S4 Reliability? Considering trading my 2013 B8.5 S4.

[Silver_Sol]

Hey guys, I could use some of your input.

So I have a 2013 S4 6-mt with about 30k miles (more details in my signature) I only have the basic warranty (which I believe is 4 years/40k miles.) but I still have about 3 years till its paid off. So I wanted to get input from anyone who has had any reliability or issues fixed through warranty that I may need to look out for. Now i have not had the infamous steering issue present on the 2013s (and I brought it in before for service and if my memory serves they did a recall on it to fix said issues). I actually have to take it in soon as my trunk release button on driver side door stopped working and my volume knob is showing some strange behavior.

The reason I am am really thinking about this now, is I recently found GLA-45 AMG (fairly well equipped) that may be offered to me for a decent deal. (Still waiting on confirmation)
I am considering it for a couple reasons:
The GLA45 is 2015 with 5k miles and if the deal works out right, I would pay the same as what I pay now but maybe the finance would need to be extended to 4 years. But I am not opposed to keeping the term the same (3 years approximately) and paying higher than what I am paying now.
The GLA45 would have the warranty still lasting over the finance period (unless I drive a bit too much).
Performance wise:
The GLA does not understeer as much as a Stock S4 does from what i read/seen (but more like hands like a well handling FWD car), has more HP and Torque, considerably better gas mileage, dual clutch auto (although i enjoy the 6-mt, id prefer to have a manual in a more sporty car, say a porsche cayman GTS which I am currently seeking as well).
My only requirements as my DD is 4 doors, a decent sized trunk, and decent performance. as I plan to get a Cayman as my second car.

I would like to get a gauge if I may face any issues later that may make me regret not getting the extended warranty on my S4 as this trade may end up being a little safer in the long run.

Any input towards reliability issues, or even thoughts of comparing the S4 to the GLA45 would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[EBS4]

Can't comment on S4 long term reliability but the GLA45 is not highly esteemed by the motoring press. Its transmission is awful (I have driven the CLA45 which uses the same), the car has notable turbo lag, and interior quality is a few rungs down the ladder from the S4. The CLA45 plows far more than an S4 so I find it hard to believe a GLA45 would handle better than an S4.

EBS4

[jokingjimmy]

Isn't this MB's response to the RS3? For the hot hatch version, Car & Driver seems to suggest picking up a Golf R instead. Half the price and better driving experience lol. I think the top fully equipped GLA runs mid $60's. I would wait for the RS3 or B9 S4 (RS4 if it comes) myself. That's just me though.

[jokingjimmy]

Forgot to ask, how long left on your current loan? Adding 6 months is negligible, adding another 2 or 3 years is another story lol.

[pdqgp]

this now, is I recently found GLA-45 AMG (fairly well equipped) that may be offered to me for a decent deal. (Still waiting on confirmation)
I am considering it for a couple reasons:
The GLA45 is 2015 with 5k miles and if the deal works out right, I would pay the same as what I pay now but maybe the finance would need to be extended to 4 years. But I am not opposed to keeping the term the same (3 years approximately) and paying higher than what I am paying now.
The GLA45 would have the warranty still lasting over the finance period (unless I drive a bit too much).

First worth clarifying....CLA as in the Sedan or the GLA as in the Small SUV? Also, are you stacking it up against an S4 or S3 as the latter is really size/class wise where it fits.

Not sure what the Pricing of the CLA you're looking at is but I drove and considered the AMG Version found it to be of no real comparison to the S4. My S4 is a 2014 bought with 8k on the ODO for far less than the competition. I went in knowing I'd ditch any and all warranty being I was going APR Stage II + and am not really concerned. Bugs are pretty much worked out and anything like a water pump or thermostat, etc. are small dollar repairs relatively speaking.

Performance wise:
The GLA does not understeer as much as a Stock S4 does from what i read/seen (but more like hands like a well handling FWD car), has more HP and Torque, considerably better gas mileage, dual clutch auto (although i enjoy the 6-mt, id prefer to have a manual in a more sporty car, say a porsche cayman GTS which I am currently seeking as well).
My only requirements as my DD is 4 doors, a decent sized trunk, and decent performance. as I plan to get a Cayman as my second car.

The CLA AMG to me handled like the older Haldex style VW R32's. Better than FWD but certainly not to the point of a rear biased S4. Power was good and the car felt quick but the delivery wasn't as linear as the S4 nor IMO as smooth and daily driver fun as the S3. On paper the numbers might come in a bit better than the S4 but IMO and based on my stock Dyno, the S4 puts down more power and torque. Mine laid down 325+ AWHP which equates to 370+ crank HP not the 333 it's rated at on paper. Even then that's being leaning on the low side given it's AWD and has more drive train loss. Weight is the main reason it doesn't break much below 13.0 on the quarter mile stock. The S4 handles better on the course too.

I would like to get a gauge if I may face any issues later that may make me regret not getting the extended warranty on my S4 as this trade may end up being a little safer in the long run.

I'm the opposite and always have been.....I couldn't live with an S4 in stock form knowing the rock-solid Stage II aftermarket performance that can be had. Again, it's a solid set of tunes for this cars platform with near zero related issues even after modifying. In your case the only drawback and weak point would be the stock clutch (I have a DSG S4). However, if you're not thrashing it, especially from a stoplight, you'd likely be fine for years. Seriously, for less than a good set of winter wheels and tires, you can turn your S4 into a beast that is as fun a daily driver you can get.

Any input towards reliability issues, or even thoughts of comparing the S4 to the GLA45 would be appreciated.

Can't speak to the AMG. Hasn't been around long enough really. The S4 has and it wasn't really but the first couple years of the B8 platform that there were any issues of significance.

[The Fat Kid]

Wow, you are looking at three completely different cars?

I would definitely go with the Cayman GTS if I were single, or looking for a fun weekend toy.

The GLA is a big "meh" for me; go for the Golf R if you want a turbo-lagging hot hatch . Oh, this is from a C&D review of the GLA, so they agree, "Granted, the GLA45 is a serious, real-world performer, and many of its options are frivolous trinkets. Mercedes will surely sell a few to speed-addled middle man*agers looking to brandish an AMG key fob at the divorcé bar. Yet the 45 lacks the *dignified aura of other fast Benzes, as well as the cohesion of arguably the best hot hatch on the market, the Volkswagen GTI. That the VW costs half as much and is more enjoyable to drive, albeit at a reduced pace, makes AMG’s runt seem as silly as the dive planes on its front bumper."

You can always buy a third-party warranty for the S4 if you are worried about big expenses over the next few years.

[chillindrdude]

i was in the same boat as you (OP). albeit, i was the owner of a 2010 B8 with DSG. i felt that the DSG was just a ticking time bomb, especially with even mild power upgrades. so i sold it while the going was good.

if looking for a punchy DD...

i'd look at:
-focus RS
-BRZ/FRS (not punchy, but fun to drive) or the STi version when/if it ever comes out
-charger hemi (not the hellcat but the model one level down)

depending on what you need the back seat for (and how much you wanna spend), a pre-owned 991 carrera could be had around 70-85K

and of course (i am biased)
-F80 M3

[drob23]

I think the 2013's are pretty reliable. The issues with steering are overblown, half the people talking up the problems have B8's. You don't have a DSG and the main failure points like water pump, t-stat were I believe redesigned (could be wrong about tstat).

The only issues you could potentially contend with are: sports diff, motor mounts, crankshaft pully, t-stat, clutch (if you go stg 2). The tstat and pully are the only ones that could leave you stranded, and would be in the ~1k to fix out of pocket (which isn't much relative to the negative equity a new car purchase would bring). While that looks like a nasty list, I'd say the failure rates are all very small, and the dealership/AoA might help you on some. Compare that to another car and the issues seem minimal (talk to the 2.0T people filing class action lawsuits on oil drinking motors, or N55 people with limp mode). Plus, you could trade the car in with some of those problems if you really didn't want to deal with the headache.

It's not like the 2013's aren't nice cars. I think the B8.5 S4 is pretty good reliability wise. Especially with no DSG. But this is just a rational argument I've made. Completely understand that us enthusiasts make 90% of our decisions on emotional grounds, so don't let this dissuade you. But make the decision on wanting a new car...not on a 2013 being an unreliable ticking time bomb

[PitchS4]

My car has been bulletproof other then a few TSBs (which get fixed with warranty or not). I got a tune and stopped car shopping.

[drob23]

i was in the same boat as you (OP). albeit, i was the owner of a 2010 B8 with DSG. i felt that the DSG was just a ticking time bomb, especially with even mild power upgrades. so i sold it while the going was good.

if looking for a punchy DD...

i'd look at:
-focus RS
-BRZ/FRS (not punchy, but fun to drive) or the STi version when/if it ever comes out
-charger hemi (not the hellcat but the model one level down)

depending on what you need the back seat for (and how much you wanna spend), a pre-owned 991 carrera could be had around 70-85K

and of course (i am biased)
-F80 M3

Dude that list is hilarious...cross shop f80, brz, focus rs (for sale in a year), dodge land yacht and cpo 991 carrera. haha

[MrFunk]

Cayman GTS... if you want to make a move from the S4. That Merc is entry level... and a 4 banger... meh.
I just spent 90 minutes in a Boxster GTS yesterday at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta and the car was a riot to drive... great handling (could use a few small tweaks here and there) and plenty of power up in the RPM's... gear ratios were a bit too long but when you wind out the gears it really shined... obviously not as useable as the S4 in all weather and space but if you are single and don't need a four door sedan I'd highly recommend that move.

I will say that when I got back in my S4 I was very impressed again with it. It's faster than the GTS was and with the mods I've got handled very well in compare - I actually felt the front end on the S4 was more precise which is unexpected.



As far as warranty? - which was your original question... these cars are very reliable. Many people in the 100k club with no issues... I've had mine 4 years now with no issue. My warranty just expired I think this week... I have had 0 warranty repairs in the 4 years - only aftermarket related things which I caused. I do think you have one of the notorious MY's that seem to have a lot of issues... the 13's especially with their steering issues would have me thinking of making a move also... (I personally could not put up with that knotchy steering).

[MrFunk]

Dude that list is hilarious...cross shop f80, brz, focus rs (for sale in a year), dodge land yacht and cpo 991 carrera. haha

LOLOL right? Who goes from an S4 to a BRZ?! haha...

[littleredwagen]

Factory warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles. Other than Wheel bearings, a thermostat and Fuel Pump control module my car has been solid. I am up to 82K on it.

[littleredwagen]

Performance wise:
The GLA does not understeer as much as a Stock S4 does from what i read/seen (but more like hands like a well handling FWD car), has more HP and Torque, considerably better gas mileage, dual clutch auto (although i enjoy the 6-mt, id prefer to have a manual in a more sporty car, say a porsche cayman GTS which I am currently seeking as well).

Thanks.

The GLA is POS from second hand info, I met someone that did a video for MB and they hated the car (This is coming from BMW drivers). There is no way on earth that higher riding FWD based car will push less (understeer) than Rear Bias S4 with a Sport Diff

[Sailingtime]

If I were you I would get rid of S4. I have new 15 car and I'm somewhat disappointed with reliability. The car has been repaired for various issues 4 times yes I'm considering lemon law. Nevertheless this platform is aging very quickly and loss of value will decrease significantly once B9 model arrives. I think long term reliability of the car is poor. Cost of repair of those issues is prohibitively expensive!!

Best of luck in your search

[chillindrdude]

Dude that list is hilarious...cross shop f80, brz, focus rs (for sale in a year), dodge land yacht and cpo 991 carrera. haha

Lol wut? I'm a lover of cars. OP's wants was fairly broad as well. (and he was considering from a S4 to a crossover) you had respondents talking about hot hatches, etc.

i test drove a BRZ, while they didn't have alot of power, they were a nimble/responsive, fun to drive car. aftermarket support is good as well.

[jygesq]

[QUOTE=Sailingtime;11002172]If I were you I would get rid of S4. I have new 15 car and I'm somewhat disappointed with reliability. The car has been repaired for various issues 4 times yes I'm considering lemon law. Nevertheless this platform is aging very quickly and loss of value will decrease significantly once B9 model arrives. I think long term reliability of the car is poor. Cost of repair of those issues is prohibitively expensive!!

Best of luck in your search[/QUOTE Please list the problems you are having with your 2015 S4 so other owners of that model year will be on the look out for problems. Thanks

[MrFunk]

If I were you I would get rid of S4. I have new 15 car and I'm somewhat disappointed with reliability. The car has been repaired for various issues 4 times yes I'm considering lemon law. Nevertheless this platform is aging very quickly and loss of value will decrease significantly once B9 model arrives. I think long term reliability of the car is poor. Cost of repair of those issues is prohibitively expensive!!

Best of luck in your search

That sucks... sorry to hear. I had a friend who had a new 13' and his was riddled with issues... he had Audi buy it back which is what I'd recommend you do if you're at your end of patience with the car.
There will always be those lemons out there... but in general the B8 platform has been very reliable from my experience and from what I'm reading on here... I have a friend with a 10' car he's had for going on 6 years now with little to no issues other than the waterpump and thermostat.

Also vehicles are not investments (generally speaking) - there's no winning that battle... you can buy a new MY car and it's only a short matter of time until it's an aged MY... I prefer to buy the last MY of a platform because typically all the bugs are fixed by then... but the flip side to that is that the new MY is around the corner...

[RynoS4]

2014 with manual trans, 65,000km running daily in -40c all winter to +30c all summer. Only problem outside of regular maintenance I've had to deal with was a wheel bearing, and I beat the shit out of this car! lol Oh and the air bag recall, my experience the S4 is very reliable.

[PitchS4]

If I were you I would get rid of S4. I have new 15 car and I'm somewhat disappointed with reliability. The car has been repaired for various issues 4 times yes I'm considering lemon law. Nevertheless this platform is aging very quickly and loss of value will decrease significantly once B9 model arrives. I think long term reliability of the car is poor. Cost of repair of those issues is prohibitively expensive!!

Best of luck in your search

From what I have seen the B9 isn't that different other then the NAV screen that looks like an after thought and ~240 less lbs

[jygesq]

From what I have seen the B9 isn't that different other then the NAV screen that looks like an after thought and ~240 less lbs

and the dash cluster which is a graphic projection. No real gauges on the b9.!!

[CaptSlow]

I have been worried, being paranoid, over reliability of mine as well. But if all we really cared about was that, we would be driving Accords or Camrys......

If anything happens to mine, an orange Mustang GT is what I'll jump into.

[b6onboost]

The cost of upgrading to the GLA45 and extending financing will almost certainly exceed the cost of out of warranty S4 repairs over the same timeframe. Monthly payment may remain the same, but overall you're likely paying a lot more money.

PS...Especially since you have a 6MT. The DSG is the biggest long-term question in my opinion and its an expensive piece.

[chillindrdude]

I have been worried, being paranoid, over reliability of mine as well. But if all we really cared about was that, we would be driving Accords or Camrys......

If anything happens to mine, an orange Mustang 350R is what I'll jump into.

i fixed it for you.

[Sailingtime]

[QUOTE=jygesq;11002218]

If I were you I would get rid of S4. I have new 15 car and I'm somewhat disappointed with reliability. The car has been repaired for various issues 4 times yes I'm considering lemon law. Nevertheless this platform is aging very quickly and loss of value will decrease significantly once B9 model arrives. I think long term reliability of the car is poor. Cost of repair of those issues is prohibitively expensive!!

Best of luck in your search[/QUOTE Please list the problems you are having with your 2015 S4 so other owners of that model year will be on the look out for problems. Thanks

#1 complete mmi failure waited 28 days in a loaner car was two weeks old.
#2 steering servo replaced car still floats like old boat
#3 misfire on cylinder 3 coil replaced
#4 passenger front seat replaced due to stitching failure
#5 3rd gear engagement issues dealer is watching it Audi said possible new transmission might be warranted for replacement.

All I have to say God bless leasing programs. Otherwise I like the car a lot if only!!!

[Johnnycash]

dont do it, you will regret it.

[MrFunk]

[QUOTE=Sailingtime;11002366]

#1 complete mmi failure waited 28 days in a loaner car was two weeks old.
#2 steering servo replaced car still floats like old boat
#3 misfire on cylinder 3 coil replaced
#4 passenger front seat replaced due to stitching failure
#5 3rd gear engagement issues dealer is watching it Audi said possible new transmission might be warranted for replacement.

All I have to say God bless leasing programs. Otherwise I like the car a lot if only!!!

It will continue floating until you go with some aftermarket bits.
Seems like you bought a lemon... probably a Friday build.

[The Outrage]

I'd lease the Mercedes-Benz GLA45. Mercedes aggressively subsidizes the leases on their vehicles. It's possible you would have lower monthly payments and, assuming you continue to lease, you won't have to worry about out-of-warranty repairs.

[Sailingtime]

[QUOTE=MrFunk;11002404]

It will continue floating until you go with some aftermarket bits.
Seems like you bought a lemon... probably a Friday build.

I'm afraid you're 100% correct. I'll see if the car fails again, AoA is open to possibly taking the car back if something big should fail again. I think at this point I would want my money back. We shall see ��

[hotleadsingergu]

and the dash cluster which is a graphic projection. No real gauges on the b9.!!

No.

The dash is just a big screen. It's sweet, but it doesn't warrant considering the car a complete refresh. They changed the styling just a bit, reduced weight a bit, and added a different screen. That's it. None of the gauges in these cars are actually direct-connected to the engine anymore, anyway. What's the difference whether it's a physical gauge or a digital one? Sport bikes have moved away from physical gauges for quite some time already.

[RudyH]

You can get a great deal on them because most people will tuck them below a S3, Golf R, STi, and well CLA, then you have a GLA...not to mention you get a sub par interior. The car was built to be cheap, sharing costs with Renault - Nissan. The new Q30 looks great though, hopefully we get it instead of the QX30 -> GLA

I would just get an extended warranty on the S4 and avoid buyers remorse.

[CaptSlow]

i fixed it for you.

DC commute with a manual, f that!

[Sailingtime]

DC commute with a manual, f that!

Yup that ^ DC just got voted #1 worst traffic �� city in the union. It even beat L.A and NYC �� at 86hours.

[CaptSlow]

Yup that ^ DC just got voted #1 worst traffic �� city in the union. It even beat L.A and NYC �� at 86hours.

It takes me about 1 hour to drive 20 miles on the highway.

And I drive an S4.

I am going insane.

[Silver_Sol]

Forgot to ask, how long left on your current loan? Adding 6 months is negligible, adding another 2 or 3 years is another story lol.

Originally it was for 66 Months (kinda a strange term) but now I am currently at 38 months. So if I were to go for it I would most likely extend back out 48 months. The only advantage there is i would have a car that would be covered under warranty for the rest of the loan term.

[Silver_Sol]

First worth clarifying....CLA as in the Sedan or the GLA as in the Small SUV? Also, are you stacking it up against an S4 or S3 as the latter is really size/class wise where it fits.

Not sure what the Pricing of the CLA you're looking at is but I drove and considered the AMG Version found it to be of no real comparison to the S4. My S4 is a 2014 bought with 8k on the ODO for far less than the competition. I went in knowing I'd ditch any and all warranty being I was going APR Stage II + and am not really concerned. Bugs are pretty much worked out and anything like a water pump or thermostat, etc. are small dollar repairs relatively speaking.




The CLA AMG to me handled like the older Haldex style VW R32's. Better than FWD but certainly not to the point of a rear biased S4. Power was good and the car felt quick but the delivery wasn't as linear as the S4 nor IMO as smooth and daily driver fun as the S3. On paper the numbers might come in a bit better than the S4 but IMO and based on my stock Dyno, the S4 puts down more power and torque. Mine laid down 325+ AWHP which equates to 370+ crank HP not the 333 it's rated at on paper. Even then that's being leaning on the low side given it's AWD and has more drive train loss. Weight is the main reason it doesn't break much below 13.0 on the quarter mile stock. The S4 handles better on the course too.



I'm the opposite and always have been.....I couldn't live with an S4 in stock form knowing the rock-solid Stage II aftermarket performance that can be had. Again, it's a solid set of tunes for this cars platform with near zero related issues even after modifying. In your case the only drawback and weak point would be the stock clutch (I have a DSG S4). However, if you're not thrashing it, especially from a stoplight, you'd likely be fine for years. Seriously, for less than a good set of winter wheels and tires, you can turn your S4 into a beast that is as fun a daily driver you can get.



Can't speak to the AMG. Hasn't been around long enough really. The S4 has and it wasn't really but the first couple years of the B8 platform that there were any issues of significance.

Sorry if I wasn't clear earlier. So i am comparing with the GLA (the SUV, although people more compare to a wagon. From what ive seen its sizing is comparable to the Hatchback Subaru STI) On another note another family member of mine has a new CLA (sedan) 45 amg and I must admit I was pretty impressed for what it was.

Hmm I did take into consideration the the B8.5s have had most of the bugs worked out.

Now I realize comparing the GLA to the S4 is odd because they fill different segments, but the only reason I am doing so is due to the depreciation on my S4 trading for the GLA thats offered would present a even trade (in the sense my monthly would stay the same, and the difference in starting a new loan term is a difference of 8 months from what I have now.

You do bring up a valid point for keeping, seeing as the Stage 2 + More suspension work (i was considering coilovers and more) would get it to the performance I was hoping for. But I was always feeling like the S4 requires to much to be competitive in its segment (against the C-Class and 3 series) as it was never meant to take on the take on the AMGs or M's and even so it takes a good amount of work to be on par with those cars in their stock form. So part of me was thinking of moving to a platform that has a better starting point (not saying the GLA is significantly better, but does seem to be on par performance wise with the S4 in its stock form)

I am just brainstorming this trade because it seems like even trade (in performance and my cars current value).

[Silver_Sol]

Wow, you are looking at three completely different cars?

I would definitely go with the Cayman GTS if I were single, or looking for a fun weekend toy.

The GLA is a big "meh" for me; go for the Golf R if you want a turbo-lagging hot hatch . Oh, this is from a C&D review of the GLA, so they agree, "Granted, the GLA45 is a serious, real-world performer, and many of its options are frivolous trinkets. Mercedes will surely sell a few to speed-addled middle man*agers looking to brandish an AMG key fob at the divorcé bar. Yet the 45 lacks the *dignified aura of other fast Benzes, as well as the cohesion of arguably the best hot hatch on the market, the Volkswagen GTI. That the VW costs half as much and is more enjoyable to drive, albeit at a reduced pace, makes AMG’s runt seem as silly as the dive planes on its front bumper."

You can always buy a third-party warranty for the S4 if you are worried about big expenses over the next few years.

Hehe no just trying to determine if i want to still DD my S4 or trade for the GLA as my DD.

I still plan to get the Cayman GTS as my second car.

[Silver_Sol]

i was in the same boat as you (OP). albeit, i was the owner of a 2010 B8 with DSG. i felt that the DSG was just a ticking time bomb, especially with even mild power upgrades. so i sold it while the going was good.

if looking for a punchy DD...

i'd look at:
-focus RS
-BRZ/FRS (not punchy, but fun to drive) or the STi version when/if it ever comes out
-charger hemi (not the hellcat but the model one level down)

depending on what you need the back seat for (and how much you wanna spend), a pre-owned 991 carrera could be had around 70-85K

and of course (i am biased)
-F80 M3

I pretty much have the same view as you. I am mostly looking for a punchy DD.

Gratz on the M3. That might still be on the table if i can find a good enough deal. Found a Yas Marina Blue 6-mt in my area which I am currently talking over. Guy is still asking for $70k with 2k miles on its clock.

[Silver_Sol]

I think the 2013's are pretty reliable. The issues with steering are overblown, half the people talking up the problems have B8's. You don't have a DSG and the main failure points like water pump, t-stat were I believe redesigned (could be wrong about tstat).

The only issues you could potentially contend with are: sports diff, motor mounts, crankshaft pully, t-stat, clutch (if you go stg 2). The tstat and pully are the only ones that could leave you stranded, and would be in the ~1k to fix out of pocket (which isn't much relative to the negative equity a new car purchase would bring). While that looks like a nasty list, I'd say the failure rates are all very small, and the dealership/AoA might help you on some. Compare that to another car and the issues seem minimal (talk to the 2.0T people filing class action lawsuits on oil drinking motors, or N55 people with limp mode). Plus, you could trade the car in with some of those problems if you really didn't want to deal with the headache.

It's not like the 2013's aren't nice cars. I think the B8.5 S4 is pretty good reliability wise. Especially with no DSG. But this is just a rational argument I've made. Completely understand that us enthusiasts make 90% of our decisions on emotional grounds, so don't let this dissuade you. But make the decision on wanting a new car...not on a 2013 being an unreliable ticking time bomb

Thanks for the input on the things too lookout for for the 2013's seeing some issues listed out puts a good amount into perspective. "But make the decision on wanting a new car...not on a 2013 being an unreliable ticking time bomb " definitely makes sense. I think maybe cause my warranty is slowly going away its making paranoid. But on the good note it really has shifted my view now towards seeing if I can find a good trade (perhaps upgrade). Part of me when I first got the car was content, but there is that little voice that saying "nah...you can get even better." that said, now the GLA is not looking too much better of a upgrade although a enticing offer.

[Silver_Sol]

The cost of upgrading to the GLA45 and extending financing will almost certainly exceed the cost of out of warranty S4 repairs over the same timeframe. Monthly payment may remain the same, but overall you're likely paying a lot more money.

PS...Especially since you have a 6MT. The DSG is the biggest long-term question in my opinion and its an expensive piece.

Thanks,

I definitely failed to take into consideration what I would put into modifying the GLA and the extended financing compared to any repairs i would have to pay out of pocket post warranty. Definitely makes the deal seem a little less appealing.