Questions About Buying an Used B8 or B8.5 S4

[AutoRacer100]

Hi Guys,

I wanted to know what year of B8 and B8.5 S4 I should avoid when buying an used S4? I see people reported DSG issues, water pump and wheel bearing problems on the B8/B8.5 S4. Can I assume 2016 S4 should be problem free? I want the supercharged V6 with low mileage (under 30k miles if possible and with factory warranty).

Does Audi dealer sell factory warranty as a stand alone product? Let's say I bought a car from a private party and buy factory warranty from an Audi dealer for the car, possible?

[schirm]

Well if you want low miles and warranty your already in the 2013+ with warranty. 2010-11 water pump and thermostat. 13-14 I believe is more DSG issues. 15+ is your best bet depending on your budget. But if your already saying 2016 just go for it, they have a solid 6 years of advancements.

[Romanu29]

Audi warranty is 4 years from the date the car was first sold or 50,000 miles. This stay with the car and transfers to each owner. You can purchase extended warranty thru Audi at any time but its always cheaper if purchased at time of vehicle purchase.

[isles1]

I would try to stay 14+ with the balance of the factory warranty remaining. Get maintenance records and have it checked out by a shop familiar with these vehicles...you are in the tri-state so you have good options. Document any issues by reporting them to a dealer before the expiration of the factory warranty, that way its is fixed or if they "can't find it" and it breaks later, at least you have some record that the problem existed during the factory warranty.

There is no extension of the factory warranty available. You can buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) car that has its own type of (extended) limited warranty or a third-party extended warranty. If the car you ultimately decide on has more than 25K miles, the cost of an extended third-party warranty worth having is going to be prohibitive ($3K+).

[AutoRacer100]

I live so close to Biener's Audi, 5 mins door to door walking. I can basically roll out of bed and go there buy a car. It's bad in the sense that they can drain my bank account so easily and quickly too.

I see they have a few 2014 and 2015 S4s there. No 2016. All CPOs. I wouldn't buy this car without a factory warranty. I'm just concerned about the DSG problem with this car. So I will look for a 2016 one with under 30k miles.

Isles1, the extended warranty is going to cost me $3k?

[whts4]

There are a number of 2016 S4 Audi Exec cars hitting the market bc they all want the newest 2018 S4. Check out the Atlanta, GA dealers...they tend to get a lot of these. These are generally low mi late service dates so warranties are intact. Some can be CPO.

Agree with others 15-16 have the least known issues and they are priced pretty good right now with the softening mkt.

I bought a 9997 mi 2015 S4 4 weeks ago for $39k w/AudiCare....a beautiful car with sport diff, DSG, nav, and BO in Sepang blue.

Owned a 2012 and wanted a late model version MY 15 or 16 bc I don't care for the newest 18 version.

[AutoRacer100]

There are a number of 2016 S4 Audi Exec cars hitting the market bc they all want the newest 2018 S4. Check out the Atlanta, GA dealers...they tend to get a lot of these. These are generally low mi late service dates so warranties are intact. Some can be CPO.

Afree with others 15-16 have the least known issues and they are priced pretty good right now with the softening mkt.

I bought a 9997 mi 2015 S4 4 weeks ago for $39k w/AudiCare....a beautiful car with sport diff, DSG, nav, and BO in Sepang blue.

Owned a 2012 and wanted a late model version MY 15 or 16 bc I don't care for the newest 18 version.

I don't like the turbo lag B9. I hope I will not offend any B9 S4 owners. I will list the documents that I will ask the dealer to provide here. Does the sport diff add value to the car? I know some ppl said no need to have while others said a must have. Sometime too much information can cause headache.

[jygesq]

drive car with it and one without , you decide on sport diff. you can probably live w/o it. but if you have it you will be glad you do. probably the biggest handling mod for the cheapest price.

[whts4]

The sport diff doesn't really bring much more money, maybe $500, but expands the potential buyer pool. If you drive your car normally, probably never notice it (or lack of it) but if you corner aggressively it is a noticeable "nice to have".

The other PITA on the 18s is the required push to turn off the "auto start/stop" feature whenever the car is turned on...hate it. Also don't like the weird auto gear selection setup...much prefer the B8.5 setup. I though the 8spd trans and turbo was nicely matched but lacked the "urgency" of the B8.5.

[isles1]

Isles1, the extended warranty is going to cost me $3k?

Depending on the coverage and deductible you choose and the mileage on the car, most likely $3K or more. When Audi was using Fidelity Warranty for its extended warranty, the Platinum coverage with $250 deductible cost me about $2,700 to extend out an additional 6yrs/60K from the 25K miles on the clock. Once you know VIN and mileage, PM me and I'll give you contact info for a guy at a dealer in Mass. that gives probably the best prices out there (and no sales tax on intangibles like here in NY) to get you some quotes. But most people feel you are better off just saving the money rather than buying the warranty. To each their own.

Unless you have a relationship with Biener or they have a car you want, I've had better experiences with Audi of Smithtown from a sales and service perspective. I do not think they need to try hard enough to sell Audis in Great Neck. :)

[AutoRacer100]

Depending on the coverage and deductible you choose and the mileage on the car, most likely $3K or more. When Audi was using Fidelity Warranty for its extended warranty, the Platinum coverage with $250 deductible cost me about $2,700 to extend out an additional 6yrs/60K from the 25K miles on the clock. Once you know VIN and mileage, PM me and I'll give you contact info for a guy at a dealer in Mass. that gives probably the best prices out there (and no sales tax on intangibles like here in NY) to get you some quotes. But most people feel you are better off just saving the money rather than buying the warranty. To each their own.

Unless you have a relationship with Biener or they have a car you want, I've had better experiences with Audi of Smithtown from a sales and service perspective. I do not think they need to try hard enough to sell Audis in Great Neck. :)

I bought my 2010 A4 from Biener. But that doesn't mean they are my friends. LOL I've heard complaints about Biener's service when people wanted their oil consumption problem fixed for free. But they are just so close to me. I'm sure I will not make a deal with them easily without let you guys look the deal. So far I haven't found a car I like at this point. I can wait for a good deal and buy a car that I really like. And also I'm not sure I can trade-in my 2010 A4 premium with all the mods I have done on the car. My A4 only 31k miles on it and it is a head turner after I wash it. The body paint so good just like a brand new car out of a dealer lot. I have kept it indoor garage for the past 8 years. My mods are the Bi-Xenon headlight conversion, Solowerks coilover upgrade and GIAC tune. I would have to sell it to individual party if I am unable to trade it in.

[Dr GP]

Here's what you need to know:

1) These are great cars with few issues that have been very reliable even with higher mileage

2) I'm on my 3rd one all with 6 MTs which comprise only about 20% of production. I, as well as others feel the clutch is not a stout as we would like. My current S4 has 73k miles and clutch is still working fine. You probably won't know how previous owners drove the car. If you expect to run the car hard, a clutch upgrade/replacement will probably be needed at some time.

3) All cars, whether they have are early or later models, have a similar driving experience

4) The quintessential S4 has Nav, B&O radio,and Sport Differential which many of us feel is a must have and is THE option that makes the S4 special. Some will not agree. All other options are gravy but nice to have.

5) Many prefer the 2013 and later models because of the different front grill and they have flat bottom steering wheels and blue tooth with built in wifi and google maps.

6) 2013 was the first year for electric steering which had problems but Audi has a fix for it.

7) 2010 and 2011 cars had plastic water pumps which all failed and have already been replaced.

8) IMHO,all thermostats will eventually fail sooner or later.

9) Many oil consumption issues can be tied to a faulty PCV valve. It requires removing the Supercharger to get to the WP, T Stat and PCV valve.

10) Some 2014 units and earlier do not have a protective screen over the IC radiator making them prone to puncture from road debris. some have paid as much as $850 for replacement. A $10 DIY screen can be easily made and installed in less than an hr.

11) Early Prestige units had some options that you could not get on a Prem+. 2013 and later you could option out a Prem+ to have the same options as a prestige except for the adaptive headlight that no one feels is a must have,

12) IMHO, get a car with the lowest mileage and best condition, with the options that are must have in a color combination you like , regardless of model year.

13) Cars ordered with 18" all season tires have a 135 mph speed limiter rather than the standard 155 mph

14) You can buy an extended warranty from either an Audi dealer or interdependently

[AutoRacer100]

Here's what you need to know:

1) These are great cars with few issues that have been very reliable even with higher mileage

2) I'm on my 3rd one all with 6 MTs which comprise only about 20% of production. I, as well as others feel the clutch is not a stout as we would like. My current S4 has 73k miles and clutch is still working fine. You probably won't know how previous owners drove the car. If you expect to run the car hard, a clutch upgrade/replacement will probably be needed at some time.

3) All cars, whether they have are early or later models, have a similar driving experience

4) The quintessential S4 has Nav, B&O radio,and Sport Differential which many of us feel is a must have and is THE option that makes the S4 special. Some will not agree. All other options are gravy but nice to have.

5) Many prefer the 2013 and later models because of the different front grill and they have flat bottom steering wheels and blue tooth with built in wifi and google maps.

6) 2013 was the first year for electric steering which had problems but Audi has a fix for it.

7) 2010 and 2011 cars had plastic water pumps which all failed and have already been replaced.

8) IMHO,all thermostats will eventually fail sooner or later.

9) Many oil consumption issues can be tied to a faulty PCV valve. It requires removing the Supercharger to get to the WP, T Stat and PCV valve.

10) Some 2014 units and earlier do not have a protective screen over the IC radiator making them prone to puncture from road debris. some have paid as much as $850 for replacement. A $10 DIY screen can be easily made and installed in less than an hr.

11) Early Prestige units had some options that you could not get on a Prem+. 2013 and later you could option out a Prem+ to have the same options as a prestige except for the adaptive headlight that no one feels is a must have,

12) IMHO, get a car with the lowest mileage and best condition, with the options that are must have in a color combination you like , regardless of model year.

13) Cars ordered with 18" all season tires have a 135 mph speed limiter rather than the standard 155 mph

14) You can buy an extended warranty from either an Audi dealer or interdependently

Wow... nice write up and very helpful. I need to print it out and frame it. j/k.. Thanks so much for the info. Seriously I need to run this list before the purchase. You didn't mention about DSG problems, I thought that was a big issue with the S4. Personally I know someone (he is also on Audizine) who bought a brand new 2013 S4 and flat bed twice within 3 weeks of purchase due to DSG malfunction. I was shocked to see a such expensive car has a such issue.

[JD S4]

Here's what you need to know:

1) These are great cars with few issues that have been very reliable even with higher mileage

2) I'm on my 3rd one all with 6 MTs which comprise only about 20% of production. I, as well as others feel the clutch is not a stout as we would like. My current S4 has 73k miles and clutch is still working fine. You probably won't know how previous owners drove the car. If you expect to run the car hard, a clutch upgrade/replacement will probably be needed at some time.

3) All cars, whether they have are early or later models, have a similar driving experience

4) The quintessential S4 has Nav, B&O radio,and Sport Differential which many of us feel is a must have and is THE option that makes the S4 special. Some will not agree. All other options are gravy but nice to have.

5) Many prefer the 2013 and later models because of the different front grill and they have flat bottom steering wheels and blue tooth with built in wifi and google maps.

6) 2013 was the first year for electric steering which had problems but Audi has a fix for it.

7) 2010 and 2011 cars had plastic water pumps which all failed and have already been replaced.

8) IMHO,all thermostats will eventually fail sooner or later.

9) Many oil consumption issues can be tied to a faulty PCV valve. It requires removing the Supercharger to get to the WP, T Stat and PCV valve.

10) Some 2014 units and earlier do not have a protective screen over the IC radiator making them prone to puncture from road debris. some have paid as much as $850 for replacement. A $10 DIY screen can be easily made and installed in less than an hr.

11) Early Prestige units had some options that you could not get on a Prem+. 2013 and later you could option out a Prem+ to have the same options as a prestige except for the adaptive headlight that no one feels is a must have,

12) IMHO, get a car with the lowest mileage and best condition, with the options that are must have in a color combination you like , regardless of model year.

13) Cars ordered with 18" all season tires have a 135 mph speed limiter rather than the standard 155 mph

14) You can buy an extended warranty from either an Audi dealer or interdependently

Spot on, 100%.

[AutoRacer100]

Is there a red seats option for B8.5 S4?

It looks like S4 has oil consumption issue too per Dr GP's write up?

[VeeDubbinJetta]

Wow... nice write up and very helpful. I need to print it out and frame it. j/k.. Thanks so much for the info. Seriously I need to run this list before the purchase. You didn't mention about DSG problems, I thought that was a big issue with the S4. Personally I know someone (he is also on Audizine) who bought a brand new 2013 S4 and flat bed twice within 3 weeks of purchase due to DSG malfunction. I was shocked to see a such expensive car has a such issue.

Dsg issues have been mostly concentrated on the B8's with only a few reported on the B8.5's. If you are worried, try to get a CPO'd car as you have audi coverage an additional 2 years and up to 100k miles, whichever comes first.

[AutoRacer100]

Hi guys,

Please allow me to ask a noob question. How does buying extended warranty through independent vendor/third party company works? So basically I purchase an extended warranty package from an insurance company and that insurance company will pay for all the repair cost for my car? Do I pay the repair shop or a dealer to perform the repair and claim reimbursement from the insurance company? Or the repair shop or a dealer will send the bills to the insurance company directly?

Where do I find deals on extended warranty offered by independent parties?

I have never need to submit a claim to insurance company and I have no idea about this thing.

Thanks

[bmoreS4]

Buy CPO, 6y/100K included

Go 2013 or newer, get the sports diff, BO, and Nav.

Enjoy an awesome daily

[AutoRacer100]

Buy CPO, 6y/100K included

Go 2013 or newer, get the sports diff, BO, and Nav.

Enjoy an awesome daily

Wow.. nice. Thanks for letting me know!

[whts4]

Hi guys,

Please allow me to ask a noob question. How does buying extended warranty through independent vendor/third party company works? So basically I purchase an extended warranty package from an insurance company and that insurance company will pay for all the repair cost for my car? Do I pay the repair shop or a dealer to perform the repair and claim reimbursement from the insurance company? Or the repair shop or a dealer will send the bills to the insurance company directly?

Where do I find deals on extended warranty offered by independent parties?

I have never need to submit a claim to insurance company and I have no idea about this thing.

Thanks

A well known 3rd party warranty that your dealer works with will deal directly w/dealer. Others will also but sometime it has a little more involvement on your part. If repair is covered under the warranty you usually pay the deductible (if any) and sometimes things like fluids and such aren't included. Generally you can select from 0, 50, 100 or $250 deductable. Even Audi CPO warranty has a $85 deductible.

[AutoRacer100]

So the CPO warranty is a little different from factory warranty on a brand new car, correct? A factory warranty on a brand new car has no deductible.

Does the S4 burns engine oil like the A4 B8?

[whts4]

So the CPO warranty is a little different from factory warranty on a brand new car, correct? A factory warranty on a brand new car has no deductible.

Does the S4 burns engine oil like the A4 B8?

The std factory 4 yr warranty has no deductable, but the CPO has a $85. The CPO is good but it doesn't replace the full coverages of the factory warranty...I think it is mostly drivetrain related and doesn't cover electronics, ie Nav.

I had a choice of buying a 2015 w/CPO or a high quality aftermkt warranty for the same cost....the aftermkt had full coverage and longer duration and more miles. I went aftermarket, and it is transferable or can be cancelled and receive refund for unused portion...not so for CPO.

[AutoRacer100]

The std factory 4 yr warranty has no deductable, but the CPO has a $85. The CPO is good but it doesn't replace the full coverages of the factory warranty...I think it is mostly drivetrain related and doesn't cover electronics, ie Nav.

I had a choice of buying a 2015 w/CPO or a high quality aftermkt warranty for the same cost....the aftermkt had full coverage and longer duration and more miles. I went aftermarket, and it is transferable or can be cancelled and receive refund for unused portion...not so for CPO.

Which aftermarket warranty did you buy if you don't mind me asking? Thanks

[Dr GP]

Is there a red seats option for B8.5 S4?

It looks like S4 has oil consumption issue too per Dr GP's write up?

Magma seats are 2 tone red/black and I have them in my current 2011 S4. IMHO, they look great. Plus when you get Magma interior the side panels are also red as well as the stitching on the steering wheel and console. Oil consumption has been an issue on some cars including my current one which I bought used. I blame it on a faulty PVC valve which is a known issue, It requires taking off the supercharger to replace. For now, I'm happy just to add oil every so often because it is cheaper than replacing the PCV valve. I am waiting for the t stat to fail and I will then do both. I had hoped that would happen while I was still under my extended warranty, but it didn't. I also believe the easy break in technique advocated by Audi is not conducive to complete piston ring seating, This can be the cause of oil consumption on some cars not just Audis. BTW, my first 2 B8 S4s, which I personally broke in, used no oil at all. So not all B8 S4s have oil consumption issues ,

[whts4]

I ended up getting First Mile warranty...but it tends to get expensive over 15k mi. There are several others that are good including Fidelity and more affordable. When I bought my 2012 in 2014, I bought an extended Audi 60/60 warranty....on line from a guy in Michigan that sold Audi warranties...do a search. If I recall correctly the cost was around $2200.

Neither my 2012 S4 or current 2015 S4 used oil btwn 5k mi oil changes. Both cars were low mileage (<35k mi).

[S4Sanity]

I used my CPO when my motor mounts went bad on my 2013 S4 and my SA told me that the CPO warranty covers about 85% of the car. Mostly mechanical stuff like already mentioned, I chose a slightly less optioned car (no sport diff and 18s) with CPO (new pads, new tires, new Rotors) over a higher mileage (about 15K miles more) for the same price and have loved the CPO warranty. I haven't used it much but on what I did, it saved me about $2300 already which paid for itself


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[AutoRacer100]

I found some pics of S4 with Magma seats and interior. It is nice and I like it. But I think it would be a rare find in the used S4 market. I may just go with 18" wheels as I live in NY and road condition here is very bad. And I will not survive the winter with 19" wheel with summer tire setup.

I have been reading the AMG C43 forum and still not sure why people there chose C43 over a S4. Some of them said C43 is quicker and better handling than a S4. Other said the C43 exterior is better than a S4. Why do you stick with S4? I see some of you had several S4 and still don't want to try something different?

[Dr GP]

I found some pics of S4 with Magma seats and interior. It is nice and I like it. But I think it would be a rare find in the used S4 market. I may just go with 18" wheels as I live in NY and road condition here is very bad. And I will not survive the winter with 19" wheel with summer tire setup.

I have been reading the AMG C43 forum and still not sure why people there chose C43 over a S4. Some of them said C43 is quicker and better handling than a S4. Other said the C43 exterior is better than a S4. Why do you stick with S4? I see some of you had several S4 and still don't want to try something different?

The B8 S4 is reliable and fast enough for me. It can easily be tuned to go faster It has some luxury features, and can be driven leisurely or not. Can be tracked or drag raced. The AWD makes it a 12 month of the year car. When the weather gets bad, provided you have the right tires, you can go where you want and when you want. Also, the design and styling is still contemporary, I get compliments all the time and people and they don't realize the car is a 2011 model. But most of all, I still enjoy driving it. It has a good deal of technology, AND there are few cars left that you can now buy with a manual transmission. It's not perfect, but it is really a great car. What more do you want or need. Or what other car delivers that at the same price point.

[sacandagaD]

I found some pics of S4 with Magma seats and interior. It is nice and I like it. But I think it would be a rare find in the used S4 market. I may just go with 18" wheels as I live in NY and road condition here is very bad. And I will not survive the winter with 19" wheel with summer tire setup.

I have been reading the AMG C43 forum and still not sure why people there chose C43 over a S4. Some of them said C43 is quicker and better handling than a S4. Other said the C43 exterior is better than a S4. Why do you stick with S4? I see some of you had several S4 and still don't want to try something different?

As of last Friday evening, a new (or almost new) AMG C43 did not appear to be faster than a Chipwerke S4 from a dig to about 65-70 mph.....

[AutoRacer100]

What if I found an used S4 that has 19" with summer tire? What should I do? Do you think I can drive the summer tire in 2 feet of snow? I have never tried this.

[amusante]

What if I found an used S4 that has 19" with summer tire? What should I do? Do you think I can drive the summer tire in 2 feet of snow? I have never tried this.

You wouldn't be able to drive, brake, or turn with the summer tire on in 4 inches of now. You have plenty of time to buy tires until next winter.

[sacandagaD]

You wouldn't be able to drive, brake, or turn with the summer tire on in 4 inches of now. You have plenty of time to buy tires until next winter.

This, run 19" in 3 seasons, 18" in winter. And there usually tons of 18" winter tires/wheels available on the forums.

[AutoRacer100]

Are there any 19" all season tires for sale? I need to search Tire Rack.

[sacandagaD]

Are there any 19" all season tires for sale? I need to search Tire Rack.

Many. Check this thread out.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ighlight=DWS06

[XxSullyxX123]

I live in Westchester, NY and swapped the stock summers out for Continental DSW06 on my stock 19" wheels. excellent tire. Currently looking for a new car, and will be selling mine. Normally I trade in though for ease and tax savings on the new car. you are looking for DSG though right? I am 6MT

[AutoRacer100]

I live in Westchester, NY and swapped the stock summers out for Continental DSW06 on my stock 19" wheels. excellent tire. Currently looking for a new car, and will be selling mine. Normally I trade in though for ease and tax savings on the new car. you are looking for DSG though right? I am 6MT

Yeah, in case my wife wants to drive it and she doesn't know how to drive a manual one.

[vanguard12]

Op, you are in NYC? I have 2014 b8.5 s4 with 27k miles. All stock with factory CPO warranty to 2020.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[kuhndawg]

6) 2013 was the first year for electric steering which had problems but Audi has a fix for it.

Have they fixed all the problems? The steering problem thread is live on the front page here with people complaining about issues

[wt219200]

What if I found an used S4 that has 19" with summer tire? What should I do? Do you think I can drive the summer tire in 2 feet of snow? I have never tried this.

I bought my S4 at the end of February with summer tires on it and I will not be driving in the cold with those tires ever again. Slid on a patch at of ice at <5mph and thought for sure I was rear ending the guy in front of me. I've never had summer tires before always been all season and let me tell you it makes a HUGE difference. But they sure are fun now!

[AutoRacer100]

Which website(s) do you guys use when shopping for an used car? I used autotrader and it seems ok. I'm not sure there are better websites out there which help me to find the best deal.