2013 S7 vs A7 - To S7 Or To Not S7, That is the Question

[Brandzimm]

Short story - I am trying to determine if the additional maintenace costs and reliablity issues outweigh the benefits of the S7 and therefore, I should purchase an A7 instead. I have laid out a few questions below. Feel free to provide insight on any or all of them.

I have been looking for an A7 on and off for a few years now. Recently just noticed that the cost of the S7 is not that much higher than the A7 and I would love to get the extra horsepower. I drive a 2009 Infiniti G37S right now and its not slow, but I am always wishing it was quicker, hence why the S7 is such an attractive vehicle for me.

The more research I do on the S7s though (mostly 2013 and 2014 models), I am getting more hesitant about buying one due to the plethoeria of issues with the turbos/engine. I will outline a few questions/concerns I have:

1) Is the preventative maintenance schedule assocated with the S7 much more than the A7? (I have read that people like to do oil changes pretty often with the S7, but outside of that, how does the MNT compare)

2) Is there a difference in turbo/engine reliability between 2013 and 2014 S7? (I have noted in the one turbo forum that alot more 2013 turbos had failed, but was curious if it was known as to why, was there a change between 2013 and 2014)

3) Is there any type of extended warranty/service contract that can be purchased for 2013 S7? (A few places I have looked into from these forums did not offer it on that old of a vehicle no matter the miles. This would greatly reduce my concerns).

General comment - I almost bought a 2013 S7 last week with 66k. I found out last minute that it had a APR Stage 1 ECU and TCU Tune, cold air intake and had some type of electronic lowering kit. I got cold feet as I was concerned it had been overdriven and pulled out of the deal. It was beautiful as it had RS Side Skirts and Grill, but I just didn't want to spend $33k on a used vehicle and have to turn around and put $10k into blown turbos in 20k miles.

Anyways, anything you can help to provide some insight would be helpful. I am trying to make a good financial decision as well. I do not have unlimited funds to pour aimlessly into a car. I plan to perform the correct needed maintenance but I am not interested in a black hole either. I test drove an A7 today and it just didn't give me that christmas morning joy like the S7 does.

[nick1980]

I just bought my second c7 3.0T

2013 A7 with 28k miles it's stock for now but I'm putting together a plan for extra power soon

Have you ever been in or driven a stage 2 3.0T?
I'd try that first to see the 3 liters potential.
If you still need more power than you'd probably want the 4.0T . 3.0 is fast enough for me , I was more concerned with all the tech features .


Are there certain options, packages , leather and headliner color , car color etc you need to have?

I've seen some a7's and also s7's that look almost identical

[djAyx1]

Just first impressions. I had a 2011 G37s as well and just bought my 2016 A7.

Can't tell you much on the S7 or longterm issues with my A7 because I bought it 3 months ago. But here are my thoughts.

A7 is a great quiet ride. Wayyy more smoother than then g37.. by miles.
A7 is quicker and you can feel the acceleration much smoother and quicker.

After purchasing the A7 and getting hit with the mod bug.. there are a few things I realized I wanted that wouldn't be really cost friendly.

The A7 Seats are really boring compared to those diamond leather seats.. I always look at those seats and somewhat regret not getting an S7 (But budget wise, I chose to stay in my lane)
The A7 is really really quiet... coming from the g37 with the low RPM pur has me wanting more... although this is fixable with a more affordable route than getting 5k Exhausts offered for A7s.

Gas mileage is maybe around 3-4 mpg better.

I say go for the S7 and either get extended warranty or save up and get the turbo issues dealt with. If your initial drive of the A7 doesnt "spark joy"... than I believe you will regret your A7 purchase.

Im completely happy with my purchase, aside from the seat issue and plan on getting Stage 1 and living in LA the S7 power will not get me anywhere. Already got the RS Style Grill and looking for a flatbottom steering wheel and other mods.

Hope this helps and hope you enjoy whatever choice you make!

[DocTJ]

Will try to keep this short:
Ive had many cars in the last 4 years: BMW 530i, BMW 328d, VW R, Audi SQ5, Lexus GS, RX, just to name a few.

My 2c after owning the A7 for a year and the S7 for a year:

The A7 is more comfortable than the S7, the seats in comparison to the diamond stitch seats are boring , yes, but more comfortable and also provide better headrest support than the diamond stitch seats on the S7.
The ride is quieter and there is less road noise in the A7, therefore the cabin is quieter.
The A7 gets surprisingly better gas mileage than expected, and for the most part its a cruiser.
The S7 will not do well on gas mileage at all (lol)
The A7 is ballsy enough. Sure it doesn't sound as great as the S7, but still. Its quick man. And add a tune and you'll be happy.
The S7 is a monster, especially with the sport exhaust (I had the c7.5).
The 4.0 issues that it has is a scary thought to have to pay for. CPO is the way to go, but I understand if finances are an issue. I never worried about it because I was always under warranty.

Drive both and see how you feel.
There were times where i wondered if i made the smart choice financially going from A7 to S7 , for a more uncomfortable ride (not that big a difference) and less of a highway cruiser, when most of the time I'm not trying to go 0-60 or 60-100 so fast. Most of the time , I'm just driving normally. It was buyers remorse since I didn't get the s7 initially (was a 20k price difference between the 16 A7 and the 16 S7 i wanted).
Now I'm happy with the s8plus since i get RS7 power with a ride as comfortable (more comfortable) than the A7 I had. (Not happy about the payments but whatever lol)

Moral of the story: drive both, see which you like, get that one. Don't second guess yourself and wish you got the other instead.

[S7 North.Style]

I own a 2013 s7, purchased CPO at 40km (not miles) a few yrs back, warranty’s now voided. I have never tuned (given the known turbo issues amongst 4.0T platform) but I have lowered, cold air intake and exhaust. Regular maintenance with 5k (not miles) oil changes. I baby the car and so far knock on wood- No issues whatsoever, changed spark plugs under Audicare and very happy with power and comfort overall. Go for it! Just have a savings acct to back u up, maintenance not cheap. Likely will sell in a couple yrs, at 70kms now and hoping to avoid the plagued turbo issues that many others have experienced.


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[gta7]

I went from a 2016 A7 to a 2016 RS7 and almost went with an S7 until I saw my CPO RS7 and went that route.

A7 is a fantastic car and it is quick but it’s no sports car. I liked it a lot, but love my RS7. The exhaust and the power are amazing. The interior is gorgeous.

Now the turbo issue is a big one and I’d be freaking out if I didn’t have the CPO warranty.

If money is tight stay safe with the A7. If you can swing it go for a CPO S7.

[Twineffect]

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert, as I just purchased my A7, but I understand you can add an APR stage 2 tune ($1500ish) to it and have 400+ horsepower with no need to worry about the turbos on an S7.

There are other things to consider besides hp and torque, but just wanted to help a little.

[Brandzimm]

I just bought my second c7 3.0T

2013 A7 with 28k miles it's stock for now but I'm putting together a plan for extra power soon

Have you ever been in or driven a stage 2 3.0T?
I'd try that first to see the 3 liters potential.
If you still need more power than you'd probably want the 4.0T . 3.0 is fast enough for me , I was more concerned with all the tech features .


Are there certain options, packages , leather and headliner color , car color etc you need to have?

I've seen some a7's and also s7's that look almost identical

I am good with the looks of the A7 Prestige package. The only thing I really want is the performance and sound of the S7 (and V8). I have never driven a Stage 1 or 2 3.0T. Shouldn't I be concerned with tuning a 3.0T as far as stressing the engine which is my original concern of the 4.0T.

[Brandzimm]

Just first impressions. I had a 2011 G37s as well and just bought my 2016 A7.

Can't tell you much on the S7 or longterm issues with my A7 because I bought it 3 months ago. But here are my thoughts.

A7 is a great quiet ride. Wayyy more smoother than then g37.. by miles.
A7 is quicker and you can feel the acceleration much smoother and quicker.

After purchasing the A7 and getting hit with the mod bug.. there are a few things I realized I wanted that wouldn't be really cost friendly.

The A7 Seats are really boring compared to those diamond leather seats.. I always look at those seats and somewhat regret not getting an S7 (But budget wise, I chose to stay in my lane)
The A7 is really really quiet... coming from the g37 with the low RPM pur has me wanting more... although this is fixable with a more affordable route than getting 5k Exhausts offered for A7s.

Gas mileage is maybe around 3-4 mpg better.

I say go for the S7 and either get extended warranty or save up and get the turbo issues dealt with. If your initial drive of the A7 doesnt "spark joy"... than I believe you will regret your A7 purchase.

Im completely happy with my purchase, aside from the seat issue and plan on getting Stage 1 and living in LA the S7 power will not get me anywhere. Already got the RS Style Grill and looking for a flatbottom steering wheel and other mods.

Hope this helps and hope you enjoy whatever choice you make!

I too love the S7 diamond stitch seats. I actually am looking at an S7 right now, 2013 with 47k. The individual says car got revised oil screen, G code and new turbos in 2017. That seems pretty appealing. The only thing I didn't like was that it has the comfort seats. Aside from the seats, would that be appealing to most people to buy a vehicle that apparently already had the turbos blown but looks like the repair work completed?

[Twineffect]

I am good with the looks of the A7 Prestige package. The only thing I really want is the performance and sound of the S7 (and V8). I have never driven a Stage 1 or 2 3.0T. Shouldn't I be concerned with tuning a 3.0T as far as stressing the engine which is my original concern of the 4.0T.

My understanding is stage 2 isn't really an issue for reliability. Going past that is when you get to know your mechanic.

[Brandzimm]

Will try to keep this short:
Ive had many cars in the last 4 years: BMW 530i, BMW 328d, VW R, Audi SQ5, Lexus GS, RX, just to name a few.

My 2c after owning the A7 for a year and the S7 for a year:

The A7 is more comfortable than the S7, the seats in comparison to the diamond stitch seats are boring , yes, but more comfortable and also provide better headrest support than the diamond stitch seats on the S7.
The ride is quieter and there is less road noise in the A7, therefore the cabin is quieter.
The A7 gets surprisingly better gas mileage than expected, and for the most part its a cruiser.
The S7 will not do well on gas mileage at all (lol)
The A7 is ballsy enough. Sure it doesn't sound as great as the S7, but still. Its quick man. And add a tune and you'll be happy.
The S7 is a monster, especially with the sport exhaust (I had the c7.5).
The 4.0 issues that it has is a scary thought to have to pay for. CPO is the way to go, but I understand if finances are an issue. I never worried about it because I was always under warranty.

Drive both and see how you feel.
There were times where i wondered if i made the smart choice financially going from A7 to S7 , for a more uncomfortable ride (not that big a difference) and less of a highway cruiser, when most of the time I'm not trying to go 0-60 or 60-100 so fast. Most of the time , I'm just driving normally. It was buyers remorse since I didn't get the s7 initially (was a 20k price difference between the 16 A7 and the 16 S7 i wanted).
Now I'm happy with the s8plus since i get RS7 power with a ride as comfortable (more comfortable) than the A7 I had. (Not happy about the payments but whatever lol)

Moral of the story: drive both, see which you like, get that one. Don't second guess yourself and wish you got the other instead.

That was very helpful. One question on the CPO, what does it actually gain you? So best I could tell, if I were to buy a CPO, it would gain me 12-month warranty with no limit of miles. But that is only 1year, what about after that? (Note: I drive about 10k miles a year)

[Lilrckt]

Faced with the same situation, coming from a g37 and a BMW 550, I went with the S6 and just paid 4k for a 5 year 48k mile warranty to cover up any turbo issues... But now I'm kinda wishing I didn't buy the warranty because it's keeping me from getting a tune.

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[deeee]

I love my A7, perfect engine for the car it is. If I wanted something with more power, I'd opt for S5 sportback rather than S7. More nimble and sporty, not a boat like the A7/S7.

[djAyx1]

Faced with the same situation, coming from a g37 and a BMW 550, I went with the S6 and just paid 4k for a 5 year 48k mile warranty to cover up any turbo issues... But now I'm kinda wishing I didn't buy the warranty because it's keeping me from getting a tune.

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I bought extended warranty as well from Audi.. after doing more research on the 3.0t... I pulled the plug and got the refund with the thought that... whatever happens in the 4-5years... hopeefully will cost just as much or less.

[WatchMeSpend]

Looked at a 2013 S6. Love the way it looks and the horsepower although I have never experienced one. Did not want to deal with the DSG maintenance. Heard the DSG was not the most pleasant to drive in stop and go at slow speeds. Worried a bit about turbos, but more worried since I registered on AZ. Would have had to pay 6k more for the older car because it was the same price as a 2016 A6.

Bought a 2016 A6 Technik S-Line 20" factory wheels. Got APR Stage one. Gets great gas mileage and with the 8 speed ZF, you don't even feel it shifting in comfort mode. In manual/sport mode, above 3000 RPM is where the fun happens. Unless it it completely dry, warm and clean outside the tires break free a bit and trip the traction control above 3300. Taking it in for APR Stage 2 + single pulley with 91/93 octane program next.

Beautiful sunny Sunday here. Round the corner in first gear and manually engage the 1-2 shift at WOT for some smiles and then drop into comfort to quietly get some food to cook while I finish detailing the car. Enjoy BBQ afterwards. Then bourbon.

I really love this car. It transports multiple adults with ease when needed. It is easy to drive but can become a beast on command and then quickly drop back to peaceful cruising.

[SpectreGadget]

CPO from Audi really sucks now. 1 year, unlimited mileage is just a shade above useless.

I bought a 2012 A7 a few years back. Stage 2 EPL, runs like a scalded cat when I want it to. Test drove a 2013 S7 the other day. Similar power at stock as the stage 2, but with so much room to grow. I'd like to go that route, but would either make sure I had an extended warranty that fully covered the turbos, or just replace them right out of the gate and make sure all is good.

[Brandzimm]

CPO from Audi really sucks now. 1 year, unlimited mileage is just a shade above useless.

I bought a 2012 A7 a few years back. Stage 2 EPL, runs like a scalded cat when I want it to. Test drove a 2013 S7 the other day. Similar power at stock as the stage 2, but with so much room to grow. I'd like to go that route, but would either make sure I had an extended warranty that fully covered the turbos, or just replace them right out of the gate and make sure all is good.

So this is a great comment. A car I am looking at had the turbos and filter, G Code replaced in 2017 at like 40k miles. Would that be enough to negate many of the concerns? Or is it just simply resetting the clock on what appears to be inevitable turbo issues.

[PurpleRain]

I have EPL stage 2 on my A7 and it has a pretty good amount of power. I’m shopping for an s7 or rs7 because my a7 doesn’t have that v8 sound.

I’ve gone for a test drive in a couple stock s7 and have to say I am really disappointed in the difference. The sound is barely there, even in dynamic mode. The power has a different curve than my s2 a7, and felt laggy an unimpressive.

I still want that v8 because that’s me. A7 is the first car I’ve owned that isn’t a v8. It’s an extremely impressive v6. I now know that going into an s7, I have to factor exhaust and tune into the price and that makes the s7 more expensive. I haven’t had a chance to drive an rs7 yet.


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[DocTJ]

That was very helpful. One question on the CPO, what does it actually gain you? So best I could tell, if I were to buy a CPO, it would gain me 12-month warranty with no limit of miles. But that is only 1year, what about after that? (Note: I drive about 10k miles a year)

For me the CPO allowed me to drive as much as I wanted, because i drove about 30,000 miles a year. So unlimited miles, drive it as much as I want, and not worry about hitting that 50k mileage limitation. Plus theres an option when signing the paperwork with the finance guy to make it a 2 year unlimited extension instead of a 1 year/unlimited miles standard.

[Valpo A7]

We have a 2012 A7 that we bought last year with 142K on the motor. It uses oil so 1 of these days I will pull the supercharger and replace the oil separator. Probably do the water pump and thermostat while I am into the motor that far.

I did the 145, 155, 165,000 mile oil changes myself along with an air filter and dust filter along the way. New tires when I bought it and balance/rotate them every 10,000 miles, they are wearing great and should go 60-70K easily. The only thing else I have needed to do was front brake pads.

The A7 is a pretty solid car.

Other than the turbo's the S7 is as well. No one including Audi engineering has figured out the failure mode for the turbo's yet other than to say they get starved for oil. Audi is on rev G I think for the turbo oil screens, 7th design change now then? Yeah they seem to be just stabbing in the dark at that it seems. Some will stick with the 10K oil change interval and most turbo's fail eventually, some have gone to a 5K change interval and some of them have still had them fail. 1 thing is for certain is Audi will bust your balls if you modify the car and void the factory warranty then the turbo bill is all on you for close to $10K. Almost seems like the pride themselves in flagging your car modified and therefore no shit for free.

[BadApple]

[QUOTE= I test drove an A7 today and it just didn't give me that christmas morning joy like the S7 does.[/QUOTE]

I'm probably going to sound like an ass, but I feel you should hear this since I've been down this road so many times. it sounds to me like you're looking for the forum to help you justify purchasing an A7 vice the S7. Nothing wrong with an A7 but is it what you want? I understand that budget is a concern, but at the end of the day will you be happy? Based on your statement above, I'm not so sure. If you truly believe that you will be happy in an A7, then by all means go for it. But if your just settling for something that you think you will learn to accept, I would recommend saving your money and waiting until you can afford what you want. I've done both settling and waiting. Waiting sucks but settling for something I didn't really want was way worse. Remember, there are a lot of good opinions here but the only one that matters is yours and how you will truly feel while your driving. Good luck on whatever you decide.

[MN_AudiA4]

I have a 2012 Audi A7 and coming from a B8.5 A4 with an E85 tune, the power-band and reliability of the 3.0t is soooo much better overall. I have done a few mods to my A7- Stage I APR Tune, Eibach Suspension, Flow Forged Wheels and RS Grill, gives a nice overall appearance and is quick enough for me. I have a friend with a tuned S7 and that is a fun car with a nice growl. As other people mentioned test drive both and see how you feel. You can make plenty of power on the 3.0t platform but really push it further with the 4.0t engine. I daily drive my car and its a perfect for what I need!!

[yeuchau]

Full bolt on A6/7 can be as quick as stage 2 S6/7.
There are many A6/7 running 0-60 under 3.5 sec now days.

Reliability wise, I would give the edge to A6/7 vs S6/7.
However, if you want air suspension/V8 sound/diamond stitch seats, then S6/7 it is and if Stage 2 is not enough for you, you can always go for stage 3.

[Brandzimm]

Thanks for all the help. I have decided to move forward with purchasing an S7. Inspection is scheduled for 2 weeks. If it passes with no big issues, I will be the proud owner of an S7.

[BadApple]

Thanks for all the help. I have decided to move forward with purchasing an S7. Inspection is scheduled for 2 weeks. If it passes with no big issues, I will be the proud owner of an S7.

I totally get it

[davepjr71]

Look at the JHM bypass kit to hopefully cured the turbo issue. Cheap fix.

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[Brandzimm]

Look at the JHM bypass kit to hopefully cured the turbo issue. Cheap fix.

Sent from my Z982 using Tapatalk

It is tempting, however I am planning on getting an extended warranty. I believe something like this would void the warranty if anything were to happen to the turbos.

[davepjr71]

Typically the warranty can only be an issue with "tuner" parts. As far as "voiding" a warranty they would have to prove that your mod caused the problem. with all of the failed turbos they would have one heck of a time convincing anyone that adding a bypass caused a failure. Especially of the manufacturer can prove that this mod helps and not hinders.