Things to look for buying a used S7

[V8Forever]

I apologize if this was posted before, but I tried to search the forums and couldn't find a thread with the information I was looking for. I should also mention I am in Canada so im using CAD pricing and KM's. So I'm currently possibly in the market for a used S7 and I found a couple locally that I may be interested in. They are a 2013 and 2014 model and both are similar in price and KM's. I'm wondering if I want to get into a S7 and go look at the cars, what sort of things I should look out for and things I should be aware of when buying one of these cars used?

I read the whole thread on the Turbo failures and I'm already thinking in my head how to plan for that. So I guess I'm wondering are there any other "gotchas" or things I would want to worry about right away? Things I should ask the seller about? I intend to use the car as a daily if possible. This would also be my first Audi.

The cars I am looking at are just under $40K Cad and both have about 85,000Kms on them. I would love to look at a 2016 model but I just cant justify spending another $25K for a 2 year newer car.

Thanks for any help and replies

[mjfloyd1]

Look at service records documenting oil changes every 5k miles / 8k km - that's the best at helping to prevent turbo failures.

Service records may show turbos and Or oil screen replacement as well.

Some people want modded cars and some feel that mods mean the car has been abused (Ecu flash)

[V8Forever]

Perfect. That gives me a good idea what to ask about when I go to check it out. I can see where alot of people get hung up on tunes. Though I am am planning on tuning the car anyways so it wouldn't bother me too much.

[V8Forever]

Just another question. How is the maintenance on out of warranty S7? Reason I ask it that the local dealership has a CPO S5 with 10,000Km's on it for a really good price. Though I really loved the S7 more I'm wondering if getting something with lower Km's and warranty would be the better move?

[ericw.]

Depends how you drive the car but it's pretty reliable for the most part. Regular oil changes, DSG and diff service if it hasn't already been done (depending on mileage).

If you drive it hard and are constantly messing with the suspension, you might want to keep an eye on control arm bushings and air ride components. It's not entirely uncommon for wheel bearings to go bad also and produce a pulsing hum sound at speed.

All-in-all, for someone like me who has had more than a couple high-mileage audi, these are really easy things to fix if you love the car.

[scott99c2]

I’ve never owned an Audi that didn’t need wheel bearings. I think it’s part of their DNA.

[BCT]

Changed my oil every 5K and still blew both turbos. Now I'm told breather box failures are common to the engine.

[wwhan]

Changed my oil every 5K and still blew both turbos. Now I'm told breather box failures are common to the engine.

Yes, here are many issues with this engine, you can find some TSBs on NTHSA website: 297 Manufacturer Communications for 2014 AUDI S7

Look under "Associated Document" for the PDF

TSB 2040644:

"17 Whistling noises from engine compartment
17 15 66 2040644/3 October 14, 2015.

S6, S7, RS 7, A8, S8.......2013 - 2016.......All.........4.0TFSI"

[V8Forever]

That does make me rather nervous about buying one of these. I went in today to buy the S5 since I was rather concerned about the possible issues with the S7. I had a appointment with the manager to get things rolling and the dealership sold the car an hour before I got there.

[MadAboutCars]

Changed my oil every 5K and still blew both turbos. Now I'm told breather box failures are common to the engine.

I personally don't think oil changes are the answer. The turbo filter is getting blocked by carbon in the oil and this forms quite quickly, even after the oil has been changed.

[V8Forever]

So picking up an S7 these days would the turbos be safe with the new check valve, turbo screen, oil separator, and say upgraded RS7 turbos?

[MadAboutCars]

So picking up an S7 these days would the turbos be safe with the new check valve, turbo screen, oil separator, and say upgraded RS7 turbos?

With that combination, definitely. If the turbos are still in good condition the check valve and screen should be enough.

[RAF_S7]

Look out for broken motor mounts.....

Very expensive to replace, and no aftermarket substitutes available (yet)

Doesn’t throw a CEL, so be wary!