It's really interesting to hear your experiences. Snake - I don't think I could really be happy having a saloon. Unless going for a new 5 series, A6 etc or 7 series, A8, I don't see any real benefit over a hatchback - you loose the practicality of the hatchback and don't get that much more space inside. The styling of saloons just doesn't appeal to me either.
It's interesting you speak of depreciation and what you say does make a lot of sense - you bought the common business saloon (no offence!), albeit in a stunning colour, and unfortunately market value doesn't assess cars very individually! I agree with Statler - the coupes hold value much better than the saloons - even the 320d.
I've not had a chance to drive a TT but I know the quality is high and I'm sure the driving experience is really good - though if you're talking about the engine I think you are, Audi hadn't cracked the secret of how to really use the potential of the V6 - though it left the car very tuneable?
I agree Quattro 4WD is a great system - I never struggle for grip and the car manages the power really well. It does detract from the fun of going slightly sideways but makes up for it in safety and performance. I do miss the back kicking out when I decided to be a bit silly though!
Statler, there is a Lithuanian import Audi 80 sat outside my neighbours house
it seems abandoned for weeks. You want?
The newest BMWs have so many toys but I'm surprised that they all cost more than the Audi equivalents. I specced up a 4-series grand coupe and it was £8k more for the same options as my S5 Sportback!
I found the interior of my E92 to be well designed - on the facelift they made a few interior changes - including placement of the AC controls etc and it felt like a drivers car and had a premium, stylish and classy feel to it. By contrast, the S5's interior is nice but its all too functional and not enough beauty. There are too many MMI buttons and the system isn't as intuitive as BMW and this is the only compromise I think.
In terms of build quality, I think Audi is ahead of BMW in this range - Audi has a more premium feel with more expensive materials. Even my A3 was really well made and I always missed this in my BMW. The S5 is no disappointment and these super sports seats are amazing. I couldn't get comfortable in the standard A5 seats for some reason - after my 24 hour test drive in the 3.0 TDi I had neck pain and I really don't know why! Maybe I hadn't hit the sweet spot for the seat settings.
I moved back to Audi for a good few reasons really. Firstly, I've never been able to stay in a car for too long - something my wallet hates me for. I also got tired of seeing Space Grey. As it is London is so bland in the built up areas with no colour! I missed having a blue car. I also wanted something more comfortable - even though I'm quite young, the M Sport suspension on the E92 was really uncomfortable and I was on 19" run flat tyres. The S5 is so much more comfortable and thats saying something considering its on the sports suspension and 20" wheels. It was also the point in the finance where there was equity in the part ex value and I thought 4 doors with a hatchback that looks as stunning as the A5/S5 does would be perfect. The 4 series grand coupe wasn't out yet, was more expensive and was uglier IMO. I was going to move to the A5 3.0 TDi which made good financial sense: cheaper insurance, cheaper road tax, better efficiency and economy - but the lure of owning an S5 was too great. My mistake was indulging in a test drive. I became addicted to that engine note and the super sports seats and as a result I've ended up with higher insurance, higher road tax, much worse efficiency and economy but with a V6 supercharged beast
my budget may not allow for this kind of car in the future so here I am - enjoying every minute of driving it and trying my best to ignore the economy
With my replacement being factory ordered, it could be the car I keep for a long long time so long as my budget allows it!
Hope you all enjoyed that essay!
,. then a push of the button to select Dynamic for a bit of spirited driving.
