Owner Review: It is more stable than some Japanese cars when driving on the highway - My 2009 Audi A5 Coupe S-Line

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Basic information

2009 Audi A5 Coupe S-Line 2.0T

Reasons why I bought this car

We fell for it the moment we saw it at the dealership. My fiancée had a "wow" and gave me a smile and I knew it was a right move to show her the real car before seeking her "agreement" to own it. Moreover, I always admire conti-cars, especially those from Germany. Was a Bimmer when I was young, however after exploring more conti-brands, I learnt the characteristics and strengths of each manufacturers and here I am today, an Audi enthusiast!
Purpose of owning this A5 coupe is simple, to fulfil my dream car target also, this will be the first collection of mine.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: up to 150k
• Models that I have considered include: Honda Civic, Mazda 3, C-class (used), 3 series (used)

Reasons why I chose this car

First of all, it is the best unit that I've viewed and tested; by saying best, I'm referring to its condition. It has original paint from factory, rims, bumpers, appearance, and most importantly, zero modification on engine. I like how it is as of the day he came down from Audi production line. Besides, this unit doesn't have many electrical features; which mean lesser components to go wrong and to replace. It doesn't even have a reverse camera! Love the pure analog and mechanical feel. 
To be honest, the relatively limited space doesn't bother me. We had a quick chat and the concern was solved:
He: do you think we need a spacious passenger seats at the back?
She: For what? It will be just you and me for the 80% of the time.
Settled~

User experience

• I have already done 9000 km.

Audi made a superb machine when they first launched A5 coupe back in 2007. It is a fun, enjoyable driving model yet, easily fulfil the needs as a daily car for two. My fiancée's VW Polo has been left with her dad since we had the A5. We took it for work, dating on weekend, go to NSK or Sunway Pyramid and even back to my hometown in Melaka. Of course, you have to prepare a sum of budget to touch up an used Audi. When the works were done (which cost me about 10k) A5 gives a smooth driving experience. Equipped with a powerful EA888 2.0T engine, it never disappoint me when I asked for more. The acceleration is obvious even when the speed is already above 100+km/h, you can still feel he has more to give! All these happen when it's at D, imagine when you push it to S or semi-manual...

Moreover, thanks to the multilink suspension and 1.5 tonnes weight, A5 has the most stable cruising experience (compare to some D-segment Japanese car that I've tried) I could hold the steering with fingers when cruising on North-South Expressway. Also, it has a good NVH level. We can barely hear the noise from outside or engine room; however noise from tires can be detected if you pay attention. And when comes to handling, the credit is to 3 series. It is the benchmark of the market after all. But that doesn't mean A5's handling is bad; at least I don't think ordinary people can sense the different (don't take an A5 to Sepang circuit, take the RS5). But, as we all knew, the only drawback is the engine oil consumption, i have to top up the engine oil from time to time, in order to protect the engine and also make sure it works at top form. There's solution to solve it once and for all, but for now, I rather go with the easier way, keeping an engine oil at home for emergency. To share, many think that conti-car is not reliable, high maintenance, you will become a mechanic once you own an Audi (I admit, especially when comparing to T, H or even P1 and P2) It's the engine design causing the issues but at the same time, it gives what we want, what we pursue for, the satisfaction. I believe given time, a significant improvement can be expected from the manufacturer and we will have more, better options in the market.

There is a gentle reminder (a.k.a disclaimer), to own an Audi, you must know a reliable workshop with professional skills and experience, the service and maintenance fees are actually not that scary as majority people thought. Service on time, replace whichever wear and tear parts when needed, the car will not let us down. In fact, this 10+ years old A5 is better than most of the <10 years cars (B-seg/ C segment) that people around me own!

Pros&Cons

Pros

• Combination of low profile & handsome looking (classic design)

• Powerful EA888 engine (another iconic engine model)

• Impressive acceleration and stable high speed cruising

• Good NVH level

• Good handling; understeer never happen on daily drive

• Surprisingly affordable maintenance/ service fees

• High CP value

• Wow factor

Cons

• High engine oil consumption 

• High fuel consumption, especially in taman roads with a lot of failed speed bumps

Ratings:

• Total Score:5

• Performance:5

• Quality & Features:5

• Space:3

• Ride Comfort:5

• Fuel Economy:3

• Price & Cost:5

Summary

Old is gold, my A5 is so old that I have to take good care of it but I guess that's what car lovers do, identify your beloved and stay with him/ her till the end. To me, this A5 is something may come by with luck, but not by searching for it. I've viewed so many A5, sadly most of them are heavily modified and engine condition is no longer good, but this, this is the one.

interesting events that happened to my car

Initially I told my mum that I will get a CX-5. I never update her the status until I brought it back to hometown for the first time, imagine her face when she saw the car (new to used; Mazda to Audi; SUV to coupe) it was priceless xDD

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