Former ISF owner looking to get a B8 S4

[VtotheJ]

Hello all, new member here. Apologies for the long post, but figured I'd give some background so you guys can help.

Background:
I owned my ISF from 2011-2015, and loved it. Drove it hard for 4 straight years with no issues (besides one TSB item, the water pump). I have also been DD-ing a stock 98 Integra for 8 years now. While this car has been cheap to fix, even though I do not drive it hard, it has shown its age and parts have started rusting (axle snapped in half, brake lines rusted out, rear quarter panel, random bolts). I think it's finally time to sell it!

Reasons I like the S4 as a DD:
It's luxurious, AWD (needed for snowy winters in Northeast), comes in manual trans, and has 4 doors.
I have 3 friends with a B8 S4, stock, Stage 1, and Stage 2. I drove the Stage 2 one today, it pulls like a freight train! All 3 of them have said nothing but good things in terms of reliability, which is my main concern, especially since the S4's in my price range have relatively high mileage (70K+ miles).

Things I know about the S4:
I've done extensive research and have noticed that thermostat and water pump are the typical issues that need to be remedied, and that reliability is slightly compromised if a tune is applied.

I'd appreciate it if current & past owners could comment on reliability of high-mileage S4's, and any other useful things to look out for when shopping for them.

Thanks!

[GWS42013]

The 2010/11 were plagued wth thermostat and waterpump issues, but Audi quickly remedied the issue frm middle 2011 onwards. 2012 on B8 is the best choice imo, but 2013 got the facelift or B8.5 form, they came wth the Gen2 DL501 s tronic, waterpump revisions etc were sorted, so the 13/14/15 B8.5 are mechanically identical except for minor MMI updates etc. The cars are overall fairly bulletproof for what they represent, and excellent value for money...

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[Low Flyer]

Hey, PM me I just traded in one that I just replaced the thermostat, water pump and did the mechatronic repair all less that a 500 miles ago.

[Low Flyer]

Hey, PM me I just traded in one that I just replaced the thermostat, water pump and did the mechatronic repair all less that a 500 miles ago.

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[chaos2984]

Buy a B8.5 and don't look back. I would say all major bugs were gone with the B8.5 change.

[ENV²]

I would just buy my c63 amg if I were you unless you can find a truly mint well taken care of s4. My 2011 s4 was a dream to own but I had a manual and I am very ocd about my maintenance intervals and who touches my cars etc. It had some initial issues taken care of under warranty and ther was good to go for a while until a small stone punctured the secondary heat exchanger. But besides that not too bad.

The c63 has been pretty bulletproof as well and it would have walked my stage 2 s4 without a doubt, makes better noises, v8 power, true heavily bolstered leather recaros, and the build quality on the interior is better than the b8 was.

I would say if you don't need awd maybe try and find a c63 amg in your price range.

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[Q-DawgVFR]

I have a higher mileage B8 S4 that I recently acquired. You can also expect to fork over cash for a carbon cleaning of the intake (Audi quietly covers secondary air injection system issues to 200,000km or 120,000 mi I think). Wheel bearings are also very common failure, but if you are handy they are simple enough to take care of yourself. Everything said about water pump and thermostat issues is still true. My friend who has a DSG car seems to be plagued with shifting issues on her car, but I can't comment too much on the DSG, but I'm glad I got the manual transmission. I owned a B5 A4, B6 S4, and now the B8 S4.

The B6 S4 has issues with timing chain guides sometimes failing at higher mileage and from cutaway view of the 3.0T it appears to get a similar set up with the timing chains. I don't know what the longevity is like on the plastic guides in our B8 cars, but I wouldn't expect much from them and it's an expensive repair bill to get done. I don't think buying a B8.5 honestly buys you any better reliability, as most of the parts are the same mechanically, but there are a few refinements and upgrades.

I've had both my fair share of VW / Audi and Japanese cars. If you want DD reliability without a big price, stay Japanese and get an AWD sporty car. I don't drive an Audi for its reliability, it's for the driving fun factor and winter friendly nature.

Just another A-holes opinion.

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[blackjak]

2011 second owner bought at 55k miles. 132k been stage 2 since 65k. Replaced thermostat twice and other occasional stuff. As they say take care of it and it will take care of you. My clutch is stock and still cruising I have no idea how but it is.

[BillyG]

Had a 2010 6MT, thermostat replaced under TSB before it malfunctioned. A wheel bearing started to go around 70K miles, replaced without issues. Traded it in around 85K without any further issues, was tuned stage 1 around 20K miles, stage 2 around 35K miles.
Now have a 2015 6MT, went stage 2 around 15K miles, now at 23K miles. No issues whatsoever.
Buy one, you won't regret it.

[pfft]

I owned my ISF from 2011-2015, and loved it. Drove it hard for 4 straight years...

Why did you get rid of the ISF?

[VtotheJ]

The 2010/11 were plagued wth thermostat and waterpump issues, but Audi quickly remedied the issue frm middle 2011 onwards. 2012 on B8 is the best choice imo, but 2013 got the facelift or B8.5 form, they came wth the Gen2 DL501 s tronic, waterpump revisions etc were sorted, so the 13/14/15 B8.5 are mechanically identical except for minor MMI updates etc. The cars are overall fairly bulletproof for what they represent, and excellent value for money...

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Good to know, thanks!

Hey, PM me I just traded in one that I just replaced the thermostat, water pump and did the mechatronic repair all less that a 500 miles ago.

Not looking to buy immediately but thanks!

Buy a B8.5 and don't look back. I would say all major bugs were gone with the B8.5 change.

Hmm, I will see where my finances are... B8.5's are more expensive...

I would just buy my c63 amg if I were you unless you can find a truly mint well taken care of s4. My 2011 s4 was a dream to own but I had a manual and I am very ocd about my maintenance intervals and who touches my cars etc. It had some initial issues taken care of under warranty and ther was good to go for a while until a small stone punctured the secondary heat exchanger. But besides that not too bad.

The c63 has been pretty bulletproof as well and it would have walked my stage 2 s4 without a doubt, makes better noises, v8 power, true heavily bolstered leather recaros, and the build quality on the interior is better than the b8 was.

I would say if you don't need awd maybe try and find a c63 amg in your price range.

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I love the V8 sound, had a decatted ISF myself. But I can't do C63 since it is RWD and I need AWD as a daily driver.

I have a higher mileage B8 S4 that I recently acquired. You can also expect to fork over cash for a carbon cleaning of the intake (Audi quietly covers secondary air injection system issues to 200,000km or 120,000 mi I think). Wheel bearings are also very common failure, but if you are handy they are simple enough to take care of yourself. Everything said about water pump and thermostat issues is still true. My friend who has a DSG car seems to be plagued with shifting issues on her car, but I can't comment too much on the DSG, but I'm glad I got the manual transmission. I owned a B5 A4, B6 S4, and now the B8 S4.

The B6 S4 has issues with timing chain guides sometimes failing at higher mileage and from cutaway view of the 3.0T it appears to get a similar set up with the timing chains. I don't know what the longevity is like on the plastic guides in our B8 cars, but I wouldn't expect much from them and it's an expensive repair bill to get done. I don't think buying a B8.5 honestly buys you any better reliability, as most of the parts are the same mechanically, but there are a few refinements and upgrades.

I've had both my fair share of VW / Audi and Japanese cars. If you want DD reliability without a big price, stay Japanese and get an AWD sporty car. I don't drive an Audi for its reliability, it's for the driving fun factor and winter friendly nature.

Just another A-holes opinion.

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Great insight. I thought the carbon cleaning only affected the RS4's? How will I know if this has been done, or if the car needs it? My buddy has a wheel bearing issue, his S4 has 78K miles. It is understandable for a car with that many miles. I have looked into the STi but I want more luxury and refinement, something that is obviously lacking in my current DD.

2011 second owner bought at 55k miles. 132k been stage 2 since 65k. Replaced thermostat twice and other occasional stuff. As they say take care of it and it will take care of you. My clutch is stock and still cruising I have no idea how but it is.

You must have a factory freak but that is amazing!

Had a 2010 6MT, thermostat replaced under TSB before it malfunctioned. A wheel bearing started to go around 70K miles, replaced without issues. Traded it in around 85K without any further issues, was tuned stage 1 around 20K miles, stage 2 around 35K miles.
Now have a 2015 6MT, went stage 2 around 15K miles, now at 23K miles. No issues whatsoever.
Buy one, you won't regret it.

I think I may steer clear of the 2010's, seems like 2011 they ironed the issues out.

Why did you get rid of the ISF?

Traded it for an 07 Exige.

[RacrX]

I'm a former ISF owner who has a 2013 S4.

They're completely different animals. Both good, but different. I really loved driving the ISF, especially on the track or other spirited driving. Total confidence in handling and the raw power and sound were awesome. Still had some of that old-school Lexus feel, which I didn't love, but the rest of the car was great.

The S4 is more refined. It pulls hard yes, but it doesn't have that raw power feel. Overall feels lighter and more tossable than the Lexus. The interior is way better than the ISF and overall it feels like a newer generation, which it is. I haven't taken it to the track yet, it still needs a few mods first- but looking forward to it. MPG isn't great, but better than the ISF. It's a great a double-duty DD and fun toy.

[VtotheJ]

I'm a former ISF owner who has a 2013 S4.

They're completely different animals. Both good, but different. I really loved driving the ISF, especially on the track or other spirited driving. Total confidence in handling and the raw power and sound were awesome. Still had some of that old-school Lexus feel, which I didn't love, but the rest of the car was great.

The S4 is more refined. It pulls hard yes, but it doesn't have that raw power feel. Overall feels lighter and more tossable than the Lexus. The interior is way better than the ISF and overall it feels like a newer generation, which it is. I haven't taken it to the track yet, it still needs a few mods first- but looking forward to it. MPG isn't great, but better than the ISF. It's a great a double-duty DD and fun toy.

Interesting comparison. I would like to know the reliability of the S4 in comparison, even though it probably doesn't compare to the ISF, haha

[Brother Owl]

Traded it for an 07 Exige.

Pics or it didn't happen

[dparksav]

Just do it VJ.

[VtotheJ]

Dave!!! What's up! Haha. I'm leaning towards the S4 for sure, just need to get my finances in check.

[pfft]

The S4 is more refined. It pulls hard yes, but it doesn't have that raw power feel. Overall feels lighter and more tossable than the Lexus. The interior is way better than the ISF and overall it feels like a newer generation, which it is.

My friend has an '08 ISF. In a straight line drag against my '11 S4 with a Stage 1 tune the S4 wins by about 1/2 car length doing well over 100mph. This was done just on country roads. I'm guessing against a stock S4 the ISF beats it. The ISF does sound awesome though. Can't really beat a tuned S4 for the money/performance though and year round drivability.

[VtotheJ]

Pics or it didn't happen

If you insist...

[VtotheJ]

My friend has an '08 ISF. In a straight line drag against my '11 S4 with a Stage 1 tune the S4 wins by about 1/2 car length doing well over 100mph. This was done just on country roads. I'm guessing against a stock S4 the ISF beats it. The ISF does sound awesome though. Can't really beat a tuned S4 for the money/performance though and year round drivability.

Agreed. Year-round driveability is what I like about the S4. I'm OK with a stock S4, I just want something luxurious and quick to get me through the snowy winters and crappy weather... and something refined enough that I can drive on the good-weather days.

[pfft]

Agreed. Year-round driveability is what I like about the S4. I'm OK with a stock S4, I just want something luxurious and quick to get me through the snowy winters and crappy weather... and something refined enough that I can drive on the good-weather days.

Then you've found the car. S4 is the perfect mix.

[jimrobbington]

The S4 has real exhaust tips, ISF has fake exhaust tips. /Thread

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[Silverbullet S4]

If you insist...

Nice!

[Brother Owl]

If you insist...

Nice
And yes, get a b8.5

[13jfp]

B8.5 stage 1 or 2. One of the best cars out there for the money. Make sure it has Nav, B&O, sports diff at a minimum (for resale in the future)

[[email protected]]

Is this VJ from NYL? If so, this is Zhak from NYL with the gray 2013 B8.5. Got 35K on it (not exactly high mileage) with no issues.

[08ISF]

I went from an 08 IS-F to a 2016 S4. While the IS-F is faster the car just didn't really wow me like My STI or S4 did. It sounded nice and pulled very hard however I just didn't enjoy driving it as much as I've been enjoying my S4. I also missed having a manual. Other things I didn't like about the IS-F were the silver carbon fiber, lack of sports diff on the 08, slow nav/radio unit, fake exhaust tips.

[VtotheJ]

Is this VJ from NYL? If so, this is Zhak from NYL with the gray 2013 B8.5. Got 35K on it (not exactly high mileage) with no issues.

That's me! Good to hear from you Zhak... I loved your S4! I believe I still have your #, I will text you.

I went from an 08 IS-F to a 2016 S4. While the IS-F is faster the car just didn't really wow me like My STI or S4 did. It sounded nice and pulled very hard however I just didn't enjoy driving it as much as I've been enjoying my S4. I also missed having a manual. Other things I didn't like about the IS-F were the silver carbon fiber, lack of sports diff on the 08, slow nav/radio unit, fake exhaust tips.

This is one of the main reasons I could not go back to the ISF, it is not manual or AWD. Thanks for the comparison.

B8.5 stage 1 or 2. One of the best cars out there for the money. Make sure it has Nav, B&O, sports diff at a minimum (for resale in the future)

I will see what I can afford!

[VtotheJ]

Putting together a list of Q's to ask the dealer before I test drive. So you vets can chime in if I should add anything to the list.

1. Does car have all-season or summer tires? What is the tread? Is there uneven treadwear
2. When was the last time thermostat/water pump/clutch/supercharger belt were replaced? How many miles on clutch?
3. Does the car track straight? At what mileage was alignment/balancing?
4. Any modifications to the engine?
5. When was last oil change? Does car burn oil?
6. Any scratches, dents, nicks on the car?
7. Do you have original window sticker that came with car / owner's manual?
8. Does car have sport differential?

Thanks

[14S4GWM]

1,6,7,8 you can do yourself

3 Drive it
5 they don't know and will tell you no.

Email AoA with the vin and they will send you a digital copy of original window sticker and you'll find out everything it has on it.

[Lchau1987]

I originally came from 08 Isf and I love the s4. The only thing that I missed about the Isf was the v8 sound and it has a more spacious interior. The s4 is great if you are planning to mod it since the Isf doesn't have any tunes available.

[S4Aviator]

Based on your needs, I think you've landed on the perfect car. I've had my 14 S4 for just under 2 years now. Bought it CPO with 7,000 miles, now at 46,000. It's been an exceptionally reliable car for me. I had one injector go bad on me around 20,000 miles, taken care of under warranty. Now at 46k, my water pump is starting to seep a little bit, so it will be time to do that here very soon.

I really think you'll be happy with how solid this car is in just about every aspect. It's reliable, quick, comfortable, a blast to drive, an excellent modding platform, and it has the German refinement you just won't find in an ISF. I'll +1 the previous posts on the interior. Quite frankly, you won't find an interior that even comes close to this one at the same price point. Unless it's another Audi...

I'm a NY guy myself, so I totally get the need for AWD in your DD. The S4 has proven to me to be a bear in the snow with the right tires.

Overall, I have no complaints about this car has performed since I've owned it. Unquestionably the most reliable car I've owned, although I've admittedly never owned a Japanese car lol.


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[VtotheJ]

1,6,7,8 you can do yourself

3 Drive it
5 they don't know and will tell you no.

Email AoA with the vin and they will send you a digital copy of original window sticker and you'll find out everything it has on it.

OK, will do that thanks. I guess AOA and the window sticker will tell me if the car has sports differential.

I originally came from 08 Isf and I love the s4. The only thing that I missed about the Isf was the v8 sound and it has a more spacious interior. The s4 is great if you are planning to mod it since the Isf doesn't have any tunes available.

I actually plan on keeping the S4 stock, haha. I just want a reliable DD, which is also AWD and manual (unfortunately ISF is RWD and auto only).

Based on your needs, I think you've landed on the perfect car. I've had my 14 S4 for just under 2 years now. Bought it CPO with 7,000 miles, now at 46,000. It's been an exceptionally reliable car for me. I had one injector go bad on me around 20,000 miles, taken care of under warranty. Now at 46k, my water pump is starting to seep a little bit, so it will be time to do that here very soon.

I really think you'll be happy with how solid this car is in just about every aspect. It's reliable, quick, comfortable, a blast to drive, an excellent modding platform, and it has the German refinement you just won't find in an ISF. I'll +1 the previous posts on the interior. Quite frankly, you won't find an interior that even comes close to this one at the same price point. Unless it's another Audi...

I'm a NY guy myself, so I totally get the need for AWD in your DD. The S4 has proven to me to be a bear in the snow with the right tires.

Overall, I have no complaints about this car has performed since I've owned it. Unquestionably the most reliable car I've owned, although I've admittedly never owned a Japanese car lol.


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Ah, glad to hear that the car has treated you well. My ISF was dead-on reliable but since it was the first model year, it had some minor water pump issues. I am still contemplating getting an extended warranty for the S4, but I keep going back and forth since I have heard places will make every excuse not to honor the warranty. I generally do not beat on cars and maintain them as they should be.

[AvusPdx]

I think forking out extra for the B8.5 is worth it. So far there hasn't been much of an issue with the DSG/pump/thermostat after the revision from Audi.

My biggest deciding factor was AWD and 4 doors, due to my garage situation. Not much choices in that field (STI, Evo, Golf R, Focus RS, 335xi etc).
If you are still under 30, I think the Focus RS will be more fun, and its still technically built in Europe.

[Saleen S7 TT]

Traded it for an 07 Exige.

I'm assuming you needed another $20k or so on top of the trade?? If not, that's a steal!!

[VtotheJ]

The B8.5 is out of my price range at the moment, and I need a DD car ASAP. Focus RS must be fun to drive but I can't over the radical styling and lack of refinement on the interior. S4 takes the cake in both aspects.

[S4Aviator]

I think forking out extra for the B8.5 is worth it. So far there hasn't been much of an issue with the DSG/pump/thermostat after the revision from Audi.

Totally agree.

Knowing what we all know now that the B8/8.5 have reached the end of their production runs, I would say do what you have to to get into an 8.5. Totally worth the extra dough. I was in this same dilemma between a 2012 and a 2014, and I'm so happy I spent the extra money to get into the facelift car.


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[VtotheJ]

Hmm. Are there people who have had both the B8 and B8.5 to justify the increase in price?

[DannyDeez]

Hmm. Are there people who have had both the B8 and B8.5 to justify the increase in price?

I have had both. I don't know why people are so caught up on the 8.5. Its nothing special. The interior is the same, so no benefit there. Actually, I think the B8 interior is better because it has the S4 logo on the back seats as well. The exterior is up to personal taste, but I myself don't like the new headlights/taillights. As far as tech, I'd love for someone to show me something useful the 8.5 does that the B8 can't. Bluetooth audio is the biggest thing, and a $60 Tune2Air adapter fixes that and does it better.
The biggest problem with the facelift however is the electronic steering. Total garbage. If you enjoy driving, don't waste your time. The car is completely disconnected from the road. Get a 2012 with hydraulic steering and call it a day. Check the carfax/maintenance history before you buy. Chances are the thermostat and any other "common" issues have already been sorted out under warranty.

[doug97gxe]

don't buy an S4 with All Seasons from the factory they are limited to 130 mph

[VtotheJ]

I have had both. I don't know why people are so caught up on the 8.5. Its nothing special. The interior is the same, so no benefit there. Actually, I think the B8 interior is better because it has the S4 logo on the back seats as well. The exterior is up to personal taste, but I myself don't like the new headlights/taillights. As far as tech, I'd love for someone to show me something useful the 8.5 does that the B8 can't. Bluetooth audio is the biggest thing, and a $60 Tune2Air adapter fixes that and does it better.
The biggest problem with the facelift however is the electronic steering. Total garbage. If you enjoy driving, don't waste your time. The car is completely disconnected from the road. Get a 2012 with hydraulic steering and call it a day. Check the carfax/maintenance history before you buy. Chances are the thermostat and any other "common" issues have already been sorted out under warranty.

Thanks for the advice. I'm just wondering if Audi can provide me all service records for the car. They did provide me with the original window sticker of a car I was interested in.