Used Audi RS5 for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 50
Average Price: Around £33,000

Audi RS5 (2010-2015) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Extremely rapid, thanks to an engine borrowed from Lamborghini	Ruinously expensive to run
Good looking, if you prefer understatement to ostentation	Potential for pricey reliability problems
Four-wheel drive makes the RS5 a four-season express	Not as involving as a BMW M3

Quick Summary

The Audi RS5 mk1 (2010-2015) is a high-performance coupé powered by a hand-built 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo. Producing 444bhp at 8,250rpm and 317lb ft of torque, it delivers a thrilling 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds with a bombastic V8 soundtrack. The sophisticated quattro four-wheel drive system with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split, combined with adaptive dampers, torque vectoring, and Dynamic Ride Control, ensures outstanding roadholding and stability in all weather conditions. A late 2011 facelift added external aggression and improved infotainment, whilst the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox provides seamless power delivery.

The RS5 offers a discreetly classy cabin with excellent fit and finish, a user-friendly MMI infotainment system, and appropriate standard equipment befitting its £57,480 launch price. However, running costs are wallet-wiltingly high, with fuel consumption around 20.7mpg in mixed driving, high insurance premiums (groups 44-49), and expensive servicing from £360 for interim services. The front brake discs and pads are notoriously weak, requiring replacement every 16,000 miles at approximately £1,275, whilst tyres may last only 12,000-20,000 miles depending on driving style. Carbon build-up on intake valves can affect cars from 70,000 miles, requiring specialist de-coking at around £700. For those with deep pockets, the RS5 transforms mundane journeys into special occasions, but a pre-purchase inspection and aftermarket warranty are strongly recommended.

Best for: Affluent drivers seeking supercar pace with four-season capability, those who value understated styling and sophisticated engineering, and buyers willing to invest in high maintenance costs for thrilling performance.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those concerned about running costs and potential reliability issues, or drivers prioritising driver involvement comparable to rear-wheel-drive rivals like the BMW M3.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the RS5 if: You're an affluent driver seeking supercar pace with four-season capability, value understated styling and sophisticated engineering, and are willing to invest in high maintenance costs for thrilling performance.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious, concerned about running costs and potential reliability issues, or prioritise driver involvement comparable to rear-wheel-drive rivals like the BMW M3.

Competitive Position: The Audi RS5 (2010-2015) is a formidable performance coupé offering supercar pace and four-wheel-drive all-weather capability with discreet styling. Whilst it lacks the driver involvement of rear-wheel-drive competitors like the BMW M3 and Jaguar F-Type, its sophisticated chassis electronics, Lamborghini-derived V8 engine, and refined cabin make it an exceptional express for covering long distances rapidly. However, its ruinously high running costs, potential reliability issues, and expensive maintenance distinguish it from more practical rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. For those with deep pockets and a tolerance for wallet-wiltingly high expenses, the RS5 remains a compelling choice that transforms mundane journeys into special occasions.

Read our full Audi RS5 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.