Used S4 - Which year is best 2014, 2015, or 2016?? Things to consider?

[sgomes]

Just starting our search for a late model, low mileage S4; and wondering what year 2014, 2015, or 2016 stands out as the best. Also, any recommendations on things to consider or check out.

And, living in California, I'm considering APR Stage 1 tuning, and would like input regarding the SMOG testing ramifications. I have read random sources say that it passes with the new programming in place, while others recommend reflashing to stock ecu and put some miles on the car before testing. But, I question the qualifications of those sources; so, if anyone here with first person knowledge can confirm the implications of APR Stage 1 tuning.

Very excited about finding the right S4, and looking forward to input from members here.

Thanks.

Steve

[Sroyval96]

What’s wrong with a 2013? Virtually the same car and you can find some great deals as well.


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[mpm]

As someone who just did the exact same search for about six months, I can tell you from an equipment and options perspective the three years are identical vehicles. There are minor changes in how the options are organized, but not in the actual options themselves. There are also some changes to the wheel styles.

First, the best thing to do is get a copy online of each years A4/S4 brochure so you can see how the options were arranged. This will help when trying to narrow your search across different years.

Second, when comparing different cars for sale, skip reading seller provided info (as it usually contains mistakes) and pull your own original window sticker. This will allow you to quickly know exactly what the vehicle is equipped with and compare to other prospects. Here is a great tool that I used that others have also posted about on the forum:

http://www.wikilender.com/ultimate-w...-decoder-tool/

I ended up with a 2014 prestige fully loaded, as I only wanted a manual and they are few and far between. I shipped it from California to Pennsylvania. You are lucky being out west, as CA had the most offerings of any state during my search.

Good luck!


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[mpm]

Regarding the 2013, I don’t believe that MY MMI supports Bluetooth audio streaming if that matters to you. It only supports phone calls.


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[cfd]

Regarding the 2013, I don’t believe that MY MMI supports Bluetooth audio streaming if that matters to you. It only supports phone calls.


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It sure does.. at least it does on my ‘13

[sfour007]

It definitely does support Bluetooth audio streaming

[mpm]

Good to know. I knew it became available in 13 or 14. Just wanted to throw it out there in case, as it is in an obscure MY change not obvious in any literature. Appreciate the feedback from 13 owners.


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[AvusPdx]

I've heard the early MY13's still has the ver 1.5 DSG (out of Ver 1, 1.5, 2). Not sure if you can vagcom scan which model DSG is in them. According to the poll, Ver 1 DSG has the mechatronic issue, not sure if the 1.5's have the same issues or not.

[Sroyval96]

Just purchased my 2013 S4 prestige, 22,000 miles for a very good price.
My friend bought a 2015 s4 and I can tell you with 100% certainty that the differences are marginal if any at all. I can confirm that I have Bluetooth audio for music, anything 2013-2017 is a b8.5 and are relatively all the same. So if you find a good deal ‘13 I’d go for it.


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[Estoril4]

Simply put go with the newest/lowest mileage you can if it's a decent deal. 15s and 16s you'll still have some warranty to iron out any gremlins unless that doesn't matter to you, I'd probably try and find one with ~ a year left

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[sacandagaD]

Simply put go with the newest/lowest mileage you can if it's a decent deal. 15s and 16s you'll still have some warranty to iron out any gremlins unless that doesn't matter to you, I'd probably try and find one with ~ a year left

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+1, Did exactly this.

[handruin]

I owned a 2013 and now a 2015. Differences are minimal between the years. Keep in mind that some 2013's had steering issues being the first release with electric-assist steering. There was/is a large thread in here documenting people's issues. I also had the notch feeling with mine and it was never 100% after the TSB was applied. This also made the adjustability from the MMI less-noticeable when comparing comfort, dynamic, etc. I don't notice any steering issues on my 2015.

[Dr GP]

It doesn't matter. The differences are so insignificant. Find the newest model year with the lowest mileage in a color combo you like with the options you must have, at a price you can afford. The model year is least important .The driving experience with all b8/8.5 s4s is the same. Forget about a CPO or extended warranty if you plan on tuning the car. The first time you take it in to an Audi dealer for service, they will connect it to their computer which is programmed to ferret out any tunes. Your car will be designated TD1 and engine and drive train warranty voided. That pertains to aftermarket warranties as well. Dealer has no way to circumvent this.

[sgomes]

Wow, first, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to help with my search. Such outpouring is comforting going forward.

I will add 2013's to my list,

I appreciate the input re CPO's, which pretty much confirms my thoughts about what seems to be simply an extended warranty - philosophically, something I routinely stay away from, because seems like quite a good add-on for the dealer, ergo bad investment for the buyer.

Thx again to all.

Steve

[Dr GP]

Wow, first, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to help with my search. Such outpouring is comforting going forward.

I will add 2013's to my list,

I appreciate the input re CPO's, which pretty much confirms my thoughts about what seems to be simply an extended warranty - philosophically, something I routinely stay away from, because seems like quite a good add-on for the dealer, ergo bad investment for the buyer.

Thx again to all.

Steve

Cpo is a great add on for the buyer as long as you are not tuning the car. But IMHO, not a deal breaker either way. Plus these cars have been remarkably reliable even with higher mileage,

[tar]

Year doesn't matter all that matters is if it has a 3rd pedal.

Sport diff is nice to have also.

[RCFC89]

It doesn't matter. The differences are so insignificant. Find the newest model year with the lowest mileage in a color combo you like with the options you must have, at a price you can afford. The model year is least important .The driving experience with all b8/8.5 s4s is the same. Forget about a CPO or extended warranty if you plan on tuning the car. The first time you take it in to an Audi dealer for service, they will connect it to their computer which is programmed to ferret out any tunes. Your car will be designated TD1 and engine and drive train warranty voided. That pertains to aftermarket warranties as well. Dealer has no way to circumvent this.

Chipwerke piggyback doesn't show up. Doesn't have to be CPO or extended if you find a 15/16 model year. My 2015 still has 23 month's left on the original warranty.

[RacrX]

2013 :-)

Mine has BT audio. Just turned 40k mi and no issues whatsoever.

[Dr GP]

Chipwerke piggyback doesn't show up.

Correct. But OP stated that he was considering a APR stage 1 tune.

[cjw]

2013 :-)

Mine has BT audio. Just turned 40k mi and no issues whatsoever.

Same.

[RReddington]

Be careful with 2016s, the ECUs changed and some people have issues with tunes that tuners are not ready to address due to the small demand.

[hubner33]

Dont the 16 also have port injectors that help with the carbon buildup ussues


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[fafaforza]

Do any manual S4s come with CarPlay/Android Auto?

[LINDW4LL]

Do any manual S4s come with CarPlay/Android Auto?

No.

[Dr GP]

No.

Dsgs don't have it either

[BoringGuy]

Be careful with 2016s, the ECUs changed and some people have issues with tunes that tuners are not ready to address due to the small demand.

First I've heard of this, if thats the case I may have to reconsider tuning mines in the future. By chance is there a link you can send me so I can read up on it?

[Lbsigman]

First I've heard of this, if thats the case I may have to reconsider tuning mines in the future. By chance is there a link you can send me so I can read up on it?

I've heard of it before, but luckily Chris at EPL confirmed my 2016 was good to go.

[Chris@EPL]

2016s are no different in North America. I think in 2016 the UK and other Euro countries got the newer Simos16 ECU and engine with the port and TFSI injection as well as the 4 bolt pulley. But in North American all the way up to 2017 are fine with the S4/S5s.

[Venumous]

2016s are no different in North America. I think in 2016 the UK and other Euro countries got the newer Simos16 ECU and engine with the port and TFSI injection as well as the 4 bolt pulley. But in North American all the way up to 2017 are fine with the S4/S5s.

Good to have that clarified. I was under the impression it was USDM as well.

[Chris@EPL]

Only the 2016-17 A6/A7s got the new 3.0T with port injection/Simos16/4 bolt SC pulley.

[RWD2quattro]

Only the 2016-17 A6/A7s got the new 3.0T with port injection/Simos16/4 bolt SC pulley.

Will their LPFP pump work for our S4/5 since its direct/port and probably higher capacity? Part #?

2014 is best

[Chris@EPL]

Will their LPFP pump work for our S4/5 since its direct/port and probably higher capacity? Part #?

No idea.