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2023 Audi S5 — would you buy an ex-rental car at the right price? — trying to narrow this down

HighwayTraveler957Community StarterJul 16, 20262023 Audi S5 SportbackOrange County
2023 Audi S5 Sportback, about 6,500 miles. A former rental is cheaper than privately owned examples and has frequent service records. Cosmetics show normal wear. What extra inspection points matter because of rental use? I am in Orange County. What would you check next?
apr
9.44
location
Orange County
ppi planned
term months
48
asking price
80500
dealer doc fee
899
permalink

10 replies

RoadDailyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 16, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. Call your insurer in Orange County before you fall in love with the 2023 Audi S5. If they balk, that's your answer. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Sleeping on the number either way.
GarageBuyer996Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 17, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. If one piece looks too good on the 2023 Audi S5, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. If the VIN lookup is clean I'm still doing PPI.
GarageBuyer996Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 17, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Audi S5 is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” If they balk, that's your answer. On “would you buy an ex-rental car at,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. I asked for the buyer’s order in email, not a text.
TireBuilder162Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 17, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Audi S5 is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” If they balk, that's your answer. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
PistonPilotCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 18, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Call your insurer in Orange County before you fall in love with the 2023 Audi S5. Do that before you talk monthly again. Did the worksheet show tax yet? Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
PistonPilotCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 18, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: Two 2023 Audi S5 quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. When does it actually happen? A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
FlatSixMechanicish898Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: If one piece looks too good on the 2023 Audi S5, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Going to compare one more dealer before I decide.
RustBeltDaily781Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 17, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2023 Audi S5 price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
NoMarkupHunter219Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 17, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Call your insurer in Orange County before you fall in love with the 2023 Audi S5. Do that before you talk monthly again. That's the whole play. I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
TireBuilder162Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 17, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Audi S5 is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. On “would you buy an ex-rental car at,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2023 Audi S5 in Orange County with 6,500 miles. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. That's my plan before I call anyone.
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