MilwSteve

I'm *seriously* considering buying a new S5.

I currently own a 2001 S4 that I love.

So why the S5, you ask?

Well, the S4 is getting a bit long in the tooth, and so am I (I'm 52). I've bought a number of previously-used cars in the past decade (including the S4), but I haven't had a brand new car since 2002. This may be my last good chance to buy a car that really excites me.

The S5 has it all--performance, style, luxury. I deserve it. But I'd have to trade in my S4.

Will I "love" the S5 $50K more than the S4?

I'd like to hear your opinions, especially if you've faced a similar dilemma, but even if you haven't.

This is my first post at AudiWorld. I hope to become an active member soon.

Thanks!

NHman

Well I'll start by stating the obvious, moving up more than one decade in MY will net a better car in-terms of overall performance, fuel efficiency, technology and safety. Whether it's worth the $50k (or so) spend, that's difficult to say. My 0.02 cent advice would be to take the S5 on an extended test drive. Perhaps several drives over a week or so. If you are able to "check-off" the boxes and it meets your requirements and it doesn't "break the bank", go for it.

There are no guarantees in life and nobody should live with regrets. Being 52, you are still young. From this and other forums, there are plenty of people in the 60's and 70's who buy this car plus others (M3, RS5, etc).

Schedule a test drive but with the knowledge that you will not make a decision until you can thinking about it and weigh all of the pros & cons. Good luck with your decision.

Fithian

I had a 2001 S4 which was a fun car, but I sold it after four years. My recent purchase was a 2013 S5 six-speed, which has been great for the 1400 miles I drove it in Europe. It has arrived stateside and I pick it up tomorrow. The S5 has much better handling and is smoother riding even with sport mode. Gas mileage is improved by 8 mpg and 0-60 speed is about a second faster. Interior is about the same, but the technology is greatly improved. Drive both the 7-speed and the 6-speed; they are different cars.

mhblaw

Well, I am 72, currently driving a 2012 S5 (my ninth Audi in last 30 years) and have a 2013 RS5 on order. Go for it!

Muhammad

Absolutely 100% yes.

ayap

No question about it. Get the S5 now !!!
I had a 2004 Audi allroad and while I loved that wagon, it was gettin tired.
Transitioning to an S5 is a no brainer.
I mean, if you can - go buy one tomorrow.

MilwSteve

Okay, I done did it!

I ordered a 2013 S5, Monsoon Gray with black Napa interior, plus carbon fiber trim, the B&O sound system, and the sports diff.

I didn't trade in the 2001 S4, however. Blue Book is only about $7K. I'm not sure what I'll do with it, long term. But I'm thinking of driving it through the winter (I live in WI where it snows). The new S5 isn't due to arrive until Jan--the dead of winter--so rather than screwing with snow tires for the S5, maybe I'll just store it until the weather gets nice. Still, I can't wait to drive it! Maybe I'll just sit in it and listen to the B&O until spring arrives.

Thanks to all for their advice!

ErnesTT

I just had the same experience with my 2001 TT and I bought a 2010 A5. It is quite a difference. They have come along way with improvements in the past 10 years. The new cars are incredible.

eric strauss

Greetings,

I am a long time Audi owner and also in my mid-fifities. We have a 2012 A6 3.0T with the eight speed tiptronic and a 2013 S5 with a six-speed manual. They are such wonderful cars. I had a 2004 A6 2.7T with roughly the same motor as your S4 and at the time, I loved it (turbo-lag and all). SInce then we have had an 2009 A4 cabriolet S-line 2.0T sport package and a 2010 Q5 3.2. We moved out from MA to LA and sold all of the cars on the East Coast (including a 2008 R32).

The thing you will notice first is how strong the motor pulls from low rpm (both the A6 and S5). What a joy. Plus, both cars are averaging cover 30mpg on the highway.

Best of luck and enjoy the road,

Eric

PS - the grand kids love the sound of the new S5 ;-)

MilwSteve

Oops, I forgot to mention the most important thing (at least to me!): my new S5 is a 6-speed manual (unavailable from AMG).

My 2001 S4 is APR-chipped and supposedly produces 350 HP and 300 ft-lbs, so I didn't notice the S5 being all that much quicker on test drives (though I know it is).

The S5 is a really cool blend of performance, luxury, and style. I can't wait to get my hands on it!