Used Audi S5 for Sale nearSanta Barbara, CA

How much does the Audi S5 cost in today's market?

Used Audi S5 prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Audi S5's current nationwide average price is $38,209, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $28,418 over the past year. Recently, prices have come down for the 2018 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Audi S5 a good car?

Yes — the Audi S5 earns strong marks from owners for its performance, stylish design, and engaging driving experience. The all-generations owner rating is 4.7/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the S5 for quick acceleration, smooth handling, luxurious interiors, and advanced technology. Many also appreciate its all-wheel-drive capability and the way it blends sportiness with everyday comfort.

Expert reviews rate the 2025 and 2026 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs are limited trunk space, high maintenance costs, gas mileage concerns, and technology that can feel unintuitive.

34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Audi S5 models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Audi S5 for its powerful performance, stylish design, smooth handling, and luxurious interior. Across the model years in the data, it also earns strong owner ratings and repeat praise for its engaging driving feel and advanced technology.

• Owners rate the Audi S5 between 4 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is most tied to upkeep costs, so a well-documented service history matters.

What should I look for when buying a used Audi S5?

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 75.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: The 2026 Audi S5 includes a standard driver-assistance suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, an exit warning system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.
• Infotainment: The 2026 Audi S5 pairs an 11.9-inch digital driver display with a 14.5-inch Multi Media Interface (MMI) touchscreen infotainment system, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which Audi S5 trim should I buy?

The 2026 Audi S5 offers these trims:

• Prestige: The Prestige trim adds the most fully equipped version of the 2026 S5 experience, including the available front-passenger display, top-down and 3D camera views, rear automatic emergency braking, semi-autonomous parking assist technology, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. It suits you best if you want the most advanced tech and driver-assistance setup.
• Audi S5: The Audi S5 itself brings the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, quattro all-wheel drive, seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, sport differential, sport suspension, larger brakes with red calipers, and bigger wheels with available summer performance tire options. This is the best-value choice if you want the core performance hardware without chasing every available extra.

What Audi S5 do most buyers choose?

The Audi S5 years with the most listings are 2024, 2025, and 2023.

These higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they offer a broader mix of availability and pricing. They also give you more chances to compare condition, mileage, and deal quality across similar model years.

What is the Audi S5's resale value?

The price movement shown here points to a decline, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The drop is meaningful enough to improve affordability, especially for buyers focused on recent model years. The 2018 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Audi S5 safe?

• 2026: 7/10
• 2025: 4/10

The 2026 Audi S5 includes a standard driver-assistance suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, an exit warning system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

For the safest used buy, the 2026 model posts the highest confirmed score of 7/10.

Should I buy a used Audi S5 now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2018 model is at −8.16% versus a year ago.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings. The Audi S5 offers a strong blend of performance, cargo space, and everyday usability.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the car is rated at 23 mpg combined.
• Tech: The 2026 model pairs an 11.9-inch digital driver display with a 14.5-inch Multi Media Interface (MMI) touchscreen infotainment system, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: The latest model adds Adaptive Cruise Assist, which brings lane-centering assist that can be used with adaptive cruise control on highways.
• Starting price: Audi S5 prices start at $64,595.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2026 Audi S5 compare to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2026 Audi S5:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Plenty of cargo space, Satisfying audio system.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Observed city fuel economy, Unintuitive technology.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

• Pros: Impressive technology throughout, Premium interior materials, Strong safety credentials.
• Cons: Small back seat and trunk, Potentially firm ride.

Our experts score the 2026 Audi S5 6.8/10 and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 7.3/10. The Audi S5 leans into driving enjoyment and cargo space, while the C-Class emphasizes technology, interior materials, and safety. If you want a sportier feel and a satisfying audio system, the S5 has the edge; if you value a more polished tech-forward cabin, the C-Class stands out.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.