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help-A5 2.0T or 3.2?

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Old Jan 1, 2012 | 09:41 AM
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Default help-A5 2.0T or 3.2?

Hi all,

I'm new to Audi, and am thrilled to be in market for an A5, but I have a few concerns. I'm hoping anyone out there can help. First, I heard the 2008 isn't terribly reliable, thoughts?

Also, I do plan on mods (chipped, intake, etc...sky is the limit). Is the 2.0T a better option for this?

Lastly, in terms of RELIABILITY which engine would you recommend?

I have people searching for the vehicle now, so hopefully will have this figured out in the next 2 weeks, many thanks for your help and Happy New Year!

Nick
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Old Jan 1, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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I would prefer the smoother 3.2 engine if you can get that. Moding the 2.0 will stress it to the limits, and engine or turbos may break down sooner. The 3.2 will be more reliable in the long run IMO.
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Old Jan 1, 2012 | 05:06 PM
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If you're interested in modding, the 2.0T will be the far better choice, as the 3.2 has very little modding potential. The 2.0T will also likely be priced lower than a similarly equipped 3.2, so you may be able to buy a newer and/or lower mileage model.
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Old Jan 1, 2012 | 05:39 PM
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2.0 is a great motor...have it in a mk6 which is a great motor for that car. But for this GT coupe I prefer the 3.2...JUST PERSONAL PREFERENCE. Love mine...no issues at all after 36K. Feels like new. Very smooth, plenty of power and really good mpg. Not much modding potential but with a nice exhaust and intake the added power and ohhhh the sound will be all you need[up] But you cannot go wrong with the 2.0 either. ECU re-prog and you are right with the 3.2. Drive them both would be my advice even if only in an a4
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 10:09 AM
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2.0T is a much better engine (in my personal opinion of course...) The 3.2 is not bad, but a heavy car like the A5 needs low end torque to feel responsive off the line, and that's something that the V6 doesn't have. There's a reason it got discontinued. And if you want to mod, it's no contest. You can't really do much with NA Audi engines.

On a side note, anyone who claims that the 2.0T is not smooth obviously has never driven one.
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 02:50 PM
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My 2.0T 8 speed auto is ridiculously smooth. I really can't even imagine an engine that is smoother. I will say though that slight vibrations from the four do make their way into the cabin. Just my two cents.
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 06:55 PM
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I've test driven the 2.0T and owned an '09 A5 3.2. Both are great engines. The 2.0T has more modding potential. My personal preference is the 3.2 V6, and if the Cab had come with it I would have bought it that way. The 3.2 V6 is very smooth, and if you put the car in Sport mode it has plenty of power to get the car going.

Re: 2008 model reliablity issues, I haven't seen many mentioned in this forum and I've been here since the car was introduced. However, the first model year is typically where the bugs are found and get worked out in the second year. My recommendation would be a good pre-owned '09 if you can find one.

Also, I believe Audi discontinued the 3.2 and replaced it with the 2.0T to meet the upcoming tighter CAFE standards for gas mileage... not because the 2.0T was a better engine. It's the same reason BMW now has a 4-cylinder rather than an inline 6 in the new 3 series.
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Old Jan 3, 2012 | 05:01 AM
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Originally Posted by dseag2
Also, I believe Audi discontinued the 3.2 and replaced it with the 2.0T to meet the upcoming tighter CAFE standards for gas mileage... not because the 2.0T was a better engine. It's the same reason BMW now has a 4-cylinder rather than an inline 6 in the new 3 series.
On the A4, the 3.2 and 2.0T were offered simultaneously for MY 2009, but the 3.2 was discontinued in 2010 because it accounted for only approximately 10% of A4 sales. The 3.2 was a decent engine, but not many people felt that the small increase in performance was worth a $3500 price premium.
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Old Jan 9, 2012 | 05:41 PM
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Default thank you everyone!

Wow,

Listen, I really appreciate everyone's input. I actually just saw my email notification the other day and didn't realize there were so many responses. This HAS been such a head ache, but I know it'll be well worth it.

I'll definitely be looking for the 2.0T...manual transmission of course.

Another open question for everyone, please give me your feedback...I just test drove a 2010 black A5 2.0t, I had to hold the smile back lol

So it's a 2010 2.0t, 50,000 miles with a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty (so no modding for a bit, also no navigation or LED headlights, but this isn't a deal breaker). The dealer is asking $36,260 (including title, tax, registration)...that's the "walk away" price.

What do y'all think??
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Old Jan 9, 2012 | 05:45 PM
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That's a good looking car.

E
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