# Audi A5 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Audi A5 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-a5

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: S Line 40 TFSI
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £20,923

## Why this model

The Audi A5 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a stylish, premium coupe or Sportback that offers a great balance of comfort, performance, and quality. It looks sharp, feels luxurious inside, and the 40 TFSI engine provides a good blend of power and efficiency for everyday driving and longer trips. It's a solid all-rounder that holds its value reasonably well for a premium car.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a 2021 Audi A5 S Line 40 TFSI with 30-50k miles typically sells for around £20,923. You might find slight variations depending on exact mileage, condition, and optional extras, but this is a strong target price. Prices have softened a bit since the 2022-2023 peaks, making it a good time to buy.

## Which trim to buy

The S Line trim is definitely the sweet spot for the A5. It gives you all the sporty looks with the more aggressive bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and S Line badging, plus a nicer interior with sports seats and upgraded trim. Crucially, it doesn't come with the significant price premium of the top-tier Black Edition or Vorsprung trims, offering the best blend of style, features, and value for money.

## What to check before you buy

- MMI (infotainment) glitches
- Water pump failures (less common on newer models)
- Occasional electrical gremlins
- S-Tronic gearbox can be sensitive if not serviced correctly

## Running costs

Running an Audi A5 40 TFSI will involve: Fuel: Expect around 15-16 pence per mile for petrol, based on current prices and 40-44 mpg. Road Tax (VED): For a 2021 model, you'll pay around £180-£190 per year. Insurance: As a premium car, insurance can be a bit higher than average, so always get a quote. Servicing costs are typical for a premium brand.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 204 hp
- **Mpg**: 40-44 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Above Average
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sport 40 TFSI | £40,000 | £19,000 | 18-inch alloy wheels; LED headlights; MMI Navigation Plus with 10.1-inch touchscreen |
| S Line 40 TFSI | £43,500 | £20,923 | 19-inch '5-spoke' alloy wheels; S Line exterior styling (sportier bumpers, side skirts); S Line interior with Alcantara/leather sports seats |
| Black Edition 40 TFSI | £47,000 | £23,500 | 20-inch '5-arm rotor' alloy wheels in gloss black; Black styling pack (grille, window surrounds, door mirrors); Flat-bottomed steering wheel |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £20,923 | 100% |
| 2027 | £17,575 | 84% |
| 2028 | £15,114 | 72% |
| 2029 | £13,300 | 64% |
| 2030 | £11,970 | 57% |

Buying a 3-4 year old Audi A5 like the 2021 model means you've let the first owner take the biggest hit on depreciation. From this point, the value loss slows down considerably, offering a much better return on your investment. The depreciation curve shows that while it will continue to lose value, the percentage loss each year is much less severe than when it was new.

Total value lost since new: 42.7%.

## Alternatives to consider

- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
- [Volkswagen Arteon](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volkswagen-arteon.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.