Avoid Buying S4 with Modifications?

[kypdurron5]

I'm looking into purchasing my first S4 now that my income is starting to increase; I've narrowed it down to a B6 or B7 based upon my price range...

Trouble is, people seem to love to mod this car and I've never been into modding so I'm a little out of my depth... I generally avoid modded cars, but pickings are slim in the S4 market.

Here's what I've found:

2005 S4 107K (not actually sure if it's the 2005.5 B7 or B6) but either way, the 4.2L V8 6spd manual.

Known mods include: stanced, lowered, tinted windows (well done), peeling valve cover paint (obviously not well done). Steering is normal at very low speed, but rock hard above 20 or 30 MPH which I've been told is normal for a stanced vehicle. ECS and ABS lights are on which I was told are the result of mods but ABS does work.

Test drive was SPECTACULAR, although it was my first V8 S4 test-drive; not sure I love the hard steering although it does feel sporty.

So here's my question.....would you avoid a car like this entirely, or consider for a certain price? KBB private value is around $10.5-11.2K depending on how much you dock it, current asking price is $11.9K from a non-audi used car shop. Beyond what the mods may represent about how the previous owners drove it, I suppose a second question would be what it might cost to restore the suspension to stock if desired (in parts of course, doing the work myself).

Thanks so much!

[dparm]

Avoid it. You might save $1000 or more now, but it could be nothing but headaches down the road.

[seblove]

If I were in your position 4 years ago before I bought a b7 s4, I wish I had been much more concerned with timing chain issues (100k is definitely suspect for chain slaps and chain rattle at cold/warm starts), scored cylinder walls, or bad oil leaks which you would probably start to smell with a roughish test drive. If your car needs a timing chain service down the line, for example, you're spending around 8-10k, which by then could be more than the car is worth altogether. Suspension and cosmetic jazz could be the least of your concerns lol

[B7S4ATX]

I'm looking into purchasing my first S4 now that my income is starting to increase; I've narrowed it down to a B6 or B7 based upon my price range...

Trouble is, people seem to love to mod this car and I've never been into modding so I'm a little out of my depth... I generally avoid modded cars, but pickings are slim in the S4 market.

Here's what I've found:

2005 S4 107K (not actually sure if it's the 2005.5 B7 or B6) but either way, the 4.2L V8 6spd manual.

Known mods include: stanced, lowered, tinted windows (well done), peeling valve cover paint (obviously not well done). Steering is normal at very low speed, but rock hard above 20 or 30 MPH which I've been told is normal for a stanced vehicle. ECS and ABS lights are on which I was told are the result of mods but ABS does work.

Test drive was SPECTACULAR, although it was my first V8 S4 test-drive; not sure I love the hard steering although it does feel sporty.

So here's my question.....would you avoid a car like this entirely, or consider for a certain price? KBB private value is around $10.5-11.2K depending on how much you dock it, current asking price is $11.9K from a non-audi used car shop. Beyond what the mods may represent about how the previous owners drove it, I suppose a second question would be what it might cost to restore the suspension to stock if desired (in parts of course, doing the work myself).

Thanks so much!

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...75661036&Log=0

Definitely a B6, but from the pictures it looks nice. I know far less than most on here, but my experience with a 2008 with 80k miles is that there will be a lot of little things all the time and they always cost more than you should think and they add up. I'm still very happy with my car and I enjoy driving it everyday, but I do have moments when the cost and issues get to me and I can only imagine that with all those mods, it hasn't been driven lighly for most of that 107k. As others will note, when it starts to go, it will go fast and it will get expensive quick - and that's without even considering the catastrophic issues that (rarely) happen like the timing components going bad. The cost of entry is low, but the cost of maintenance is often very high if you aren't willing or capable of doing the work yourself. Good luck.

[Concavitor]

What is "stanced"?

[Spike00513]

What is "stanced"?

Click .....

[s4ski]

I would get a serious mechanical check out from a third party before considering it. Compression test and look for timing chain indicators as others have noted. The mileage is not necessarily a problem nor the fact that it is modded, if the car has been well cared for. If not, you don't know what you have. ECS light can be an electrical problem, possibly in the steering column, but then again it could be a problem with the ECS. The idea that the lights are on because of mods is silly. This car sounds like a car driven hard and dumped off to a dealer.

[SpoolBus]

ABS and ECS light on because it's lowered

Run (not walk) away from this car!
Any reputable dealer would have had the obvious problems fixed or auction the car off if they didn't want to commit to loosing $. If they're trying to dump it don't be "that guy who bought that POS"

If this engine or chain pop's be ready to dish out $17K+
If you don't know about these cars research research research!

[Slow4]

What kind of button is next to the ESP button?

[S4orgy]

Find A B6 With Timing issues. For 4500 and find a motor for 3k then another 3k on timing components and have peace of mind that your car will last a while vs buying a potential lemon

[FulhamFTW]

I bought my B7 with a few mods(exhaust, suspension, big brakes, etc.) from a dealer and it's been the most reliable car I've owned. Now, I did buy it at 66k miles, so that's a little different than the car you're looking at. I wouldn't say stay away from modded cars in general, but I would stay away from this particular car. It's too easy to get screwed with these S4's as they need to be well maintained. Lucky for me, my car was previously owned by an enthusiast that too great care of the car. It doesn't sound as though that's the case with this car.

[Denker]

Everytime I see a tow-hook cover missing, I think to myself, "well, that's how it probably got here." I would get a thorough inspection on this car as others mentioned, and for god sake, ignore anything the sales guy has to say as there is no way he/she has clue about this car let alone it's specific condition. It would be hard to pass up this color/option combination if I was in your shoes as white is the beans in my eyes. Get your inspection, come back with your list of issues and a cost to repair and whittle that sucker down until it's yours for a good price; then it's off to the shop to get it all sorted out properly so you can drive it with some confidence that all is in order.

Any used car is a gamble but this type of car isn't one to take any unnecessary chances on. You will be happy you put in the effort to ensure you get a good one or at least know fully what you are getting into and have the $ for the repairs removed from the initial purchase.

[FulhamFTW]

Everytime I see a tow-hook cover missing, I think to myself, "well, that's how it probably got here."

Bahahaha, so true....definitely a red flag.

[BCsniper]

...hey now, sometimes they fall out while driving

[B7S4ATX]

Everytime I see a tow-hook cover missing, I think to myself, "well, that's how it probably got here."

Nice catch! I also enjoy that they didn't bother to take the air freshener out of the cup holder before taking pictures. Looks like a quality operation.

[RPMtech147]

S4's get towed, whats the problem. I wouldnt condemn it just yet.....especially if you love the car. two things....drive behind the car with your buddy driving just normal...If no smoke that's good, that means its not an oil burner and also have him/her dog it. It may smoke just a bit under wot tward redline but if it puts out a smoke screen, pass on it. If thats ok, take it to a shop and have them scan the abs module. I'm willing to bet it's just a bad wheel speed sensor. Now if it have 30 ABS codes, and pump malfunctions, also pass. I also like to get deep behind the motor with a good flashlight. More then likely it's had work but you can tell by how the wires are ran if it's been done properly and by someone who gave a shit about the car. Make sure ther wires are not sitting on the down pipes and melting away. I took about an hour getting my wires back there all perfect before I buttoned up it.

[Guitarmageddon]

My suggestion? Dont buy an S4 with more than 50k on it, first of all. Again, this is all my 2 cents so take it for what its worth...

Also, dont buy a modified s4.

Also.....run away

There are few cars to get into once they get up in age and become affordable for the regular joe (me included)

the s4 is not one of them. If you dont mind saying, what is your budget all told?

[BCsniper]

I tell everyone I don't know very well that it's an awesome car and that they should totally buy one.


Then I tell everybody that I actually know to stay the hell away


my vote is to find a car that just got its engine replaced. That way you know you are starting fresh and with no real issues. A guy local to me is selling his right now and I think that's a hell of a buy since everybody gets their panties wet over Sprint Blue and the DTM package (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...S4-up-for-sale) . This car is a clean example of that and just got a brand new motor. The new engine is why I bought my B6 Avant....and I still have no regrets about doing so.

[Slow4]

Then I tell everybody that I actually know to stay the hell away

Hhahaha

[SpoolBus]

Hhahaha

X2 ...how true this statement is

[SurferD]

Buying a modded car in itself isn't bad but definitely do the PPI for engine wear.
Make sure the owner knows what it has and when/who did the work.
The lights and steering issues would make me walk but it may just be someone forgot to hook up the sensors after suspension work.
I personally HATE the whole stanced thing and like I always preach the inner tires are prolly worn to a nub.
Buy a B7 with provenance if you want a fairly worry free vehicle.
I never had a thing go wrong on mine.

[blackedoutt]

If you're going to mod - buying a pre-modded vehicle can save you some money because it's always cheaper to buy it done than it is to build it. The downside to that is you have no idea how well everything was done and may very well end up having to do it twice.

If you don't want to mod - don't buy it. It'll be more of a hassle trying to get it back to stock than it's worth and I can assure you it'll never be the same as a true unmolested vehicle.

[staubach333]

I don't like the rear left trunk to quarter body line, it looks a bit wide...and that rear bumper seems a bit miscolored...that combined with zero reputable service records on the Carfax would be enough for me to pass! Do yourself a favor and keep searching.

[Guitarmageddon]

It seems Java has a couple BBB complaints in their history- the first one is the one that apparently prompted their membership, judging by the dates. They're not just some upstanding business owners that decided to join on their own. Also read a couple mixed reviews. Generally, another golden rule of mine is you are better off buying private seller or dealer, than you are shady used car place. Theres probably 15 within a 5 miles stretch on rt 1 here in VA outside Quantico. I opted to go the private seller route when I got mine, and also a 3rd party warranty thats so far replace control arm bushings and coilpacks.

[FulhamFTW]

If you're going to mod - buying a pre-modded vehicle can save you some money because it's always cheaper to buy it done than it is to build it. The downside to that is you have no idea how well everything was done and may very well end up having to do it twice.

If you don't want to mod - don't buy it. It'll be more of a hassle trying to get it back to stock than it's worth and I can assure you it'll never be the same as a true unmolested vehicle.

I couldn't agree more with this. I bought my car with mods I would do anyway, so I ended saving a ton of money in the long run on parts. And they are quality parts too, with only a few thousand miles on them when I took ownership. The only downside is I didn't get the stock parts with the car, in case I ever wanted to go back to stock and trade it in or sell.

[TheSchwa]

Looks like the last couple owners had it for about a year each... Wonder why they felt the need to get rid of it so soon.

[quattroism25]

It really depends on the condition of the vehicle, and the type of modifications done. You can actually save quiet a lot of time and money buying a properly modified S4. I bought mine in mint condition with mods but they were pricey and tastefully done. Mods I planned to do myself anyway. So it was a bargain. If its stuff like bodykits, slammed suspension, ebay LEDs, cold air intakes, crappy exhausts, while warning lights are on and the car rides like crap then you definitely walk away.

[Davect06607]

Wouldn't touch it with an ABS & ECS light on. Have dealer fix them properly, then consider it.
Lights on because lowered is BS!