have the water drains below the windscreen cleaned preventively to avoid moisture and electronics problems. Check and, if necessary, renew wear-prone parts such as control arms, bushes and window regulators. Finally, consider a specialist diagnostic scan to detect latent fault codes and emerging issues at an early stage.