UK running costs

15569 Views 47 Replies 17 Participants Last post by doubledoom, Mar 16, 2009

Highrisedrifter

Discussion Starter · Nov 17, 2008

Hi all you lucky S5 owners.

This is for you UK S5 people.

I have the option of getting my hands on a second hand S5 with pretty much all the options that I wanted on my A5. I refused to get a new S5 because of the depreciation hit and perceived servicing and running costs (and my other half wants £20k for her new car too).

Now I know that the S5 will be in a higher tax bracket, although I hear that the government is considering scrapping the new tax regime. And obviously the car will incur higher fuel bills.

What I mainly wanted to ask, especially those that had a comparable model to the A5 before, is how much higher your running and servicing costs are now please?

In my head, I’m still having trouble convincing myself to go for this S5 until I can nail down whether the perceived operating costs will be that much higher on the S5 than the A5.

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doubledoom

· #2 · Nov 17, 2008

how much higher your running and servicing costs are now please?

Since the software updates, I am getting 25 mpg average. Before the updates is was less than 20 mpg. Thats mostly on town driving with lots of stop starts. So, that should give you an indication of the mpg you are going to see.

Also, you will want to use use Super unleaded so factor that in. The car is sluggish on standard unleaded.

Highrisedrifter

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 17, 2008

Thanks mate

I've spoken to the servicing department at the dealership about servicing costs and they claim the S5 and the A5 are on similar servicing regimes and that the S5 will cost approximately £80 more per service due to the higher quality of oil.

Now that I've heard from the dealer, I would be interested to hear from owners regarding their specific servicing experiences.

I'll do an insurance comparison check when I get home although I have read the threads on here about it.

doubledoom

· #4 · Nov 17, 2008

I would be interested to hear from owners regarding their specific servicing experiences.

I'm not at the first servicing point yet. Thats at 2 years or around 19,000 miles (I think mine is showing it due at 18,800 or something like that).

RGBArgee

· #5 · Nov 17, 2008

Highrisedrifter, I had exactly the same dilemna.

I could only tease 16mpg out of an S5 when in my custody, I am regularly getting 40+ mpg from the 3.0Tdi. Lower road tax. Performance s5 = fractions of a second quicker 5.? seconds . 3.0Tdi = More Torque. Pulls incredibly well.

I was dubious about a diseasel but honestly it doesn't sound or smell like one, unlike my wife's A3 2.0Tdi Quattro 170. The only thing I miss is the lovely V8 noise. My advice FWIW is try a 3.0Tdi Quattro, does it all.

doubledoom

· #6 · Nov 17, 2008

I could only tease 16mpg out of an S5 when in my custody, I am regularly getting 40+ mpg from the 3.0Tdi.

16mpg was about right early on. But things are much better now. In 2007 my long term average was around 16-17mpg and I was filling up all the time. Either the software updates have improved the mpg (as has been suggested) or the engine has run in more and mid 20s are more common now. Indeed, I am filling up less than once a week now and not every 3 days.

RGBArgee

· #7 · Nov 17, 2008

I believe the Auto box S5 is more economical than the manual.

BUT even at today's Sainsbury fuel prices @ 40 and 25 mpg (generous) a mile in a 3.0Tdi costs 11p as opposed to 16p in an S5. If someone else is paying I would have an S5 as I am paying a 3.0Tdi Quattro SPORT it is!! + savings in Car Tax, Insurance, Servicing, initial cos, residuals etc... no brainer for me.

Highrisedrifter

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 17, 2008

doubledoom said:
16mpg was about right early on. But things are much better now. In 2007 my long term average was around 16-17mpg and I was filling up all the time. Either the software updates have improved the mpg (as has been suggested) or the engine has run in more and mid 20s are more common now. Indeed, I am filling up less than once a week now and not every 3 days.

My Lexus did 30mpg if I was lucky so mid 20s wouldn't be that much of a departure really.

Thanks to all who posted by the way, you're making my life even harder now!

I have set myself a budget that I absolutely have to stick to, so it's either a second hand larger engined car or a new 2.0. I like the S-Line bodykit, I think it makes the car look meaner (in my humble opinion) so really I want an S5 or i'll just stick to my current order.

The problem being is that I really need a car before March next year due to work. I'm using my girlfriend's car at the moment but she will be needing it a lot more come the new year.

I've taken a 3.0TDI out for a test drive and it did feel good. I've not driven a 2.0 A5 as they had literally only just been released and there were none about. The only 2.0 I could take out was an A4 and after being a member of this forum and learning a bit about Audis in general (thanks guys) i'm not sure how similar the power was on the A4 to the A5.

Although I could afford a new 3.0TDi, I don't think that delivery will be any quicker on a 3.0TDI S-Line to a 2.0 S-Line.

I still have a couple of months to sort something out before my car goes into production so i'll have to have a major think.

Damn this waiting game, it's driving me spare!

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RGBArgee

· #9 · Nov 17, 2008

Looking at your 2.0 spec my only advice would be alter to a QUATTRO, comfort pack? Dim mirrors ? Folding ? Electric seats NOT worth it IMHO. Still think you will be lucky getting 25 (average) with an S5 look at the combined mpg figures and knock off 10-15% is about right overall I am told. My average since 16 Oct 2000 miles in 3.0Tdi is 38.6, regularly get 43 on a run. stunning!

I think A4 and A5 engines are much the same BTW (except no V8 S4!)

GlennSmith

· #10 · Nov 17, 2008

Highrisedrifter said:
Damn this waiting game, it's driving me spare!

I cant believe your off thinking about changing your mind again

All I can say is if you do decide to stick with your current order.......I know you will not be disapointed. 3 months will have passed before you know it. If you need a car in between you can always hire a short term....check out http://www.carsondemand.co.uk/

My 2.0ltr 180 is 5 weeks old now and has 2330miles on the clock, has run in nicely and wow......its quick when you want it to be. And your waiting for the 211!!!!

For what it's worth.....I would stick to get the exact spec you want.......youve waited this long.....why compromise.

Dont think about it too much pal............your going to make yourself ill(er)

stick or twist?
G

REB_A5

· #11 · Nov 17, 2008

Just my 2p's worth.

A5 3.0TDi + Milltek + KW2's + H&R 15 mm Spacers + (mythical) APS Remap =

without the thirst of the S5!

Highrisedrifter

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 17, 2008

Thanks for the voices of reason chaps.

I went for the Comfort Pack for the same reason as the autobox, my back and left leg were injured by a drunk driver who took me off my motorbike last year and put me in hospital. After lots of surgery I'm still recuperating and need the extra support and comfort and can't use a clutch anymore as I gave little strength in my left leg.

I'm more considering my options which is why I thought I'd canvass opinions. My A5 order will not change but I wish I could have the damn thing now!

Ess5ive

· #13 · Nov 18, 2008

Hmmm, a difficult quandary HRD. I try not to think about the costs but with my car approaching 16K miles now and 1 year old at the end of Jan, I'm facing the following costs, all at round about the same time.

· 4 new tyres (currently down to about 3-4 mm all round - wear-rates are astonishingly even f/r) - call it £1000
· First service & next oil-change - indicated as being required pretty much on the nail at about 18500 mles - call it £4-500
· Tax - £400
All these costs will fall at round about the same time, so that's when I'll probably seriously reconsider if it's worth it.*

Re. economy, my long term average (i.e. 6 months since last reset) is 17.2mpg and I don't think I've ever had it above 23, even on a long motorway run. I'm fortunate enough to have an employer who subsidises my fuel costs but even at ~40% of £1.20 a litre or whatever it is nowadays, it makes you wince if you think about it too much.

End of the day, the S5 will always be a relatively extravagant vehicle to own - it's difficult to justify on today's economic/environmental landscape. But in some ways, that's the point - if you feel you're trying too hard to justify it, don't do it. Burning pound notes would have the same effect on your wallet - but be far less memorable.

But you may well derive just as much pleasure, albeit a less animalistic variety, form another model in the A5 range and by all accounts, the 2.0T is a corker.

* - For a nanosecond - this car has to be driven hard, it spends its life in the red section of the tacho and not once would I seriously consider a more economical machine. Sometimes enjoyment costs - and in my opinion, it's worth every penny.

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Highrisedrifter

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 18, 2008

Ess5ive said:
Hmmm, a difficult quandary HRD. I try not to think about the costs but with my car approaching 16K miles now and 1 year old at the end of Jan, I'm facing the following costs, all at round about the same time.

· 4 new tyres (currently down to about 3-4 mm all round - wear-rates are astonishingly even f/r) - call it £1000
· First service & next oil-change - indicated as being required pretty much on the nail at about 18500 mles - call it £4-500
· Tax - £400
All these costs will fall at round about the same time, so that's when I'll probably seriously reconsider if it's worth it.*

Re. economy, my long term average (i.e. 6 months since last reset) is 17.2mpg and I don't think I've ever had it above 23, even on a long motorway run. I'm fortunate enough to have an employer who subsidises my fuel costs but even at ~40% of £1.20 a litre or whatever it is nowadays, it makes you wince if you think about it too much.

End of the day, the S5 will always be a relatively extravagant vehicle to own - it's difficult to justify on today's economic/environmental landscape. But in some ways, that's the point - if you feel you're trying too hard to justify it, don't do it. Burning pound notes would have the same effect on your wallet - but be far less memorable.

But you may well derive just as much pleasure, albeit a less animalistic variety, form another model in the A5 range and by all accounts, the 2.0T is a corker.

* - For a nanosecond - this car has to be driven hard, it spends its life in the red section of the tacho and not once would I seriously consider a more economical machine. Sometimes enjoyment costs - and in my opinion, it's worth every penny.

That's a great quick synopsis there Ess5ive. Thanks muchly.

doubledoom

· #15 · Nov 18, 2008

I will record my mpg on the trip to the Lake District. Thats a lengthy run.

However, from Lowestoft to Norwich (door to door) I get 28-29 mpg. Thats about 34 miles of single lane A roads and town roads. It's not a road you can really overtake on much nowadays. So, you dont tend to use the engine power much. It virtually ticks over all the way there.

That said, it really doesnt matter if you are getting 22mpg or 29mpg. If you have to think about fuel economy then you know this car will not be as good as a diesel or smaller engined model. You dont buy the car for that reason.

However, you cannot dress up a lower powered model to give you the same feel as you will get in an S5. It doesnt matter what exhaust, remap or whatever you put on it. This is a heart vs head decision. Heart will always be S5. Head will be a lower powered model. So, does your pocket allow the heart to win or deep down do you know that its just going to be too much?

imers1234

· #16 · Nov 18, 2008

Stick with your spec. You will not be disappointed. I have the same spec that you are ordering apart from the Sline ( Damn Audi). It is quick, comfortable and I am getting 28 mpg and I drive like a boy racer in London. 750 miles done and it is getting better and better. Stick with it. Indecision is the worst feeling but your first instincts are normally the right ones.

Rab88

· #17 · Nov 18, 2008

doubledoom said:
I will record my mpg on the trip to the Lake District. Thats a lengthy run.

However, from Lowestoft to Norwich (door to door) I get 28-29 mpg. Thats about 34 miles of single lane A roads and town roads. It's not a road you can really overtake on much nowadays. So, you dont tend to use the engine power much. It virtually ticks over all the way there.

That's pretty damn good. I'd be happy to have a V8 under the bonnet and get 28-29mpg!

In town is an absolue killer in my 3.0TDI. And with diesel being 14p/litre more expensive than petrol it's putting a hole in the pocket.

Highrisedrifter

Discussion Starter · #18 · Nov 18, 2008 (Edited)

Thanks again all

Although fuel bills will be higher in an S5, in all honesty, it's only short trips in the evenings and the weekends I will be using the car, and that is only because of my work patterns and the fact that it's easier to use the train to get to the office. All in, I expect to do roughly 5000 miles a year. Official governemnt statisitics on fuel costs are £1351 for 12,000 miles on the A5 2.0T 180 Multi (which is the one I will be getting) and £2482 for the S5 for the same mileage. This translates to about £46 per month for the A5 and £86 per month for the S5 based on my projected annual mileage.

I've checked on insurance now and it's only about £50 more expensive than the A5, which was an eye-opener.

The stated official MPG figures for both the A5 and the S5 seem to be a little bit off, if the forums are anything to go by.

So i've nailed down insurance and servicing costs. Fuel bills will be approximately just under twice the A5. Tax will be the issue but it depends on whether the government do actually decide to drop or change their ideas they have. But then it's only going to be about £400 a year compared with about £200.

My head is defintiely saying A5 but my heart is defintiely saying S5. Which will win out...

Any other thoughts will be well received. I'm very grateful for those that have responded, it's all helping me make a decision.

Currently, I have my dealership looking at sourcing an S5 with exactly the spec I want on my A5 with the proviso that my order for the A5 still stands unless he finds something that is of interest and meets my exacting criteria. The S5 I mentioned in my first post is not exactly what I want and I will have to compromise on too much merely to get into one. This is something i'm not happy with.

One thing that may well help is to try to organise an extended test drive of an S5, maybe over 24 hours or so. I've heard that some dealers have done this in the past (forum search FTW) but I wonder if this is an official Audi thing or just a dealership decision.

I shall give my dealer a call and see what I can organise I think.

Again, I salute the fountain of knowledge that is the A5OC!

EDIT: I have just phoned the dealership and they don't have an S5 at all for test driving, let alone one for an extended drive. P1ssmittens.

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nikenike

· #19 · Nov 18, 2008

Get the S5 !

If you can get one for the same price as you were going to pay for the A5 and you are only going to do 5000 miles per year I would go for the S5. Different story if you are doing 15-20k per year. I love my A5 but if I was in your situation the S5 option would win hands down.

Mad

· #20 · Nov 18, 2008

If you wont be using the S5 everyday and doing 12000 + miles per year go for the S5 Highrisedrifter if you are thinking about low running costs.

I bought my S5 last Dec 07 and dont use it everyday as i have my work van,have done 7700 miles to date and has not cost me much at all in fuel as you would expect but i bought my S5 knowing that i would be using it just as i do what i save in fuel compared to other guys suppose pays for high insurance + road tax.

I probably would have bought a A5 if i was going to use car everyday with the low mpg on the S5 but wasnt really an option once i heard the V8

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