Hi, following on from my previous thread, I have seen another car that I was interested in:

https://www.evanshalshaw.com/search/details/used/audi/a5/automatic-petrol-white-coupe/06ce9494-f94d-f111-8fdd-000d3a874790/

When I enquired with the dealer, they said there is only one stamp in the book from February of this year, and no history at all in the Audi database. So there is only evidence of 1 service in almost 10 years.

I am starting to get a bit !Removed! off with this actually, and it's really putting me off buying an Audi. Are they typically not serviced properly or at all? Or is this just an S5 thing? It seems to be a common theme I am running into, and I find it hard to believe at this point that it's just coincidence. Or do people just not care about servicing anymore? Maybe I am old fashioned and have fallen behind the times in that regard.

Edited Saturday at 10:48 AM4 days by ZeroX

Wouldn't go as far as to call Evans Halshaw a dealer, they are a reseller at best, and 37k miles on a 2017 car is very low. That sounds like a careful owner, however where's the information to back it up? £23k isn't small change either.

Quick check of the MOT history - so either tyres or coil springs that it's failed on. Sounds odd to fail on tyres - so that's a potential red flag for me.

Regardless of mileage this should have had oil changes probably every 5-8k miles. Personally I'd walk away. I'd rather higher mileage and history (doesn't need to be main dealer), but you want receipts and lots of them. People who look after their cars tend to document any work done.

Why? This is a cam-chain driven car, if it's been on long service intervals, then you could get potential chain slap on start up, then it's an engine out job to replace, plus guides.

Tiptronic transmission is bullet-proof, but I'd still look to do a transmission oil change on or around 8 years or 60-80k miles so that's due too. ZF-8 make a specific kit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604261891333?

This is a 2018 car on 54k, but full loaded, panoramic, red leather, LED matrix, and yes more expensive at £27k. Unfortunately there's no short-cuts with these cars. This one has full history.

Goes without saying I'd be running an independent check with car vertical or such like, full scan with VCDS, etc.

54 minutes ago, spartacus 68 said:

Wouldn't go as far as to call Evans Halshaw a dealer, they are a reseller at best, and 37k miles on a 2017 car is very low. That sounds like a careful owner, however where's the information to back it up? £23k isn't small change either.

Quick check of the MOT history - so either tyres or coil springs that it's failed on. Sounds odd to fail on tyres - so that's a potential red flag for me.

Regardless of mileage this should have had oil changes probably every 5-8k miles. Personally I'd walk away. I'd rather higher mileage and history (doesn't need to be main dealer), but you want receipts and lots of them. People who look after their cars tend to document any work done.

Why? This is a cam-chain driven car, if it's been on long service intervals, then you could get potential chain slap on start up, then it's an engine out job to replace, plus guides.

Tiptronic transmission is bullet-proof, but I'd still look to do a transmission oil change on or around 8 years or 60-80k miles so that's due too. ZF-8 make a specific kit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604261891333?

This is a 2018 car on 54k, but full loaded, panoramic, red leather, LED matrix, and yes more expensive at £27k. Unfortunately there's no short-cuts with these cars. This one has full history.

Goes without saying I'd be running an independent check with car vertical or such like, full scan with VCDS, etc.

I have seen a lot of S5's failing on tyres in the MOT history, to me that's quite common. Presumably people don't understand tyre wear on vehicles with all wheel drive.

How do you know that vehicle has a full history? Aside from the one line on the advert that says it does? Forgive me, but I need to see more evidence than that. Regardless, I am not the kind of person that looks for "fully loaded" cars. I don't care about sound systems, I don't care about gimmicky lighting, I don't care about heated seats, I don't care about nasty "carbon fibre" body parts, I don't care about gimmicky "virtual displays", I don't care about 20" alloys, and I certainly don't care about panoramic sunroofs. That car is massively overpriced. And from looking at the Companies House records for that business, there is absolutely no way I would ever buy anything from them.

I appreciate the help, but that car is the literal opposite of what I am looking for.

Many thanks Richard for trying to help Alex.

Regards,

Gareth.

I don't presume to know what you're looking for Alex, but buying an S5 will likely have a decent specification on even a base model, minus things such as sound package or panoramic sunroof. Incidentally, LED matrix isn't gimmicky lighting. Far from it, this will have been a very expensive extra from new, over and above standard LED lights with features such as full beam assist, cornering lighting, etc. This type of specification helps sell it down the line unless you're planning for this car to be a long term keeper.

You asked if S5s are typical for lack of servicing. No, not necessarily, but its a 2017 plate, so a 9 year old performance car, so it pays to do your research. The original owner may have sold it, and it could have traded hands a few times or been run ragged on a track or indeed modified. Without some sort of service log, then you've absolutely no idea what the history is.

In terms of history, especially on an older vehicle such as this, then if its been maintained meticulously, even by the main dealer on a database, they can give you a print out. If the previous owner(s) were old school, then a physical service record is better. Doesn't need to be garage stamps, but receipts in a folder from a VAT registered garage, or simply parts purchased, and service mileage, in some sort of chronological order. That speaks volumes.

I've had quattros for years, so I understand tyre wear. Normally you replace tyres in pairs on the same axle. There's no dark science to it. A car failing on tyres tells you the owner isn't aware of condition, wear pattern or tread depth.

Edited Saturday at 02:33 PM4 days by spartacus 68

To be honest the only thing I am interested in about the S5 is the engine, I wouldn't really be bothered if everything else was the same as the base model.

I don't know what LED matrix lighting is, or full beam assist, or cornering lighting. I am planning on using the car to drive to and from work, but it's only a short journey (about 9 miles) so I am not particularly concerned about selling it. Unless you are buying a brand new car and you can choose exactly what you want, it's highly unlikely you will find a car in the specification you want. I guess that's one of the reasons I don't care for most "add-ons", I am not lucky enough and probably will never be lucky enough to afford a brand new car, so I have to accept heavy compromises on what I will get.

I totally agree with what you are saying regarding the history; the issue is I can't seem to find a car that has any. No physical paperwork, and no electronic history.

Again, I agree without about the tyres. A car that fails on tyres tells you a lot about the owner. They either aren't smart enough to understand, or they just don't care.

On 5/30/2026 at 6:27 PM, ZeroX said:

I am not lucky enough and probably will never be lucky enough to afford a brand new car, so I have to accept heavy compromises on what I will get.

That being so, why the insistence on that particular engine if the car will only be used twice daily on a 9 mile commute? The engine will barely be warm at the end of each journey. A recipe for rapid wear and expensive repair.

20 hours ago, cliffcoggin said:

  On 5/30/2026 at 6:27 PM, ZeroX said:

I am not lucky enough and probably will never be lucky enough to afford a brand new car, so I have to accept heavy compromises on what I will get.

Oh is that a known problem with the V6 in the S5?

30 minutes ago, ZeroX said:

Oh is that a known problem with the V6 in the S5?

Hi go on line and see the amount of problems with any of the later gen 2/3 vag V6 engines, better still go on YouTube and I guarantee you an evening of horror shows ranging from 30,000 miles up, not many make it past 80,000 without a rebuild, the manufacturers know of the problems which they sell the uprated repair parts cams and chains for an eye watering fee.

Steve.

54 minutes ago, ZeroX said:

Oh is that a known problem with the V6 in the S5?

It's a known problem with your type of short journey driving that will prematurely ruin any engine.

1 hour ago, Stevey Y said:

Hi go on line and see the amount of problems with any of the later gen 2/3 vag V6 engines, better still go on YouTube and I guarantee you an evening of horror shows ranging from 30,000 miles up, not many make it past 80,000 without a rebuild, the manufacturers know of the problems which they sell the uprated repair parts cams and chains for an eye watering fee.

Steve.

Sorry what is "gen 2/3 vag"? I know years ago Audi's had a reputation for being unreliable, is that still the case now?

1 hour ago, cliffcoggin said:

It's a known problem with your type of short journey driving that will prematurely ruin any engine.

Oh, I have never heard of this. Why would a short journey damage the engine?

9 hours ago, ZeroX said:

Oh, I have never heard of this. Why would a short journey damage the engine?

Getting a car to operating temperature is important for a number of reasons. Efficient fuel combustion in petrol (helps reduce carbon on intake valves and sparks), oil pressure and viscosity to lubricate engine components as oil heats up, battery health as alternator recharging battery. B9 battery health comes up a lot on the forum, and cars very susceptible to electronic issues if battery on the way out. New AGM battery probably £250-300 or so and needs coded to the car.

Short runs can potentially lead to water vapour as it’s not evaporating in engine and turns to sludge. Regular oil changes can help combat this. Battery drain, as alternator hasn’t fully recharged battery. Engine heat can help burn off carbon to a degree, but the car will always generate carbon.

I’d recommend at least 30 mins to an hour on a motorway or A class road once a week to help. Short runs over time are going to introduce issues.

As Stevey has suggested, check out VAG Technic YouTube. Few horror shows on poorly maintained engines, primarily S4, but also S5. I particularly remember this one. https://youtu.be/y-d0ymYi09o?si=0YcncBnJxZvYvh2A

There’s also an issue with rockers on some of these cars with needle bearings that disintegrate, as Audi subsequently revised the part. Regular oil changes can help.

Alex.

Given your evident lack of knowledge about cars and how to care for them, I ask again why you are so insistent on this one particular engine? The car you enquired about is utterly unsuited to the type of driving you do, so what is guiding your choices?

21 hours ago, ZeroX said:

Sorry what is "gen 2/3 vag"? I know years ago Audi's had a reputation for being unreliable, is that still the case now?

Hi generation 2/3 V6 engines suffer with all sorts of mechanical failures and its most likely the cars you are looking at will have either engine, therefore buying one with limited or no service history is not going to end well, I think Cliff is probably right in that if you have a limited knowledge of these cars steer well clear as there isa strong chance if you buy a RAT your finances will definitely suffer.

Steve.

12 hours ago, spartacus 68 said:

Getting a car to operating temperature is important for a number of reasons. Efficient fuel combustion in petrol (helps reduce carbon on intake valves and sparks), oil pressure and viscosity to lubricate engine components as oil heats up, battery health as alternator recharging battery. B9 battery health comes up a lot on the forum, and cars very susceptible to electronic issues if battery on the way out. New AGM battery probably £250-300 or so and needs coded to the car.

Short runs can potentially lead to water vapour as it’s not evaporating in engine and turns to sludge. Regular oil changes can help combat this. Battery drain, as alternator hasn’t fully recharged battery. Engine heat can help burn off carbon to a degree, but the car will always generate carbon.

I’d recommend at least 30 mins to an hour on a motorway or A class road once a week to help. Short runs over time are going to introduce issues.

As Stevey has suggested, check out VAG Technic YouTube. Few horror shows on poorly maintained engines, primarily S4, but also S5. I particularly remember this one. https://youtu.be/y-d0ymYi09o?si=0YcncBnJxZvYvh2A

There’s also an issue with rockers on some of these cars with needle bearings that disintegrate, as Audi subsequently revised the part. Regular oil changes can help.

Sorry just to clarify, the reason the cars featured in those videos have engine issues is because of poor maintenance? Not because there is anything inherently wrong with the specific design of the engine? Surely any car model of any make would suffer because of neglect? Or have I missed something?

10 hours ago, cliffcoggin said:

Alex.

Given your evident lack of knowledge about cars and how to care for them, I ask again why you are so insistent on this one particular engine? The car you enquired about is utterly unsuited to the type of driving you do, so what is guiding your choices?

I don't know, I'm not really sure how to answer that, I just like the S5 I guess. What would you recommend instead?

34 minutes ago, ZeroX said:

Sorry just to clarify, the reason the cars featured in those videos have engine issues is because of poor maintenance? Not because there is anything inherently wrong with the specific design of the engine? Surely any car model of any make would suffer because of neglect? Or have I missed something?

Yes and no. RS and S models bought from new and maintained as per manufacturing guidelines will still be excellent examples if serviced properly. The trouble is, as these cars have changed hands to new owners over the years, some of whom have potentially bought them on tight budget drawn by their performance, the servicing may have slipped and corners have been cut. Some will have had performance upgrades, aftermarket parts fitted, or been used for track days, etc. It’s a minefield, which is why it’s critical to have history.

In addition, chain stretch, camshaft sprocket wear, premature rocker needle bearing wear and carbon build up are real issues that surface, primarily because of the tolerance these cars are built too, but also because VAG group have been steadily economising in the face of competition from other manufacturers to save costs.

I’m sure regular oil changes will keep a lot of these issues in check, but it’s best to be aware. These are performance cars, so I think you need to be practical regards it being a daily runner based on its intended use.

At the end of the day, if you have the budget, go for it. Ultimately this is a forum. We only offer insights, to avoid potential issues issues down the line based on our own experiences.

59 minutes ago, spartacus 68 said:

Yes and no. RS and S models bought from new and maintained as per manufacturing guidelines will still be excellent examples if serviced properly. The trouble is, as these cars have changed hands to new owners over the years, some of whom have potentially bought them on tight budget drawn by their performance, the servicing may have slipped and corners have been cut. Some will have had performance upgrades, aftermarket parts fitted, or been used for track days, etc. It’s a minefield, which is why it’s critical to have history.

In addition, chain stretch, camshaft sprocket wear, premature rocker needle bearing wear and carbon build up are real issues that surface, primarily because of the tolerance these cars are built too, but also because VAG group have been steadily economising in the face of competition from other manufacturers to save costs.

I’m sure regular oil changes will keep a lot of these issues in check, but it’s best to be aware. These are performance cars, so I think you need to be practical regards it being a daily runner based on its intended use.

At the end of the day, if you have the budget, go for it. Ultimately this is a forum. We only offer insights, to avoid potential issues issues down the line based on our own experiences.

Oh, well I have owned quite a few different cars over the years but never an Audi. My father used to have a B3 Coupé many years ago.

If they are plagued by serious problems then of course that will make me consider not buying one, it's just I have been looking for about 4 years and haven't been able to find one, would feel like a lot of wasted time I guess.