S4 Longevity/Reliabiltiy/Value

[EvohuntinS3]

Hey Guys!

Just wanted to pick all the other S4 owners brains here!

Brief context: I picked up a lightly used 2015 S4 back in 15' for about $42K (Sticker was close to $60K on it). I felt I was getting a pretty good deal all things considered, letting the initial depreciation happen elsewhere...

Anyways fast forward to today, I have a about 50K miles on it and the value has crashed (I've actually had several dealers, both Audi and non Audi tell me they have a hard time turning used S4s around for a good dollar). I find myself a little over $6K underwater (wasn't expecting that having bought used ).

Since the car is out of warranty, I'm thinking of bailing on the car and sacrificing some cash (unfortunately), as I don't want to end up with a motor/DSG repair out of pocket for an underwater car.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the longevity of the platform. Is this something that if well maintained, can be driven spiritedly to 150K+, or is it one of those things, were maintenance (when amortized) will end up being another car payment?

Best!

[The Fat Kid]

You basically bought the S4 I traded in on a 911... The MSRP on my '15 S4 was ~$57k (I did NOT pay MSRP ), and got $40k trade-in value 18 months later with 13k miles.

One of the best car "values" is a three-year-old CPO Porsche. At worst I would break even on my 911 if I were to sell it today, and other
Porsche models at least hold their value better than an Audi.

[Waaazooo]

Hey Guys!

Just wanted to pick all the other S4 owners brains here!

Brief context: I picked up a lightly used 2015 S4 back in 15' for about $42K (Sticker was close to $60K on it). I felt I was getting a pretty good deal all things considered, letting the initial depreciation happen elsewhere...

Anyways fast forward to today, I have a about 50K miles on it and the value has crashed (I've actually had several dealers, both Audi and non Audi tell me they have a hard time turning used S4s around for a good dollar). I find myself a little over $6K underwater (wasn't expecting that having bought used ).

Since the car is out of warranty, I'm thinking of bailing on the car and sacrificing some cash (unfortunately), as I don't want to end up with a motor/DSG repair out of pocket for an underwater car.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the longevity of the platform. Is this something that if well maintained, can be driven spiritedly to 150K+, or is it one of those things, were maintenance (when amortized) will end up being another car payment?

Best!

Well maintained, at the expense of staying well maintained. This should be 200k+ mile engine. Especially in the 15’s where there have been several revisions made prior to your production.


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[nicknice91303]

I'm in same boat. I'm looking to buy 2015-2016 S4 OR S6. Just not sure what one to go with yet. I'm looking for under 25k miles and max 60 grand... I do plan on doing some mods, but want to find a virgin car.

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[Works2shoot]

The beauty of a platform being around for 8 years is that information regarding any/all problems (as well as probably 1500 of these exact threads) is available.

Also - 6k covers a pretty substantial extended warranty.

[jygesq]

Hey Guys!

Just wanted to pick all the other S4 owners brains here!

Brief context: I picked up a lightly used 2015 S4 back in 15' for about $42K (Sticker was close to $60K on it). I felt I was getting a pretty good deal all things considered, letting the initial depreciation happen elsewhere...

Anyways fast forward to today, I have a about 50K miles on it and the value has crashed (I've actually had several dealers, both Audi and non Audi tell me they have a hard time turning used S4s around for a good dollar). I find myself a little over $6K underwater (wasn't expecting that having bought used ).

Since the car is out of warranty, I'm thinking of bailing on the car and sacrificing some cash (unfortunately), as I don't want to end up with a motor/DSG repair out of pocket for an underwater car.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the longevity of the platform. Is this something that if well maintained, can be driven spiritedly to 150K+, or is it one of those things, were maintenance (when amortized) will end up being another car payment?

Best!

dealers will always tell you used audi have little value. BS go to KBB and see for your self.

[MrFunk]

I never understood this "out of warranty so get rid of car" mentality.
The longer you hold on to a vehicle the more value you get out of it. All vehicles loose value...

[EvohuntinS3]

Oh yea! I agree and to be clear, not bashing the car or platform at all. I think the S4 is incredible (quite possibly one of the greatest Daily Drivers ever!). It's just I intentionally waited and searched to buy lightly used to let that initial depreciation hit land elsewhere.

Being $6-7K "in the hole" seems a little atypical of a car that holds its value well (especially if it was purchased at almost $15K under sticker). I can see being significantly underwater with an unwise financing approach to a new car. Again, Nothing against the car itself, I think perhaps the market (at least in the DMV) area might be flooded with used S4s which grenades the "value".

[jygesq]

one should buy a car because you enjoy it. It is doubtful there are so many s4 available. It is not a high production car. anything a dealer tells you is garbage. If they buy you r car cheap. they will sell it very high. Buy the 2015 if your love it. and can afford to buy it. It think it is a great vehicle and so much fun to drive.

[washyourrhands]

Keep in mind a new version of this car just came out and that usually tanks the value of the previous model. Sounds like you got a good deal on the car 3 years ago. If you are over it get another car, but these cars seem to be pretty reliable and the real fun starts when you’re out of warranty anyway ;)


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[nicknice91303]

Keep in mind a new version of this car just came out and that usually tanks the value of the previous model. Sounds like you got a good deal on the car 3 years ago. If you are over it get another car, but these cars seem to be pretty reliable and the real fun starts when you’re out of warranty anyway ;)


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I was looking at the new models but not sure how I feel about the turbo to the supercharger.

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[EvohuntinS3]

Yea I love the car!

I could conceivably just take the money I would be "burning" to get out of it, and throw it towards the loan to bring it closer to payoff.

Yea I tried to make it clear that I tried to make a "descent" purchase (did research, bought lightly used, etc). I'm not "that guy" who goes and finances a new car, then complains about depreciation , that's why I got a used model.

It is a hugely fun car to drive. I was just concerned about reliability a bit. If i was going to go down the route of putting more against the loan, was just curious about everyone experience/thoughts on it being a 120-150K car. I drive spirited, but don't abuse it. All scheduled maintenance, and it has had no problems in 55K miles.

Keep in mind a new version of this car just came out and that usually tanks the value of the previous model. Sounds like you got a good deal on the car 3 years ago. If you are over it get another car, but these cars seem to be pretty reliable and the real fun starts when you’re out of warranty anyway ;)


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[PopTart]

Take it to Carmax

[cardoboy]

Take it to Carmax

Or Carvana

[jpl500]

Hey Guys!

Just wanted to pick all the other S4 owners brains here!

Brief context: I picked up a lightly used 2015 S4 back in 15' for about $42K (Sticker was close to $60K on it). I felt I was getting a pretty good deal all things considered, letting the initial depreciation happen elsewhere...

Anyways fast forward to today, I have a about 50K miles on it and the value has crashed (I've actually had several dealers, both Audi and non Audi tell me they have a hard time turning used S4s around for a good dollar). I find myself a little over $6K underwater (wasn't expecting that having bought used ).

Since the car is out of warranty, I'm thinking of bailing on the car and sacrificing some cash (unfortunately), as I don't want to end up with a motor/DSG repair out of pocket for an underwater car.

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the longevity of the platform. Is this something that if well maintained, can be driven spiritedly to 150K+, or is it one of those things, were maintenance (when amortized) will end up being another car payment?

Best!

111k miles on mine with only a left front wheel bearing that needed replacement. I'd say you have a lot more trouble-free miles left in that car.

[rjaudi]

What were they even offering you? It would have to be in the low 20's. If you really want to get out of it just sell it yourself. Honestly just drive the car a few more years, your depreciation curve is really starting to get smaller now.

[jaxkewl]

Take a look at my sig, I'm taking a gamble on a high mileage S4.

[EvohuntinS3]

Take a look at my sig, I'm taking a gamble on a high mileage S4.

Holy crap! I’m assuming haven’t had a huge amount of issues? Haha

What were they even offering you? It would have to be in the low 20's. If you really want to get out of it just sell it yourself. Honestly just drive the car a few more years, your depreciation curve is really starting to get smaller now.

Yea this is what I’m leaning towards honestly

[Senseless]

I'm not worried, even at 88,000 miles. I know there's a potential high cost of repair, but also know the car is very reliable. And I like not having to be paranoid about minor dings and scratches anymore.