Used 2018 Audi A5 Sportback for Sale nearLos Angeles, CA

How much does the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback cost?

Prices have softened 10.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 306 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback earns a 4.86/5 user rating and an 8.17/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, sporty look, and fun driving experience. They also like the strong feature set, including advanced tech options like a digital dashboard and comfortable seating.

For you, that means this model makes the most sense if you want a stylish, upscale five-door hatchback that blends utility with a more premium driving feel. It also lands in a niche where it can serve as a cargo-friendly alternative to a conventional luxury car.

Only 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may take some searching.

Is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.86/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that feels smooth, fun, and well-liked over time, with owners also calling out its strong feature set and comfortable cabin. The broader tone of the reviews suggests a model that many drivers feel good about living with day to day.

The expert drive notes also emphasize that it feels composed and enjoyable to drive, with a powertrain that delivers strong performance and a chassis that stays engaging without becoming tiring. That kind of character usually supports confidence in long-term ownership.

If you’re shopping used, the main risk is less about the car’s appeal and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn hard by a previous owner.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Audi A5 Sportback?

At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or visible cosmetic wear. Pay close attention to signs of prior bodywork, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any evidence that the car has been driven hard or repaired poorly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The car is offered in A5 and S5 model series, with Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. The Premium Plus trim adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Vehicle Exit Assist, while Prestige brings front and rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and additional Audi Connect features. The base setup is lighter on convenience and driver-assistance equipment, so you should compare feature gaps carefully.
• Powertrain: The A5 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the S5 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The A5 is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, and the performance notes point to strong acceleration with only a small delay off the line.
• Safety package: Every A5 Sportback includes forward-collision warning, low-to-moderate-speed automatic emergency braking, impact-preparation technology, and post-impact braking. Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Vehicle Exit Assist. Prestige adds front and rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and the Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and traffic-sign recognition.
• Infotainment: Audi Virtual Cockpit is a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation screen that is optional on Premium Plus and standard on Prestige. The latest MMI Touch infotainment system adds an 8.3-inch display and handwriting recognition, and Prestige also gets a full-color head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The test loop returned 22.5 mpg, and the car is rated at 27 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2018 Audi A5 Sportback trim should I buy?

The 2018 Audi A5 Sportback is offered in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige.

Here's the short version:

• Premium: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core A5 Sportback formula with standard Quattro all-wheel drive and the model’s stylish hatchback body. It makes sense if you want the least expensive way into the lineup and are comfortable giving up some of the nicer tech and driver-assistance upgrades.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Vehicle Exit Assist, and access to Audi Virtual Cockpit. It also opens the door to more premium tech and audio upgrades, making it the sweet spot if you want the strongest mix of equipment and price.
• Prestige: This is the most fully equipped version, with standard Audi Virtual Cockpit, a head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and the Driver Assistance Package. Choose this if you want the most advanced convenience and safety content.

The safety-package upgrades are most meaningful as you move up from Premium to Premium Plus and then to Prestige.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Audi A5 Sportback?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without rushing every listing.

• Deal availability: 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 306 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,788, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback's resale value?

The current average of $17,788 sits slightly below last year's $19,777.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price, you reduce the chance of taking a steep depreciation hit in the near term.

For a future seller, the key is to buy a clean, well-equipped example that will remain attractive to style-focused shoppers. Cars with desirable tech and strong condition tend to hold attention better when it’s time to list them again.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.86/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback safe?

The 2018 Audi A5 Sportback earns an overall score of 5 stars from the federal government, but frontal-impact protection for the driver and front-seat passenger measures 4 stars.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Every A5 Sportback includes forward-collision warning, low-to-moderate-speed automatic emergency braking, impact-preparation technology, and post-impact braking. Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Vehicle Exit Assist. Prestige adds front and rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, and the Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and traffic-sign recognition.

The main caveat is that the federal crash results show a weaker frontal-impact result than the overall score might suggest, so you should pay close attention to accident history and repair quality when shopping used.

Should I buy a 2018 Audi A5 Sportback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• In expert testing, it stands out for its blend of style, performance, and utility in a five-door hatchback body.

The bottom line: If you want this model’s distinctive mix of style, utility, and premium feel, the 2018 is a strong year to target because prices have eased and inventory is available. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can shop aggressively for a clean, well-maintained example and focus on the best-equipped trims that fit your budget.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.