csk7

I've been trying to find an S5 in the Chicago suburbs to test drive but can't find one. I test drove a 3.2 mk2 TT a while back and though it handled great I felt the steering was a little light feeling. So far, I've been reading the S5 is light at lower speeds but tightens up nicely at higher ones. Also, does anyone feel the A5 would provide a good substitute as far as handling for a test drive?

Quattrings

buying the 3.2Q. For some reason, even though it was noticably more refined than my previous MKI, I just didn't get into either the 2.0 or the 3.2. Sure they were pretty quick, but the steering on both cars felt rediculously light to me. I didn't really enjoy the driving experience all that much and part of it might have been that I compared it to my previous modded TT. I think the S5 is far beyond the TT as far as steering feel and precision. The TT is obviously more nimble than the S5 but I actually enjoyed the 335 more than the TT and liked the extra space. I came close to picking the 335 over the TT except the looks of the TT (especially S-Line) won IMO.

Jumping into the S5 after driving the 06 A4 or my previous 05 A6 almost takes a 're-adjustment' to get reaclimated to how much more immediate the response to steering input is. The accuracy is much improved and it's definitely apparent on or off the track. IMO the S5 feels really good on the track and that's where I got to drive the S5 for the first time.

rferni

or they did 3 weeks ago.

csk7

Thanks for the reply. Tried calling them today but they said they sold their demo. They have a couple new ones. The one sounded pretty much the same as all the demos: meteor gray/magma. Of course they were asking a good amount over sticker and said test drives are not available.

csk7

Thanks for the detailed reply. I felt the same as you about the TT's steering. It's way to light for a sports car. Maybe the TT-S will feel better when it's out. It's good to know the S5 doesn't suffer the same issue. You're car is incredible btw!

rferni

I have no respect for any dealer that charges over sticker.

Anyways, I was at Laurel Audi of Westmont yesterday and they had a Ice Silver/Magma 6 Sp. S5 -- did look like a demo. Also, McGrath at Glenview had one sometime back. Hope you find one to drive.

csk7

Yeah, I actually tried them first as they're closest to where I'm at. Tried when they had their demo but was given the run around. Stopped in there a couple weeks ago again and saw that silver one also. I guess that one is new. They told me a price around 10k over msrp for it so I'm not sure what you'd think of them. Maybe they told you something different? BTW, they also told me around 8k for the used white one in the showroom!

rferni

Just circled theur lot to check out their demos from the outside -- was going to Naperville. I placed my A5 order a couple of months ago and did not order from them. They were talking like they were doing me a favor selling me a car!!!! Good thing about Chicago is there are multiple dealerships to speak with!

If you're ordering, I'd strongly recommend Tinley Park. Continental and McGrath are good too!