RS5, what to check for

[M.Taylor]

Good evening all, I’m possibly on the verge of buying an RS5. 70k on clock FSH well looked after example. Been for a viewing today and all seems good. Starts well gear box seems to change well no excessive rattling from the chain. Anybody any advice on anything else to look out for please? 

[spartacus 68]

These are performance engines, so go into this with your eyes open. Fundamentally this is about servicing and maintenance, if this has been on long service schedule, walk away. This is all about history. It’s chain drive, and plastic guides are known to wear.

How many previous owners, did they keep it stock or throw on engine maps and other modifications. For me that would be no-no, but each to their own.

Oil and filter needs to have been changed religiously every 5-8k with receipts to prove.

Ideally you want to scan the car with VCDS, what reoccurring faults keep coming back? Check everything works as it should, from air con to audio.

Gearbox, probably Tiptronic, then would benefit form oil change now.

Check out VAGTechnic. They had a S5 in with more faults than you can shake a stick at. Not sure if 2011 models suffer rocker arm needle bearing issues, pretty sure it was younger vehicles.

Like all performance cars, and I’ve no idea of your budget, keep £2-3k back. Tyres, brakes and so on aren’t cheap, plus any engine issues are a ball ache. The engine under-tray should be bone dry. Oil leaks could be anything, from oil coolers to turbo.

I wouldn’t expect major suspension issues yet, but again factor in a refresh if this is going to be a keeper.