Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| A3 | A5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Audi |
| Starting price | $40,100 | $50,200 |
| Monthly payment | $466 | $584 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 28.0 mpg | 26.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 323 g/mi | 344 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2020 Audi A3 with the 2.0T engine commonly develops cracks in the plastic water pump and thermostat housing, causing coolant loss and overheating. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, puddles under the car, a low coolant warning, and a rising temperature gauge. If ignored, this can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket.
The 2021-2024 Audi A3 MIB 3 infotainment system can freeze, go black, or lose the rearview camera image due to software and hardware defects. Symptoms include a blank touchscreen, audio loss, constant Bluetooth disconnects, and a 'Camera System Unavailable' error. This can temporarily disable the required backup camera, creating a safety risk when reversing.
The optional panoramic sunroof on the 2021-2025 Audi A3 can develop frame flex, seal issues, and clogged drain tubes, leading to creaking, rattling, wind noise, and water intrusion. Symptoms include popping noises over bumps, damp headliners, and wet carpets near the A-pillars. If left unrepaired, water can reach electronic modules under the seats and cause electrical failures.
The 2021-2023 Audi A3 can suffer chronic 12V battery drain because the telematics or gateway module stays active after the car is locked. Symptoms include failure to start after 24-48 hours, low battery warnings, and the infotainment system resetting. This can leave the driver stranded and prematurely degrade the battery.
Yes, Audi issued recall 22V041 for 2021-2022 A5 models due to a software bug that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when reversing. The screen may stay black or frozen, increasing the risk of backing into objects or pedestrians. The recall remedy is a free dealer software update; out-of-pocket repairs for the infotainment module would cost $500-$1,200.
Yes, the MIB 3 infotainment system in 2020-2024 A5 models has documented instability causing screen freezes, random restarts, and Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay dropouts. This can make navigation and climate controls unresponsive, and if software updates fail, the entire head unit may need replacement. Post-warranty replacement costs $1,800-$2,500 installed.
Yes, the plastic water pump/thermostat housing on the 2.0L EA888 engine in 2019-2024 A5s is prone to leaking coolant, causing low-coolant warnings and visible drips. Left unchecked, it can lead to overheating and engine damage. Replacement costs $800-$1,500 at an independent shop, or over $2,000 at a dealer.
Yes, the panoramic roof drain tubes on 2019-2024 A5s can clog or pinch, leading to water intrusion on headliners, pillars, or footwells after heavy rain. This can damage seat electronics or cause musty odors, and prolonged exposure may corrode wiring and modules. Cleaning or re-routing the drains costs $200-$450, but water damage repairs can exceed $1,500.
Yes, the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission in 2019-2024 A5s can have mechatronic unit failures, causing hard shifts, hesitation, and even loss of drive. A flashing PRNDS warning light indicates a serious issue, and delaying repair can destroy clutch packs. Mechatronic replacement at a specialist costs $3,000-$4,500, while a full transmission replacement is $6,000-$8,000.
Audi A3 and Audi A5 suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
A3 starts at $40,100; A5 starts at $50,200. The difference is $10,100, making A3 about 20% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: A3 — $466; A5 — $584. The difference is $118 per month, with A3 lower.
Both models use Gasoline. Fuel economy is A3 — 28.0 mpg; A5 — 26.0 mpg. A3 uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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