Affordable Dream Car: The 2012 Audi RS5 is a V8 German Express for Ford Fiesta ST Money

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@greathey1234]

Your dad seems like a proper petrol head. Why don't you interview him one day?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@greathey1234 it's complicated

[@coalieroller5663]

@@JayEmmOnCars come on, we would love to hear the stories and the cool cars.

[@tahiyasultanaelmu2395]

0

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

It's not a bargain because... Big Road Tax, Big Insurance, Low MPG, Expensive to Run and Expensive Parts. Audi Charge ridiculous prices for spares!! Some sections of Trim can cost £600 or more.. The Fiesta ST makes a lot more sense for somebody with this kind of money to spend.. I think perhaps you hang around only wealthy people so you don't understand how things work for none wealthy people.

[@motorconcierge]

Oh Yes! And not only the engine, but the insane grip this car had both summer and winter was and is crazy. One of Audi's best eras.

[@rahulmandala4930]

That V8 is hella charming❤

[@motorconcierge]

@@rahulmandala4930 facts

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Nah, they were well past their best by this point - post GFC the penny pinchers took over and started cutting corners on engineering, which is why Audi's become so unreliable so quickly. Still a great car, but I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole as I'd be terrified something horrific was going to go wrong with it and it'd become more expensive to fix than the value of the car. Good on those that aren't risk adverse for keeping them on the road though, I do appreciate it.

[@paulevans2302]

Agreed, the grip is insane. Flooring it off wet roundabouts is hilarious, it just takes off.

[@speak_your_truth.]

Steering is horrible

[@STERNWAERTS]

This as well as the BMW E92 is as modern as cars needed to look. These two coupes are well-proportioned and timelessly designed. They are classics already. I wish I could afford one!

[@edwardgreaves344]

Yep 100% it’s a German muscle car. And a brilliant one. I’ve had a 2015 (last of the facelifted V8s) for just over 6 months. Spent a year looking for the right one. Absolutely loving it. Great review!

[@M3dicayne]

Still have it? If not, why did you give it away?

[@TheJordanSed]

@@kresnik_ss was gona say till you have to maintenance that thing have fun.

[@SimianWonder]

​@@TheJordanSedI just put 4 new tyres on mine. Retail would have been £1400.

[@Adamskiidu]

Thanks again for taking my car out, love the review and glad you enjoyed it! 14:50 - Replay button for the sound :D

[@brandoncleary1162]

Have you still got your RS5?

[@Adamskiidu]

@@brandoncleary1162 I do indeed. It is up for sale though.

[@EGGLOVER2010]

@@brandoncleary1162 it’s on auto trader atm £16,495

[@NightfallDrives]

Always loved these - if you might enjoy starring in a driving video on it, give me a shout 😎

[@SimianWonder]

X pipe or straight pipe?

[@padbender2972]

I owned a 2015 RS5 for 6 years before going into a 911 Turbo. Still miss that car...

[@Eduardolo1964]

I drive the RS4 2013 Avant and this car really has an extremely high utility value. Outstanding in any weather and the high revving engine is a dream. The fascination comes from the engine and no V6 can match it. If you think the fuel bill is extremely high, you're wrong because 11 L/100 km is absolutely justifiable. The RS5 as well as the RS4 is a totally underrated car with the potential to become a classic.

[@theeinsuranceguy]

The trunk in my 13RS5 is huge. So much room

[@Generalkenobi325]

I think the money it costs when something goes wrong just turns people away instantly with big thirsty German bruits like this

[@kingGar27]

Plus tax and insurance…

[@mauripekkarinen1]

​@@kingGar27And fuel cost.

[@jameshogg601]

Plus the horrific fuel economy

[@moog247]

I can take the general running costs but that engine is horrendously expensive to work on. Many are the horror videos on here. Hard pass.

[@rizzrazz]

Tax is excruciatingly expensive for anything remotely interesting like this now, and will only get worse. Almost 700 quid!! Absolutely ridiculous

[@kennythomson4934]

My Google friend owns an Audi/vw specialist garage. When I buy any car, he is my go to for superb advice. The laughing stopped around 30 seconds later after saying I was thinking about changing my golf R for one. Horrendous bills await I was told in no uncertain terms.

[@paulevans2302]

Bought a 2012 RS5 late last year (2022) 10 year old car with 65,000 miles & FSH. Was originally looking for an S5 when this came up for sale not far from where I live & i then couldn’t unsee the RS. Bit a did of research on them, plus a car vertical check on the car & couldn’t be happier with it. Fuel economy is horrendous, 14.1 average MPG but my daily commute is only 12 miles so can live with that. Tax is extortionate but i knew what i was getting into. Insurance isn’t as bad as i expected, couple of hundred quid dearer than my old Golf. Stuff like tyres, brake discs etc… outrageous. But would i change it for anything else… NO WAY 😍😍😍

[@vargapeterke]

Same! I had two Porsches before and the RS5 still impressed me. 😅

[@Sean-if7rp]

14mpg sounds particularly low, sitting in traffic much?

[@paulevans2302]

@@Sean-if7rp it’s an urban commute combined with a heavy right foot 🤣. Rarely do motorway runs but when i do it returns about 26mpg.

[@Sean-if7rp]

@@paulevans2302 Ahh makes sense then with an urban commute, might be buying the one from this very video and was kind of enticed by the figures quoted in it for a long run

[@paulevans2302]

@@Sean-if7rp it’s a great car mate, but make sure everything is in good working order. Just had rear discs & pads replaced at £1200. So factor in anything you think may need replacing soon.

[@damiendarlington]

In my eyes.... The best looking RS car / shape ever made by Audi!!!

[@benjaminkenny8492]

Agree . It's a beauty lovely German engineering 👍🇩🇪

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

A friend at work bought one of these. It bankrupted him. It cost more to keep on the road than the F10 M5 he had before it.

[@vanhanliiton7232]

Its vw just dont buy these u need new motor soon

[@xoxoxar]

It must've been poorly maintained. They're reliable when maintained well and repairs will be minimal. Brakes are very expensive to replace on this car. It's an 8 cylinder so more spark plugs and oil are needed for routine maintenance. My friend had a high mileage one that was great. Someone totalled it (they hit it while it was parked).

[@mattbudesa6351]

He went from an f10 M5 to this? What a downgrade.

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

I just did 4000 kilometers in a week with my Audi RS5 (11') and it was flawless, obviously it drinks quite a lot but you can happily cruise at 200 kph on the autobahn + it did 100-200 in 12.2 seconds, so still fast!

[@th3orist]

with this type of car (age) its not really the question whether or not its affordable, but whether or not its financially viable in terms of maintenance.

[@kamilianos]

it makes sense if you are a car nut and have deep wallet.

[@th3orist]

@@kamilianos true but only then.

[@Pod.Snipsz]

theyre very reliable cars and lots of low milage examples out there, with regular maintanance it will be fine.

[@scottbonehead]

Absolutely love my pre face lift RS5! And you be hit the nail on the head James, it’s a perfect GT car! Always wanted a V8 RS and originally was after a B7 RS4, but they were all dogs! Stumbled across the RS5 not far from home and went to have a look and instantly fell in love with it! Such a comfortable car for long drives and an absolute hooligan when you want it to be! Best of both worlds!

[@EazySDJ]

I was considering a big Audi RS after getting rid of my Mk 7.5 Fiesta ST. After many many weeks of research I was too terrified of going bankrupt. Ended up with a 530d M Sport Touring. So happy I did. My first BMW and I think it’s perfect.

[@ballyp81]

Similar here... Came from an RS4 B7 Avant, now a BMW 330d E91 m package, built engine with more power than the Audi, with long term consumption of 6,5 liter / 100km

[@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast]

I absolutely love this gen of audi coupe. I drove a b8 s5 and found it a little too boring tbh, but the rs5 seems like a totally different animal. A FR layout audi R8 if there ever was one

[@juawei1940]

I will always be drawn to the Audi's of this cars generation because of their interiors, I still absolutely love the interior on my 10 year old A3 s-line. Solid build quality, nice materials, comfortable and just looks so good.

[@tommorgan7136]

Love the video, James. I bought a 2010 VW R36 Passat wagon based on your review of that car a few years ago, and have been thoroughly enjoying it as my first car.

[@axe2grind244]

In the US an nice R36 wagon would go for $40k+ if it were legal lol.

[@vanhanliiton7232]

Bro bought passat 😂😂

[@neverquit2470]

Enjoy it

[@initialyeet3951]

@@axe2grind244 yeah lol, I wish I had one

[@initialyeet3951]

@@vanhanliiton7232ok, and?

[@graemecollie9233]

Great video James. A couple of points; The engine used was a derivative of the B7 RS4 / R8 V10 engine, different from those put in the S4 / S5 of the same generation If anything it was a B7RS4 / R8V8 engine but with revised intakes and dual throttle bodies rather than the single throttle body on the RS4 and a higher rev limiter. Pre-facelift had known handling dynamic issues which were resolved with the facelifted versions so it was more than just cosmetic. DRC is sublime when it works, only rivalled by Ohlins Stasis, possibly Bilstein. Like experienced in your review, KW V3's whilst commonplace are hard riding, crashy and exacerbates the infamous 'Audisteer'. The DRC in the RS5 is 1st generation and like all used Audi RS cars, when you buy one find a good independent at the same time, the better ones have the DRC gen 1 pressurisation tool and will do a better job at it than Audi for a fraction of the cost (c.£2k for a complete new system plus fitting / pressurisation)! If you go to Audi for servicing then yes it will cost a fortune to maintain, most parts and consumables can be had and fitted for a fraction of the price. Personally I'd recommend never taking an Audi extended warranty and keep the money aside in a slush fund. Valve spring failure is common, APR do a performance valve spring set, well worth installing when a carbon clean is also done. Ironic you say not to track them as Audi Experience for many years used the RS5 V8 as instructor / pace cars! Reality is that as a fabulous sounding solidly built GT they are a great proposition, torque light for sure but then they were never designed or marketed to be hussled like the B7 RS4.

[@gitanodel69]

Thank you for your insight!

[@Peanutdenver]

Great breakdown of the B7 RS4. I had a Daytona Grey one with the "titanium package" that I really loved. I ended up selling it for a E92 M3, but forever will miss it...had a better manual then my M3 as well.

[@Dtp2296]

When did the b7 rs4 have a v10? I owned one it was a v8

[@Peanutdenver]

@@Dtp2296 He never said the B7 RS4 had a V10. He mentioned the R8 V10 and the R8 V8, go read his comment again you probably misread it initially.

[@graemecollie9233]

@@Dtp2296 it didn't, like my B7 RS4 which I owned for 5 years it too had a V8, the engine block has similar architecture to the R8 V10 and is the same engine as in the R8 V8.

[@15DEAN1995]

i wanted to buy an audi s5 4.2 v8 so badly at one point, i then read how much it costs to keep one going. it worked out it was going to cost within the next 10k miles half the value of the car to keep it running well. thats why the s5 at least is dirt cheap, if you see one way higher than the others in money that means the mandatory work has probably been done.

[@PK-sg1po]

The rs5’s engine is way more reliable than the non rs 4.2fsi.

[@garycartwright4860]

V8 S5 is slow and heavy. Not worth the fuel bill.

[@t8506]

@@PK-sg1po its not about reliable. to do any kind of work on it requires the engine to be taken out which is why its so expensive to maintain

[@aivarusk218]

@@garycartwright4860completely agree, Ive owned both RS5 and S5, the S5 feels very heavy and really doesn’t feel that quick at all

[@garycartwright4860]

@@aivarusk218 my remapped 530d used to breeze past them … a lot of noise and not much go … love these RS5s though.

[@RoshanKumar-sk7ch]

Great watch. This car was my first proper performance car many years ago after two previous A5s and before lots of M cars and AMGs. You just can’t fault it for value for money and whilst not as engaging as an E92 M3 it’s a much better and much more modern / comfortable daily. Great all year round and has aged gracefully. Much better than a B7 RS4 and miles better than the same shape S5. Easily one of the best RS engines of its generation it just pulls and pulls effortlessly and feels faster than a V8 R8 in a straight line and not too demanding to handle. Expensive to fix and I’m not sure they are super reliable having been thrashed by most of their owners at this age!

[@neilhealey6187]

I’ve got one. Absolutely love it. Not cheap to run as lots are saying but the smiles per hour make up for it, especially if you add a resonator delete or full system. I get around 20mpg and that is town/country driving and with a heavy right foot to hear the roar! Up over 6000rpm, with the Res delete, I don’t think there is anything for the money which sounds as good, maybe an old C63 or one of the older RS twin turbos but the fact it then gets to 8250rpm just does it for me!!

[@JustMyOpinion-]

you got any vidoes bro?

[@BentzensEmporium]

I own the A5 3.0 V6 TDI with a stage 1 remap to just over 300bhp and i love it. You can come and drive it anytime.

[@stevelane1956]

Quite probably the greatest engine ever made! Who would swap that V8 soundtrack for a soulless and mega expensive E-Tron?

[@chubbsmasterson]

Love these, I’ve had one for nearly four years with 36k miles. Wouldn’t recommend as a daily personally, it’s a nice alternative to m3 and c63. Great value for money, not sure on buying them with higher miles as maintenance bills can be pricy. Brakes alone for discs and pads on front quoted from Audi were £1300.

[@betterdeadthanred839]

I live in the U.S (Texas) and my friend has one these. He bought it used with close to a 80K miles. I told him right away that he might made a mistake and that cost keeping it on the road might be too much for his budget. Long story short I was wrong. My friend still has his RS5 to this very same day and he logged additional 80K miles on it, which puts it around 160K miles. Car still runs and drives without any issues. No major failures and expensive repairs. Break job wasn't the cheapest one and I recently helped him replace all four struts. He found a great deal trough VW and Audi ECS tuning and payed around $1100 for all four. Registration in Texas is extremely cheap, so as gasoline prices.....so it's not so expensive to drive it every day, which my friend does. Since he payed it off, his insurance rate dropped signifant. I drove this car numerous times and just few days ago.....even with 160K miles on it, it still pulls strong, shifts smoothly. Interior held up really well, leather still looks good.....no rattles and shakes....Audi did a great jon with this one...

[@chubbsmasterson]

@@betterdeadthanred839 that’s great to hear your friend has a beneficial/affordable experience with it, definitely the fuel prices in US compared to the Uk would make it more affordable to run. I’ve only put 9k miles on mine in 3 years, but had one breakdown regarding of all things a flex plate.

[@xxbucajucaxx7426]

​@betterdeadthanred839 thanks this was very informative. Looking for a used RS5 right now with about 80k miles lol.

[@theeinsuranceguy]

why would go to the stealership for brakes? Go to an indy shop and bring your parts as the oem audi rotors warp easily.

[@chubbsmasterson]

@@theeinsuranceguyjust a quote for those who do go to Audi dealerships, I did exactly what you suggested and went for non waveys and got a local Audi specialist to change them.

[@davidarter6271]

Not everyone is interested in an M3, and this is a good performer like you rightly said. I’ve always thought these to be a handsome car and a nice car for a single or even a couple with no kids. Another excellent review James, Thankyou.

[@zorbathegreek192]

I've owned an RS4 b8,5 for a couple of years now. I did look at the newer one, but the sound of that V8 is superb. I also changed the suspension over to bilstein coil overs with adjustable dampeners. Superb handling.

[@apostolis2939]

I was at a car show a couple of months ago and there was an original dark blue rs5 (the pre-facelit one which in my opinion looks even better) with its tilted sunroof matching the deployed rear spoiler it looked so clean in terms of lines, so purposeful and so well ballanced i stopped and stared for like a minute. Precisely across it in a similar shade of blue there was a new 4 series, I didn't only felt disapointed but actually slightly angry that we allowed progress to lead to such an abomination.

[@baoquoc3710]

BMW 4 Series?

[@encinobalboa]

Most BMW's have been ugly since the Bangle era.

[@apostolis2939]

@@baoquoc3710 Yes, the current bmw 4 series coupe

[@apostolis2939]

@@encinobalboa Yes, but there have been some bright exceptions like the e89 z4, the 6 series gran coupe, the original 4 series, the i8 and many solid designs that aren't as slick and elegant as let's say an e39 but still look good (f22, g30, f30, g15 etc). Now every new model is like a design competition an who can make the most hideous design. The xm seams to have been a step too far as they are very slow sellers

[@encinobalboa]

@@apostolis2939 Guess I am old school. I used to have 2002 Alpina, 635CSi, and 1999 328i. I'm a Merc guy now.

[@ftffighter]

I will say, these engines are actually pretty strong! The 4.2L typically suffers from plastic timing chain guide failures BUT the RS models use metal timing chain guides and better tensioners so they don't have that problem. These RS4's and RS5's use the pinnacle 4.2L V8 that is the best!

[@X055_s5]

My advice for ya'll who decide to get a V8...learn the engine and quick...diagrams are your best friend & finding parts & fitting them yourself to save costs. 2nd fuel economy is bad, but hearing the car scream its V8 note will change your mind. Owned the S5 4.2 for 2 years now, no regrets. Certainly not the fastest of cars, but for sound, style and presence its a bargain & to daily drive in comfort, smiles all the way

[@zackariaso]

I test drove one of these earlier this year (with a mighty Armytrix exhaust) and since then I've been hooked. I've driven a lot of cars (including AMGs and old turbo BMWs) but nothing has come close to the complete feeling this car gives. The combination of the engine, suspension and interior quality is just supreme. I liked it so much that I'm currently looking at buying one here in Sweden or in Germany - just waiting for the right spec and price to come up.

[@speedshed]

I’ve had my 2015 RS5 for 5 years now and loved every minute of it so far. Keep looking for the right one, it will be out there, but will be so worth the wait when you find it.

[@svgaming2716]

@@speedshed i am looking for a B8.5 and i always wonder is it actually reliable? And also should I never send it to an audi dealer for maintaining it?

[@speedshed]

@@svgaming2716 hello. Every performance car can have problems as we know. These RS5’s are no longer made and as the ownership grows and the potential for skipped or budget maintenance increases finding the right one can become more challenging. Weak points: failing chain tensioners, faulty cats and leaky DRC if your vehicle has it, DRC was an option. I was very choosy, purchased my car as a 1 owner at 3 years old. Full ASH, never mapped never launched. I’ve found that main dealer fixed price servicing is cheaper than an independent who doesn’t necessarily understand these motors as well with my typical annual service being around £300. I make sure all my fluids are changed, rear final drive, front final drive, s-tronic gearbox and engine oils. To date, touch wood, I’ve looked after my RS5 and it’s looked after me. Good luck with your search 👍

[@speedshed]

@@svgaming2716 hello. As we know performance cars can have problems. The RS5 is now no longer made, as they age this increases their owner count and the potential for skipped or budget maintenance. I was fussy when I bought my one at 3 years old, 1 owner, never mapped, never launched and full ASH. I have found that main dealer fixed price servicing is cheaper than an independent who doesn’t necessarily understand these cars as well with my annual service costing roughly £300. They have weak spots, timing chain tensioners, faulty cats and leaky DRC if your car has that, DRC was an option. I’m on top of the servicing making sure to change the rear final Drive oils, front final drive and s-tronic fluids. I’ve looked after my RS and it’s looked after me. If you do embark on RS ownership go in with your eyes open. Over the past 5 years, as a safety net, I’ve built up a reliability fund. To me that just makes sense. Good luck with your search.

[@arvan_gurjar]

Great video as always James. IF you had to choose between this or the XKR, what would be your pick? Considering both of them where somewhat forgotten and now can be had for insane prices.

[@make.oxtail.cheap.again1]

XFR more practical and great sound

[@jonathanstamp]

@@make.oxtail.cheap.again1op said xKr

[@jayjaydev6525]

I had both. The sound and gearbox of the RS5 are very nice, but the power of the 5.0 XKR is in another league. IMHO the RS5 never had the claimed 450hp and felt quite heavy.

[@diesel92kj1]

14k is damn expensive.

[@make.oxtail.cheap.again1]

@@jonathanstamp thats why I said xfr is more practical.....same engine

[@SimianWonder]

The B8.5 RS5 is one of the all-time greats as a daily. The interior does show its age a little, but it's still a nicer place than the equivalent C63 or M3, but the exterior design is still fantastic. Plus, the engine. It doesn't burble like the C63s V8, but it sounds heavenly nonetheless.

[@theeinsuranceguy]

crackle tunes are for hondas bro lol

[@SimianWonder]

​@@theeinsuranceguyI never mentioned crackle tunes...?

[@geoffclarke3796]

Great cars. An ex-work collegue of mine had one of these about 10 years ago (in red) and was very impressed during a brief ride. The engine is great, at least as good as the V8 in the M3 and the gearbox is pretty decent too. It's got typical Audi supurb build quality and is a better looking car imo than the E92 M3. I keep thinking about getting one as a lot of car for the money but just the understeer due to all the weight at the front of the car that puts me off.

[@KindJoe]

Watching this made me chuckle regarding the suspension. I've had my 2014 RS5 for 6 years now. Last year I replaced the DRC suspension with...KW adaptive coilovers. IMO it rides and handles better than stock. I've just had to replace the pads and discs all round. Both of these jobs were very expensive. But. Every time I think about changing it I can't think of anything out there that I'd rather have. Even if the road tax is ridiculous.

[@eagle_and_the_dragon]

I've got an 11 plate Gen 1 Sportback. MPG on the 3.0tdi AWD is decent. For the performance you get I'm happy with 40-47mpg. Grip is excellent. The snow came quite thick during March this year, and the Car made sure I got to work 😅 Love it to pieces. Hopefully not literal ones though.

[@rhodaborrocks-dy3fb]

Absolutely one of the best looking - and best sounding- cars on the planet

[@olewurtz7625]

I had a 2010 S5 as my daily from 2013 to 2018 and put 60k miles on it. Never an issue, except a dead battery in 2018. However, another weak point on the S5 and potentially also the RS5 is the liquid filled engine mounts. They are prone to collapsing due to leaking. You just re-kindled my interest in the RS5

[@benwilliams2933]

Always fancied an RS5 convertible, I imagine the sound with the roof down would be incredible.

[@hamishbartholomaeus]

4 Lt is on of the magic displacements for V8 engines. Every one of them that you can think of is simply glorious in their own way, including the old Holden/GM 253/4.2

[@onecookieboy]

Funny you say that, I have thought 500cc per cylinder is the Goldilocks spot, also a square bore and stroke. 500cc single motorcycles, 1000 cc twins, 2000 four cylinder, 3000 sixes, 40000 8's, there are many loved engines around that follow the same formula.

[@robinforrest7680]

Understeer - nature’s way of saying « Slow down you pillock « 😂😂😂

[@aljack1979]

I had an A5 S line limited edition 3.0 quattrro. Interior is a fabulous place to be, better than some very high end brands. B&O stereo was insane. Miss it

[@davidbewick9208]

I have a 2012 S4 and it is a joy to own. Very reasonable to run if you use an independent specialist.

[@FelixBrendel]

I love you man. Such real world reviews from a normal human being. You're a legend! Loved my B8.5 A5 3.0 TDI

[@robinforrest7680]

Excellent vidéo James! Not in my budget. But my 2004 9-5 Aero estate was ! When my old base model 2.0t died and I got a repair quote for 1500€ it was a no brainer. I wanted a first generation because I hate the Dame Edna facelift (which brought in GM cheap plastic and crappy electronics). The phase one - even 20 years on - has hardly any wrinkles at all. Lovely black leather and sooo clean inside. Everything works as it should too. I paid £1150 for it last summer, remapped it to Maptun stage one and drove it back home to France. You’ll be stretched to find a reasonable working car in France these days at under 2000€, so even after import tax and VAT it was an absolute bargain, high mileage (185k) but FSH and loads of new parts. It now has 265hp and runs on E85 ethanol at under 1€ a litre. Put it in sport mode and in the mid range and it’s an absolute riot. Pulling away from motorway tolls in France is particularly amusing. I’ve named it « Sovvagn » which is Swedish for sleeper. No one expects an old estate to be quite that fast, just as nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition 😂 Would you consider reviewing a few older less expensive performance cars like this? How about an under £2500 challenge? What would you buy?

[@Eidrian111]

*yawn*

[@robinforrest7680]

@@Eidrian111 💩🫵🏻

[@mizanchoudhury9536]

Currently own a s5 v8 of this generation and even though it's not the fastest it's the best car I've owned for price. Luxurious, great V8 rumble and such a beauty to look at

[@eljefeamericano4308]

This was a fantastic review. I own an '09 A5 S-Line. It's not as fast, but it does have a manual transmission, which none of the RS5s can claim! Honestly, that is the one detail that keeps this generation of the RS5 from perhaps being my ideal car. I'm not a street racer, I'm not taking my car to the drag strip... I just like to enjoy it when I am driving it, and a manual transmission goes a long way in that regard. Now, my biggest problem is trying to decide between the B8 or B8.5 S5... both available with a stick, one with that wonderful 4.2 V8, the other with that very tunable 3.0T V6. Decisions, decisions...!

[@benlowe578]

The automatic in a RS5 is really good though. Much better than a manual tbh. It's the S-Tronic gearbox, it's smooth and shifts way quicker than you can. It was an expensive option on the Audi R8 of that era.

[@PoRtEr3196wk]

Yeah but it's not manual?

[@benlowe578]

@@PoRtEr3196wk unless you're taking a car to a track, what purpose does a manual actually serve? Automatic dual clutch gearboxes are just way better

[@PoRtEr3196wk]

@benlowe578 how can't you wrap your head around that manual is a totally different experience to automatic? It's a personal preference and many people find manual more enjoyable and engaging on a road not just a track

[@eljefeamericano4308]

@@benlowe578 I'm not trying to argue that the manual is the 'better' option. If pure performance was my only concern, I would take a dual-clutch over a manual. But I enjoy the manual transmission more. It's really satisfying to nail the rev-matching on downshifts, or accelerate hard in the low gears just to skip a few as the RPMs drop, and let off the clutch at just the right time in sixth. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I really have a good time with it.

[@jakethemuss5350]

I bought a 2015 sepang blue with 38,000kms on the clock. It's a wicked car, the engine is amazing and it's got a quality interior. I'm 6ft 10 and can drive it comfortably. I just view it as a 2 seater anyway!

[@thetoppercent9638]

6’10 or 6’1?

[@vargapeterke]

I have one and absolutely love it! Mine is factory Audi passive suspension and it’s way better set up to mitigate understeer. Plus magnetic ride repair costs scare me! Overall, brilliant sports car with a unicorn engine, amazing sound and usable rear seats. 👍🏻

[@bmstylee]

It's a nice car. But as Jack from Number 27 said that the people buying these now can't generally afford the maintenance a car of this type requires. So regular maintenance is neglected and when something goes wrong it will be expensive.

[@omnitraveller]

I spent a lot of time deciding between this and the V6 S5. In the end I was too scared of the maintenance costs. At the same time, the S5 seemed almost as quick during a test drive and has way better fuel economy

[@luciengranger2762]

People undermine the s5, it's a brilliant package 📦 👌🏽

[@geothr33]

Basically just went through this same thing and ended up getting an S5 2016

[@gustavob514]

this car is beatiful i like its aesthetics even more than the newer redesigns

[@kamilianos]

I was considering buying this car at point. It's amazing, no doubt. I am happy for the owner and wish him trouble free miles. What put me off was the extraordinary cost of basic consumables (breaks and tires) and the less important VED (yet final nail in the coffin in the grand scheme of things).

[@brancoanabela9350]

Dommage tu ne pourra jamais acheter de sportives, car le prix des freins et des pneus non rien avoir avec le modèle de voiture mais plutôt avoir avec la performance !

[@VinnyTheChin11]

The best audi ever made imo and the last of them 2014 of the power house v8s this engine and body style will remain ageless for a very long time to come. Own a 2013 rs5 and man its a smile to your face everytime. This is what german engineering is all about. Forget about the latest all turbo focus crap. Pure engine power cant be beat from sound and natural power.

[@lovielovegrove3403]

Great video. I love my 2009 A5 Coupe and cannot think of any comparable car that I would prefer.

[@MrRossi78]

Might be a future classic

[@CritteRino]

Really nice car, but you always have to remember. A really expensive car that lost lots of its price will still be a really expensive car in every other aspect than the initial buying price.

[@xoxoxar]

The rs5 is beautiful and with the right exhaust it sounds like a baby lambo. Maintenance on RS cars is much more expensive though. If you're not necessarily looking for a v8, buy a b8.5 s5 (3 liter supercharged). They are very tunable and maintenence is cheaper. I've had a b8.5 s5 for 5 years now. It's stage 2 tuned (450ish HP) and no issues whatsoever. Just oil changes, brakes, and tires. Love this audi! Fun fact, this was designed by walter de silva who designed the first gen r8.

[@CalMillward]

I would love the RS5 but the road tax currently being £675 a year is beyond a piss-take

[@Granattaaaaaa]

buyer beware: The Audi V8 engine uses dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. Those camshafts are driven by a timing chain, located at the rear of the engine behind the transmission. Unfortunately failure prone timing components and the placement of this chain results in expensive failures since repairs are very labour intense. The rest of the engine however is well built but has unique design elements, such as timing chain powered accessories and a 5 valve design. The oil pump, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and water pump are driven by an extra accessory drive timing chain setup and shafts leading to the front of the engine to where they reside, as opposed to the alternator which is powered by a traditional belt from the harmonic balancer at the front of the engine. There are two versions of the 4.2L engine - newer Audi's have timing setups at the front of the engine which weren't nearly as failure prone. The engine in this video (BBK) failed due to a cracked plastic timing chain guide causing timing to skip and errors to be alerted in the computer before complete catastrophic failure. It was out of a 2007 Audi S4 B7. Other failure modes include failed timing chain tensioners, camshaft phasers and stretched chains causing rattle upon cold starts. The block itself is great, everything around it is cheap/nasty and WILL break under regular usage. It is a great car, but only when maintained correctly. All others are money pits.

[@brianiswrong]

Anybody considering this car needs to read the above ad educate themselves a little.

[@Thecarbonhero]

The B6, B7 S4 and B8 S5 have plastic guides. The B7 RS4, V8 R8, and RS5 have reinforced guides. Those crazy chain failures are specific to the S model earlier gen V8s. Worst case on this car with timing are lazy upper chain tensioners. Source: own an S4 and have watched endless VAG Technic videos on what can fail and on what car.

[@commanchi7]

These are also the same blocks that need frequent walnut blasting to be de-coked to even reach factory power right?

[@Thecarbonhero]

@@commanchi7 if owners run bad gas and stretch oil changes or use bad oil, then yes. I have 105,000 miles on mine and it’s barely got anything. LiquiMoly 5w40 and 91 0% ethanol. The cars can take 87 but that causes problems like the one you mentioned.

[@MuscleBandit]

This was the comment I was looking for. These cars are much the same as cheap luxo barges, they are cheap and tempting but can and will bite owners and bite them hard. Always have a good few grand sat there spare for repair bills or do what I've done and buy an MX-5 for cheap reliable fun motoring!

[@francobanzini665]

Had 3 A5’s 2 x 3.0 TDI and finally an RS5 - one of the last limited addition Matt grey cars with the clever rear diff. The DRC did give up on me so it got moved on. However, it was a great car and surprisingly comfortable. However, the TTRS that replaced it is in a different league.

[@bh760]

Watching/listening to this whilst browsing the Trader for the very car you are reviewing is one of my favourite things in life. Did the same with the Lexus ISF review and many others. Great channel @Jayemm

[@johannjohann6523]

Wow, this car completely changed my view about Audi. Only thing, I'm not exactly sure about the exhaust note, but that's an easy fix. Sweet car.

[@jamessheehy4895]

I do look at these in the classifieds all the time

[@SignoPanino]

I’m 24 and tried to get a quote on an RS5.. cheapest I got offered was £3.8k with similar credentials. I know location can be a factor but…

[@theeinsuranceguy]

I have this car in a 2013 RS5 paired up with Capristo exhaust. With the jhm tune you can launch from 6k rpms. Bouncing off the rev limiter sounds amazing! Get one if you can.

[@dadcars]

I’ve always loved the shape of the A5… Audi we’re killing it in the late 00s with the A5 and R8 😎

[@captainsidewinder]

Timing gear that’s very hard to refresh & service makes engines like this a mechanical time bombs

[@Lukeywoodsey]

I see A5s around of this version, and I can't get over how pretty it is. Then there's that engine

[@scottmuir2385]

When I was in the market for a car in 2020 after relocating to the UK, I test drove an Audi RS4 Facelifted V8, Multiple M3’s/M4’s (F8X Platform), and the C63s. I loved the sound of the RS4, I mean epic - but I couldnt get on with the gearbox (the shift up/down are the wrong way round). But ultimately it was the fact the RS4 just didnt excite me in terms of driving dynamics. Ended up in a 2019 M4 Competition - still my daily today!

[@janjson435]

I remember the first RS5 I experienced back in 2010. It was on the A1 autobahn in Germany. I was cruising my 997 GT3 CS in the mid lane in about 180 km/h with the company of two friends in two other 997 GT3s. The RS5 passed us in the left lane in about 230 or so. Instantly we had some communication on our intercoms and decided to switch to left lane and follow 😄 The RS5 recognized the pursuit and accelerated to 250. We approached and after a short while my friend Jimmy in his GT3RS was just a few meters behind the Audi which responded by increasing to 280. The GT3s increased to 300 and forced the new RS5 to switch right into the mid lane which was quit funny…to be overtaken in your new RS5 by three new GT3s when you are doing 280. We then continued at over 300 for a while then slowed down and awaited the Audi to arrive which it eventually did. Btw we all left with big smiles on our faces including the german guy in the Audi

[@janjson435]

At the time my daily driver was a 2010 A5 3,0 TDI Q Coupe which made the encouter with the RS5 even more interesting

[@Adamskiidu]

Unfortunately ( or rather not ) the RS5 does come with a factory speed limiter on it, set to 155mph or 250kmh but it has known to be a little bit generous in some cases. I have had mine above the 'limit' but not by much, it certainly didn't seem like it wanted to stop. I'm sure with it removed it'd be quite happy going a good few mph more as at 155mph its still in 6th gear.

[@dinzy14]

I test drove a 2011 RS5 in May, it was stunning but at the top of my budget @ £18k, ended up buying an identical S5 V8 (deep sea blue with lunar silver leather) and couldn’t be happier. Saved £10k but still got a gorgeously wafty V8 German muscle car. I may be wrong, but I think it’s the RS5’s V8 which has the weak chain guide issue, not the S5’s V8. Both lively cars, though the V8 in the RS5 is an absolute masterpiece 👌

[@gavinr9107]

No that is incorrect - It is the S5 with the weak timing chain guides. The RS5 does not have that issue.

[@rutkowsky]

I had one for 2 years, 2015 reg. Such a great car. I now have a 2021 RS5. The only thing my new one does better is fuel economy, which is around 30% better. Looks are subjective. I still like both.

[@SonicMrSumo]

Best review of an RS5 I've seen. It's not an M3 and shouldn't be compared with an M3. It's a ball-tearing GT, nothing more. Well done!

[@speedshed]

Check out Throttle House review of the RS5 it’s a masterpiece.

[@paulmaurice138]

Prompted me to take a look at what was on the market - and discovered this one is on the market on AT! Very nice.

[@adamkightley]

Without ruining the car there’s a reason why they’ve ended up cheap. Some people underestimate the cost to run these cars and start to neglect the maintenance because it was only fiesta ST money!

[@robbiebobson5746]

Simply couldn’t agree more about car mags, they never seem to appreciate that 9/10s handling isn’t really that important to most people. I had a e92 M3 but in hindsight I wish I’d gone for the RS5

[@joe718gt4]

I was just looking at these recently. So relatively cheap in the used car market in the US

[@cjaoshenyjc7276]

these still look so fresh even today

[@UsmanRashid7]

I had one of these, the issue with it was despite me thinking I’ve bought a top of the range car it had stuff missing like folding mirrors, heated seats and rear backup camera. Literally everything is an option, at least mine had auto seat adjust and memory seats.

[@jamessheehy4895]

I think the convertible looks fantastic in red

[@DanPyjamas]

I have the B8.5 (facelift B8 generation) S5 sportback. I wanted rear doors so we could get the folks in when they visit 🤣 I don't know how the steering differs from the RS5... it's electronic assisted though and yes it's not too bad.

[@Vikturus22]

I love these cars. I had a first gen A5 with the 3.2 v6. Awesome car for everything ( I used it as a daily and would drive around 100 miles a day ) sadly it got written off in a not at fault accident. If it was not written off I would have it to this day! I Now have a 2019 mk 7.5 Golf R and tuned to 350hp

[@coalieroller5663]

This specific RS5 seems to be a beaten up example, hence the price. Blown engine, mismatched tyres, torn seat bolsters. Probably a decent fun car that you will not drive everyday, but as a daily, it will cost a lot, more to come.

[@simonelliott5956]

I was B8 RS4 owner a few RS cars ago, I always found it had less understeer than the RS5 and was more engaging.

[@ravss4594]

Use to have a 12’ plate RS5. Fantastic car, even as a daily driver. Eventually PX’d it for a 2018 Nissan GTR. No comparison really besides comfort and practicality

[@drewsmith8765]

Love your videos. Torn between a Maserati Gran Cabrio, a V8 Vantage and one of these. What would you choose?

[@OfficialFBI]

I love mine don’t get me wrong, but boy when something goes wrong its expensive. The front brakes alone are like £1500 and the discs usually need to be replaced the same time the pads do and they wear out a lot faster than I would have hoped. A new clutch pack was around £1700. Currently getting and ABS sensor replaced along with potentially a bearing which is quoted at a few hundred pounds at least. RS just means everything is way more expensive. But all those negative thoughts go out the window as soon as you drive it, I have an armytrix on and the sound is just heavenly.

[@adamf8335]

Great car great sound. I call BS on the insurance knowing a little more than most and £675 a year tax..... Sadly lots of problems with those engines. Lovely chain tensioner issues.

[@guy4469]

I would still have the RONIN, 4.2 S8 All day long . pure class .

[@adamnash7596]

What a coincidence this video is: I picked my B8.5 RS5 up on Monday...and I am also called Adam. If the owner of this car sees this comment, I would like to meet up!

[@Adamskiidu]

Well here he is! Don't know where you're based but I stay in Essex currently and I'm quite often up in Scotland - hope you're enjoying yours as much as I am!

[@jblack5323]

Unfortunately the RS5 doesn’t look much different from the lesser s5. A neighbour of mine purchased one for 7k (with a full stainless exhaust) and it looks and sounds fantastic 👍 great cars…

[@Zsword92]

Audi 4.2 is a legendary engine, along with the 2.5 I5, 2.1 I5, 2.9 V6 (B5), BAM 1.8 engines

[@BlackLines]

3.0 TDI is nothing to sniff at either.

[@alanprobsten2858]

Best wheels ever on an Audi road car

[@ibanezYGu]

love these cars, to me they're like an awd german mustang gt

[@NomadJRG]

Big soft spot for these mainly due to their high-reving v8 but also the looks and the rapid gearbox. The trouble is there are not as fun or reliable as their main competitors and that is why I went for the C63 coupe. I am a little envious of the 4wd in the winter though 😅

[@theeinsuranceguy]

owned one for 5 yrs and the rs5 is super reliable. Im at 71k miles too.

[@JamesTudsbury]

Who wants to own 'the best' when you can own a few truly interesting or 'great' cars before you die.

[@Manu-Official]

Not the first time I hear about a broken valve, spring - it seems there were a few of those. I would not touch those due to my driving style, mostly poodling around with the occasional acceleration means the engine would coke up regularly. Not tracking them is debatable, choose a slightly slower entry and blast it out from the apex, the quattro will kick it out of the corner... Comparing it to an M3, it's a much better daily - more comfortable than any M sport or AMG, daily using is not about racing from A to B. In my Audi, I prefer to take my time and simply enjoy it for what it is. Treat it nicely and it will return some decent MPG.

[@saraprva4172]

That lay by you passed at around 50" looked an ideal hide out for a sneaky traffic cop with a speed gun.