2012 Audi S4 w/ 89,500 miles--reliable?

[lwalker]

I know these questions have become common relating to S4s, especially pre-2013 models. But I think the answers are highly subjective and should be taken on a car-by-car basis.

I'm looking into purchasing a 2012 Audi S4 with 89,500 miles. Facts pertaining to the instant vehicle: great condition, trusted seller, one owner (personal friend's father), well maintained, and awesome awesome price. This vehicle wasn't pushed to its limits or modified.

That said, what expenses will I be looking at around the 100,000 mile mark. I've seen various answers including thermostat, water pump, and DSG concerns. What does that look like in pricing terms? Also, how worried should I be about a failing DSG? I guess my intention for buying the vehicle relies on it lasting 4-5 years or 150,000 miles. Finally, what is your experience with this vehicle and the longevity of the engine?

I want to make the vehicle work. Yet I'm skeptical, as many other prospective buyers seem to be. And as 2019 comes to an end, I imagine a lot more 2012 S4s have hit the six-digit mileage mark, giving us ample more data and knowledge. Anyway, thank you for your time and expertise. I truly am appreciative.

[Bartlett]

I'd say the most common failures are (not in order):

Crankshaft pulley
Idler pulley
Mechatronics
PCV
Thermostat
Water pump
Cats
Timing chain guides
Shocks
Downpipe flex pipe

I'd check your DSG box code to see what revision it is. If you can't DIY or don't have a really trusted shop, then I wouldn't recommend getting a 2012 or earlier model. 2014 would probably be the best value. Otherwise, it can be a great purchase.

[hilmar2k]

My two concerns with these cars are with the DSG (especially Gen 1, and somewhat Gen 1.5) and the timing chains. Both are pretty expensive to fix, and if the chain goes completely, it could grenade the engine. I do not plan to keep mine much past 100k miles for that reason (I'm at about 68k now, and mine is a 2014). I already have timing chain rattle at virtually every start-up, cold or otherwise.

[awwturbo]

I wouldn't worry about the 89k on it especially if it was taken care of. I bought mine with 28k on it and have 76k now after 4 years. This car has been pretty solid aside from the modification woes (or I should say dual pulley woes). My cats went at about 55k after a couple months of dual pulley. I had my test pipes pop a weld on the 02 bung and in the process of removing it had a stud on the exhaust manifold snap as well. Replaced brakes at 68k for performance reasons. And the latest was replacing the supercharger due to bad needle bearings (could be the meth? or just bad luck). I plan on keeping this car for the long haul and wont be scared when I creep over the 100k mark. The nice thing is that I can do all the maintenance myself or have friends help out.

[Bartlett]

My two concerns with these cars are with the DSG (especially Gen 1, and somewhat Gen 1.5) and the timing chains. Both are pretty expensive to fix, and if the chain goes completely, it could grenade the engine. I do not plan to keep mine much past 100k miles for that reason (I'm at about 68k now, and mine is a 2014). I already have timing chain rattle at virtually every start-up, cold or otherwise.

Good call, I added the timing chain guides to my list. I am surprised you have the rattling so early.

[Iwantyourcar]

I’d be ready to spend some money on suspension and brakes. Unless previous owner already has. I’d prob just do the 115k service unless you have records of previous DSG fluid change and what not.


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[hilmar2k]

Good call, I added the timing chain guides to my list. I am surprised you have the rattling so early.

Yeah, I'm not particularly pleased about it. If I knew for a fact that replacing the guides would fix the issue I'd probably just bite the bullet and do it. But there are plenty of reports of the rattle returning even on the fixed cars. Audi just sucks at timing chains.

[Magowin]

I only hear chain rattling at startup if I let my car sit a week or more I think it's probably because of oil recessed all into the oil pan with that amount of duration sitting. I'm at 43.6k miles now it's a 2012 Cabriolet unfortunately it's not my daily because my apartment has crappy parking so I keep it at my moms.

[Senseless]

Note that a lot of issues listed are from overly aggressive driving, modified tunes or both. If it's been a normally driven car and well maintained, it has a good chance of being reasonably reliable for your target miles.

[Waffles_s4]

Note that a lot of issues listed are from overly aggressive driving, modified tunes or both. If it's been a normally driven car and well maintained, it has a good chance of being reasonably reliable for your target miles.

I hope people dont drive this car like its an A4, because they clearly bought the wrong car

[Senseless]

I hope people dont drive this car like its an A4, because they clearly bought the wrong car

Well ok, normal by S4 standards.

[Ford Prefect]

If you don’t buy will he extend the “awesome price” to an AZ member. Get it, send it. I bought a 2011 in January of 2017 with 91.5k miles.

I’ve since gone dual pulley and supporting mods (no meth), I replaced the tstat, PCV, and water pump before failure. The only thing that was really “due” was the clutch and shocks.

I’m 6MT so know nothing about that. I’d buy it.

Forum people are like service people (I’m in service at my company) and what we all see are the extreme bad cases because people like to bitch. I’m not talking crap about anyone, but it’s an enthusiast forum where people seem to love to hate.

Buy it. Enjoy it. If it’s an awesome price save a couple grand for the DSG thing.

Edit: I’m at 131xxx now.

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[jbone1]

Wouldn't hurt to take the car to an Audi or german shop to get a PPI. That will tell you if it has any obvious issues or has any service coming up soon.

I own a 2011 S4 and from all the research I have done these cars seem pretty darn solid. Mine has 114k on it now and ive put about 20k on it since I got it. I have not had 1 single issue with the car. From my research i would agree with all of the concerns listed previously, accept the timing chain rattle.


Some ppl claim that the timing chains rattle and have issues. I have a few comments on this: 1) I would question weather these ppl have actually varified that it is the timing chain. There is an exhaust rattle that is super common that might sound like the timing chain 2) I have noticed that running the incorrect oil or taking the oil past it's service life will cause abnormal rattle. This system is very sensitive to oil, due to the fact that it is precisely managed by oil pressure. 3) A little bit of rattle may be normal

[Bartlett]

Wouldn't hurt to take the car to an Audi or german shop to get a PPI. That will tell you if it has any obvious issues or has any service coming up soon.

I own a 2011 S4 and from all the research I have done these cars seem pretty darn solid. Mine has 114k on it now and ive put about 20k on it since I got it. I have not had 1 single issue with the car. From my research i would agree with all of the concerns listed previously, accept the timing chain rattle.


Some ppl claim that the timing chains rattle and have issues. I have a few comments on this: 1) I would question weather these ppl have actually varified that it is the timing chain. There is an exhaust rattle that is super common that might sound like the timing chain 2) I have noticed that running the incorrect oil or taking the oil past it's service life will cause abnormal rattle. This system is very sensitive to oil, due to the fact that it is precisely managed by oil pressure. 3) A little bit of rattle may be normal

Precisely managed by oil pressure but no doggone oil pressure reading from the ECU. They are probably calculating this from a bunch of values.

[CDN BCN]

second owner of a 2012 DSG S4 here. Bought mine a year and half old with 13K. APR tunes since 50k... i'm now at 106k. Had to replace a few control arms, an O2 sensor, and the water pump (under warranty), everything else has been regular maintenance. fingers crossed i'm hoping to hit 120-130K before i sell. I absolutely love this car, so much fun to drive!! Best of luck!!!