I am looking to buy an Audi A5 and have been doing some research for about a year. I have a few concerns and would appreicate objective responses:
1) Audi's have a reputation of being very expensive to maintain. Does this still hold true with the newer models (2008-2011)
2) I keep my cars for an average of 6 years. I have read conflicting information about the new 2.0T engine, 8 spd transmission. How reliable is this new configuration compared to the 3.2 V6?
3) How reliable are the 2.0T engines in the previous generation A4
4) Given the A5's short history, I find myself comparing its long term reliability to Infiniti G37 coupe or Lexus IS350. Does it compare to these vehicles?
5) What deals can be had for 2010 or 2011 2.0T S-Line Prestige

Thanks!

1) You think other premium brands(MB, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus) are cheaper to maintain compared to Audi?

2) The 2.0T is still a very new engine, reliability is not known yet.

3) See 2)

4) G37 and IS350 are mostly rear-wheel drive based. A5 is a blend of style and performance. If you want all wheel drive coupe, A5 is hard to beat.

5) Depending on where you live, some dealers are having year-end clearances and you can get couple grand off the 2010 MY.

The 2.0T engine has been around for years, and has been on Ward's top 10 engines for multiple years. It is an absolute workhorse.

Now, the 2.0T/ZF 8-speed combo is new...although based on the first 10 days of my ownership of them, the combo works very well together...