Just test drove 2009 S5 -- hmmm??
 

Please let me know your thoughts.

Preface - lincoln dealership owner's neighbor LEASES this 2009 S5 with 55k miles.

From the outside:
- front tires are a lot newer than the rear ones. (however, all tires same make/model)
- i see a bubble in one of the tires...(the guy tells me all tires will be replaced if i purchase)

From the inside/driving:
- engine light on (the guy tells me the catalytic converter is being replaced on friday)
- when i hit around 70mph, the car starts vibrating (the guy tells me this is caused by the tires)
- the clutch seemed fairly tough to press down..
- 4th gear was a bit difficult to shift into..(keep in mind i'm used to driving a 2000 a4 1.8T)

what do you guys think? does anyone know how the warranty works since this car is over 50k miles? i'm a little hesitant to move forward but i may be able to get a pretty good deal on this..

Without knowing price - I can't really say for sure, but here's my 2 cents:

Out of warranty work is EXPENSIVE on these cars -- will there be any kind of extended warranty offered?

If you've already noticed 4-5 issues on a test drive...I'd walk away...again, this is only based on not knowing the price/warranty....a low price would allow you money to do repairs...

Could be carbon buildup. Ask the seller if he ever had the intake valves cleaned ($600-$1000 job). The general consensus is that the S5 engine need to be de-carbed every 20-30K miles.

Could be the tires, but it could also be the infamous suspension control arm issue that afflicted the 2008 and 2009 models. Check the car's service history to see whether this issue was addressed (I believe there was even a recall for that)

Clutch issues are quite common with the S5.

Since it's over 50K, there is no warranty. Personally, I would not buy this car unless I got a killer deal on it.

Trust an experienced used-car buyer on this... WALK AWAY. Another 2009 S5 will appear to you, young Padawan.

Walk away - the Dealer should have installed those tires, have those problems fixed before selling them.

There is an updated throw out bearing, will fix stiff clutch pedal

Wait for one that's been enthusiast owned (taken care of).

I'd set aside a certain amount of money for repairs upon purchase