Buying a B8.5 with damage on Carfax

[guanin2999]

Good day everyone,


A local Audi dealer is selling a nice looking 2015 B8.5 S4 with Adaptive Dampening Suspension, Carbon Atlas Trim, Sport Differential and Black Optics Package for 32k CAD. It looked really good in the photos, and only has 76k kms on the odo. However when I looked at the Carfax it says it was had a collision in the front left a couple of years ago, which took almost 10k CAD to fix. In spite of this the guy at the dealer told me they can still CPO the car.

Is this car still a good buy? 32k CAD sounds high for a car with an accident record.

[shortyolsen2017]

Good day everyone,


A local Audi dealer is selling a nice looking 2015 B8.5 S4 with Adaptive Dampening Suspension, Carbon Atlas Trim, Sport Differential and Black Optics Package for 32k CAD. It looked really good in the photos, and only has 76k kms on the odo. However when I looked at the Carfax it says it was had a collision in the front left a couple of years ago, which took almost 10k CAD to fix. In spite of this the guy at the dealer told me they can still CPO the car.

Is this car still a good buy? 32k CAD sounds high for a car with an accident record.

Rule of thumb in the states is approx 20% value loss due to accidents/collisions not that anybody goes by it.

Heres a good read.
https://www.cashcarsbuyer.com/how-mu...r-an-accident/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.car...n-accident/amp

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[Clintster]

Get the car inspected by an independent shop and let them know about the collision. They should be able to spot any signs of disrepair or bad repair work.


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[BucDan]

Avoid it.

[Ashtonts]

If it’s disclosed, passes CPO, and doesn’t look visually messed up, I wouldn’t worry too much. Get it checked out if desired and use it to get a better deal.

If they just replaced a headlight/bumper/fender/hood, there’s not much to worry about imo

[2by2handsofblue]

Good day everyone,


A local Audi dealer is selling a nice looking 2015 B8.5 S4 with Adaptive Dampening Suspension, Carbon Atlas Trim, Sport Differential and Black Optics Package for 32k CAD. It looked really good in the photos, and only has 76k kms on the odo. However when I looked at the Carfax it says it was had a collision in the front left a couple of years ago, which took almost 10k CAD to fix. In spite of this the guy at the dealer told me they can still CPO the car.

Is this car still a good buy? 32k CAD sounds high for a car with an accident record.

Get pictures. Definitely take a mechanic that knows German cars and have him look under the body of the car etc.

I doubt it's a salvage title. Since it's a dealership.

And get it at a lower price.


we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[2by2handsofblue]

More than likely it's not a frame damage.

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[guanin2999]

Thanks for the response everyone. 10k CAD sounds like a lot but thinking about it it's an Audi, hopefully that's just a new bumper and headlight assembly, maybe a new quarter panel and nothing critical damaged inside. I'll see how they respond when I inquire about the damages and getting it checked by a third party.

[cztange]

I paid 32k for mine, 2015 S4 with all the same specs, DSG though. No damage. 82thousand km. I would negotiate on the price based on the carfax alone.

[guanin2999]

I paid 32k for mine, 2015 S4 with all the same specs, DSG though. No damage. 82thousand km. I would negotiate on the price based on the carfax alone.

This one's a DSG as well. When did you purchase yours?

[2by2handsofblue]

They are aking too much for a previously damaged car.
Definitely get it under 28k or under.
Or walk.

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[guanin2999]

They are aking too much for a previously damaged car.
Definitely get it under 28k or under.
Or walk.

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

Thank you, I'm going to shoot for 26k. Since it can be CPO'd, do you think it's a good idea to add Audi Care if they offer it?

[hellovaras]

Get the car inspected by an independent shop and let them know about the collision. They should be able to spot any signs of disrepair or bad repair work.


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[coop3422]

That's too high for DSG IMO. I just picked up a 2015 S4 MT loaded, original owner, 94k km for $26k. Granted he was asking $32k, and I feel I got it for a very good deal, but I feel 6MT's command a premium price wise.

As for $10k damage, on an Audi I wouldn't think that's much, but it will affect your ability to resell it. I bought my 2015 loaded A6 last April and it had an $18k and $8k claim. Has made it tougher to sell for sure. That said, I had an accident in my old 07 WRX and that bill was $14k, hood, bumper, fender, headlight, and labour/paint. It can add up really fast.

All said, being DSG are not hard to find, I'd keep looking personally. Look out of province.

[guanin2999]

That's too high for DSG IMO. I just picked up a 2015 S4 MT loaded, original owner, 94k km for $26k. Granted he was asking $32k, and I feel I got it for a very good deal, but I feel 6MT's command a premium price wise.

As for $10k damage, on an Audi I wouldn't think that's much, but it will affect your ability to resell it. I bought my 2015 loaded A6 last April and it had an $18k and $8k claim. Has made it tougher to sell for sure. That said, I had an accident in my old 07 WRX and that bill was $14k, hood, bumper, fender, headlight, and labour/paint. It can add up really fast.

All said, being DSG are not hard to find, I'd keep looking personally. Look out of province.

I was looking at this one because it's a dealer CPO and purchasable with Audi care. Based on Autotrader there doesnt seem to be much difference between the DSG and manual versions, and I thought the DSG on these were pretty good performance wise. I'm going to sound like a heretic as this is an enthusiast based forum but I wouldn't the DSG at all for the convenience factor.. lol

[Corydms7]

Mine was in an accident, but had a clean title. Look out for paint work though. Mine has dirt spots, couple little runs, high/low spots in the primer, little clear peeling. None of this you can see from 5-10 feet. You have to really inspect it. Mine has been nothing but reliable though. Only have had it for 5k miles though. I got it for the lower end of “good” condition which is the second from the worst, so I think it was a decent deal. Had all the maintenance in the myAudi app and car fax. If it looks good and was maintained well, then I wouldn’t worry too much.

[fastboatster]

just walk, there are better deals in classifieds section. dsg b8.5 s4 is not special enough car to buy with damages, even if it's fixed. It's not some kind of collectible and that record won't help you to sell it when you need to a few years down the road because it started to turn into money pit due to its age and mileage.

[jasonj1965]

mate if you like it and you think you are getting a good deal that’s all that matters.you won’t be worrying about resale value when you have enjoyed it for years they are great cars as long as you keep maintenance up to date
cheers


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[endy1]

Seriously 10000cad is nothing in repairs...
Lets say: bumper, hood, headlight and some small parts (oem prices). Paint and labor and you are above that price.

Its so sad that everybody is so affraid of vehicle that has been in small accidents. Even people that really know cars are affraid...

If someone that sells a car and have changed some suspension parts, made a facelift, changce out a fender due to rust or whatever. Everybody is like: Yeah, thats a great car to buy!
But if you change out the stuff i mention above due to a collision, no one wants to buy it?

That is just stupid!

[2by2handsofblue]

Seriously 10000cad is nothing in repairs...
Lets say: bumper, hood, headlight and some small parts (oem prices). Paint and labor and you are above that price.

Its so sad that everybody is so affraid of vehicle that has been in small accidents. Even people that really know cars are affraid...

If someone that sells a car and have changed some suspension parts, made a facelift, changce out a fender due to rust or whatever. Everybody is like: Yeah, thats a great car to buy!
But if you change out the stuff i mention above due to a collision, no one wants to buy it?

That is just stupid!

Well cant blame a lot of people. Cause there are a lot of shady folks.
And it's a hard resell for a fair price.
U make a good point.

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[jasonj1965]

i had my neighbour reverse out of the driveway into my passenger door dented it but didn’t break the paint
got it repaired through her insurance $3600 so $10k isn’t a lot of damage is it


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[fastboatster]

Any used car is "guilty until proven innocent". You would not recommend buying a car without inspecting mechanical parts, so why would you recommend giving benefit of a doubt for body structure even if you dont know what went into that repair bill? If OP decides to buy it, body shop inspection is needed, dealer doesn't do bodywork and might (and sometimes want) to overlook some things. Plus, as good as these cars are (debatable), you still might want something else later. You haven't seen what happened to the car so all you'll have is a story how you think 10k CAD was probably a bumper, fenders and cosmetics. Not very convincing. Saving less than 10% is not worth it, imo, but that's just me, people who have this stiff on their cars Carfax will tell you otherwise if course.

[guanin2999]

Thank you very much everyone for the input. I recently drove a 2018 S4 when a friend was making their own Audi purchase. Coming from a 2001 Subaru Legacy, it really made an impression to me. But I can't afford a 2018, so I looked at earlier years. I thought I was going to keep my JDM Legacy for a while but here I am now looking at other cars.. I want to say I want to keep the Audi for a while as well (also why I was looking at warranty + Audi care), but I am worried about the future. When the time comes I want to size up, what would the value be by then?

Let me ask this question then, given the history, what do you guys think is its value? This is of course assuming that everything checks out with the repairs and it was done properly. I will get it inspected if I decide to pursue it.

[fastboatster]

What's the intended use for this car? Did you say you want to size up? Do you need to carry customers or coworkers in the back seat? If you want to do this and primarily use the car as a commuter, then the a6 3.0t will fit the bill. It is somewhat bigger but still relatively sporty, of course not like the s4, comfier, has the same good 3.0t engine but with more bulletproof zf 8 trans. And it seems like it's a lot easier to find good deals for it. Mb you can test drive one and see if it can actually fit the bill better.

[oaybar007]

Thank you very much everyone for the input. I recently drove a 2018 S4 when a friend was making their own Audi purchase. Coming from a 2001 Subaru Legacy, it really made an impression to me. But I can't afford a 2018, so I looked at earlier years. I thought I was going to keep my JDM Legacy for a while but here I am now looking at other cars.. I want to say I want to keep the Audi for a while as well (also why I was looking at warranty + Audi care), but I am worried about the future. When the time comes I want to size up, what would the value be by then?

Let me ask this question then, given the history, what do you guys think is its value? This is of course assuming that everything checks out with the repairs and it was done properly. I will get it inspected if I decide to pursue it.

So at the conversion that's just shy of $24,000 USD. Values are hard to gauge, especially dealing with currency variations and not sure if your price includes any fees, taxes, etc. I will give you my advice if you want it.

If you search my posts you'll be able to read about my fun experience last Fall with buying my S4. Rest assured that I take the cake for worst purchase on this forum. I overpaid for a car with a minor collision noted (repair was good though), but I got a problem car otherwise and had to pressure a major auto retailer here to sort it out. Then to boot it took gravel damage and had to have the front end refinished, complete with new windshield. The results now are stunning. My car at 53k mileage looks and feels brand new. Do I regret the purchase, not really. If it's not one thing it's another.

My advice would be to just check the car out and work out a deal you feel comfortable with. Look up values in your area and go from there. If you can research the repair and pull service history that's good. Make sure the car was cared for. If things missed, make them fix/service/address. If a PPI makes you feel better, that can work too. There's just always some risk with cars, especially used sports variants. If you can, just don't rush the purchase and methodically look over the car. Make a list, check off what you see and what concerns you, etc. If they rush you, walk away. That's always been my rule with cars. I'll never work on someone else's time if I'm the buyer. They can wait or I leave. If they don't care to wait, so be it. Don't take it personally.

[guanin2999]

What's the intended use for this car? Did you say you want to size up? Do you need to carry customers or coworkers in the back seat? If you want to do this and primarily use the car as a commuter, then the a6 3.0t will fit the bill. It is somewhat bigger but still relatively sporty, of course not like the s4, comfier, has the same good 3.0t engine but with more bulletproof zf 8 trans. And it seems like it's a lot easier to find good deals for it. Mb you can test drive one and see if it can actually fit the bill better.

This car would be my new all-around daily car. I'm still single, and wont be having kids with my girlfriend until after maybe 5 years. I don't haul too much stuff, but I do go snowboarding. Can the B8.5 S4 fit a size 159 snowboard with the bindings? I do drive with my friends but not very often. Most of the time it's just me and my girlfriend. I really like the styling of Audi's S models, and the tamer styling of the A versions does not excite me..

So at the conversion that's just shy of $24,000 USD. Values are hard to gauge, especially dealing with currency variations and not sure if your price includes any fees, taxes, etc. I will give you my advice if you want it.

If you search my posts you'll be able to read about my fun experience last Fall with buying my S4. Rest assured that I take the cake for worst purchase on this forum. I overpaid for a car with a minor collision noted (repair was good though), but I got a problem car otherwise and had to pressure a major auto retailer here to sort it out. Then to boot it took gravel damage and had to have the front end refinished, complete with new windshield. The results now are stunning. My car at 53k mileage looks and feels brand new. Do I regret the purchase, not really. If it's not one thing it's another.

My advice would be to just check the car out and work out a deal you feel comfortable with. Look up values in your area and go from there. If you can research the repair and pull service history that's good. Make sure the car was cared for. If things missed, make them fix/service/address. If a PPI makes you feel better, that can work too. There's just always some risk with cars, especially used sports variants. If you can, just don't rush the purchase and methodically look over the car. Make a list, check off what you see and what concerns you, etc. If they rush you, walk away. That's always been my rule with cars. I'll never work on someone else's time if I'm the buyer. They can wait or I leave. If they don't care to wait, so be it. Don't take it personally.

Thank you for the input! I saw your posts and that must have been quite a headache. I start getting anxiety the moment I hear ANY unusual noise coming from my car.

Fortunately not a lot of people are into sedans these days, and my city's not that big enough that I think the car will sell quickly. I'll see how the dealer plays when I ask for the car's service records. Average values for a 2015 Audi S4 according to Autotrader is 29.4k - 34.4k CAD. Another source tells me 30.4k. However I'm not sure if clean titles are factored into that price.

[2by2handsofblue]

This car would be my new all-around daily car. I'm still single, and wont be having kids with my girlfriend until after maybe 5 years. I don't haul too much stuff, but I do go snowboarding. Can the B8.5 S4 fit a size 159 snowboard with the bindings? I do drive with my friends but not very often. Most of the time it's just me and my girlfriend. I really like the styling of Audi's S models, and the tamer styling of the A versions does not excite me..



Thank you for the input! I saw your posts and that must have been quite a headache. I start getting anxiety the moment I hear ANY unusual noise coming from my car.

Fortunately not a lot of people are into sedans these days, and my city's not that big enough that I think the car will sell quickly. I'll see how the dealer plays when I ask for the car's service records. Average values for a 2015 Audi S4 according to Autotrader is 29.4k - 34.4k CAD. Another source tells me 30.4k. However I'm not sure if clean titles are factored into that price.

With your seats down your snowboard will fit

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[fastboatster]

The a6 looks like slightly larger b8.5 s4. As for the "S model" styling, say, s-line a4 looks exactly like an S4. S4 should truthfully be called an a4 3.0t, separate model designation is there so that Audi could charge more money for it.

[coop3422]

What's the intended use for this car? Did you say you want to size up? Do you need to carry customers or coworkers in the back seat? If you want to do this and primarily use the car as a commuter, then the a6 3.0t will fit the bill. It is somewhat bigger but still relatively sporty, of course not like the s4, comfier, has the same good 3.0t engine but with more bulletproof zf 8 trans. And it seems like it's a lot easier to find good deals for it. Mb you can test drive one and see if it can actually fit the bill better.

This is a great point actually. I love my A6, and my wife is sad to see it go. If you don't want a manual, it's a great alternative to an S4. Same engine, a bit more room, and drives great for the size. Also as mentioned, the ZF8 is a great, bulletproof transmissive. Not intended to promote, but if you are open to something with a claim, I'm selling my 2015 A6 3.0T S-Line Sport Black Optics for a steal. Paid $36k last April, plus bought a second set of 20" wheels and tires. I already but an S4 6MT, so willing to let mine go for $26 CAD, including 2 sets of 20"wheels and tires. 71k km. Hate to say the cliche "my loss is someone's gain", but i I'm taking quite the hit and feel someone's going to get a killer deal. But I already bought 6MT S4, and got a good price, so I'm willing to do the same. I'm in Calgary, but open to meeting halfway in SK if interested (here right now at our cabin, but not with the car). I wouldn't sell it if I was happy with an auto, they're awesome cars. But after a year, no manual was making me sad, so it was either a manual year round car, or get a Mustang GT manual or similar. Anyway, if you're interested, lmk

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ck-Optix-Sport

[RidgebackRigs]

Ask if they have any photos prior to the repair. I purchased my 2015 S4 that was in an $18k damaged claim. The shop that was selling it provided me with all the photos of the damage, and they also gave life time warrantied their work for as long as I owned the car. 79,000kms and a dsg (no sport diff) Paid $23.5k. No regrets in my purchase here.

[Senseless]

Seriously 10000cad is nothing in repairs...
Lets say: bumper, hood, headlight and some small parts (oem prices). Paint and labor and you are above that price.

Its so sad that everybody is so affraid of vehicle that has been in small accidents. Even people that really know cars are affraid...

If someone that sells a car and have changed some suspension parts, made a facelift, changce out a fender due to rust or whatever. Everybody is like: Yeah, thats a great car to buy!
But if you change out the stuff i mention above due to a collision, no one wants to buy it?

That is just stupid!

It really depends if the repair was done properly, by a good shop. I would need a passing inspection from a body guy and some consideration in the price. Because when I go to trade it in, the history will ding the value. A lot for a newer car, far less for an older car.

[Gkit19986]

my car was involved in a front passenger collision. My bumper, fender and headlight needed to be replaced, I recall the total repair bill was above 6-7k mark. I tried getting a resale quote after the car was involved in the accident and I was shocked on how big of an impact it had. The car instantly took a 5k depprciation hit. if you are concerned of the resale value, don’t do it , otherwise get it checked out. nothing wrong with getting a good deal because of an accident that was fixed.

[guanin2999]

This is a great point actually. I love my A6, and my wife is sad to see it go. If you don't want a manual, it's a great alternative to an S4. Same engine, a bit more room, and drives great for the size. Also as mentioned, the ZF8 is a great, bulletproof transmissive. Not intended to promote, but if you are open to something with a claim, I'm selling my 2015 A6 3.0T S-Line Sport Black Optics for a steal. Paid $36k last April, plus bought a second set of 20" wheels and tires. I already but an S4 6MT, so willing to let mine go for $26 CAD, including 2 sets of 20"wheels and tires. 71k km. Hate to say the cliche "my loss is someone's gain", but i I'm taking quite the hit and feel someone's going to get a killer deal. But I already bought 6MT S4, and got a good price, so I'm willing to do the same. I'm in Calgary, but open to meeting halfway in SK if interested (here right now at our cabin, but not with the car). I wouldn't sell it if I was happy with an auto, they're awesome cars. But after a year, no manual was making me sad, so it was either a manual year round car, or get a Mustang GT manual or similar. Anyway, if you're interested, lmk

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ck-Optix-Sport

That looks like a great car! IMO the black optics package really complements the car compared to the chrome. As much as it is an attractive deal, I'm looking to finance since I don't have the cash in hand. Audi is offering really good rates since it's a CPO. Good luck with selling the car! Maybe you can trade it into an Audi dealer?

Ask if they have any photos prior to the repair. I purchased my 2015 S4 that was in an $18k damaged claim. The shop that was selling it provided me with all the photos of the damage, and they also gave life time warrantied their work for as long as I owned the car. 79,000kms and a dsg (no sport diff) Paid $23.5k. No regrets in my purchase here.

It really depends if the repair was done properly, by a good shop. I would need a passing inspection from a body guy and some consideration in the price. Because when I go to trade it in, the history will ding the value. A lot for a newer car, far less for an older car.

Checked out the car today. According to the dealer guy the accident was a slow speed collision in a parking lot. No frame damage, mainly the bumper and headlight assemblies. Still, the history stays with the car and will be a factor when I sell it down the line. I'll try to see if I can find photos of the damage, as well as the car's service history.

[2by2handsofblue]

my car was involved in a front passenger collision. My bumper, fender and headlight needed to be replaced, I recall the total repair bill was above 6-7k mark. I tried getting a resale quote after the car was involved in the accident and I was shocked on how big of an impact it had. The car instantly took a 5k depprciation hit. if you are concerned of the resale value, don’t do it , otherwise get it checked out. nothing wrong with getting a good deal because of an accident that was fixed.

So what was the asking price before the 5k deprecation?

we are the borg! resistance is futile.