Buying Used S4 High Mileage: What To Look For

[sj9ninety]

Hello S4 members!

I am the current owner of an S3 and am contemplating the purchase of a used 2016 S4. The particular S4 I am looking at appears to be a very clean example with attractive options. However, as I am unfamiliar with the S4, I had several questions that I was hoping to get answered.

1. The car has 72k miles. What are some common problem areas to look for in an S4 with high mileage? / What is the average life expectancy? (I'm hoping at least 150k miles)

2. Any known issues with this particular model year?

3. I'm assuming I'll have to do the usual maintenance items (DSG, Differential, Spark Plugs, Oil Change). Anything else specific to the S4?

4. What are your thoughts on the S4 linked below? I'm hoping this has the sport diff, however, I haven't seen it in person yet.

5. Is it worth the price jump to buy a B9? I'm not really a fan of how the B9 looks and actually really prefer the exterior styling of the B8.5. If I can retrofit Apple CarPlay I dont see the B8.5 interior being an issue.


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing


I have reviewed the videos from FCP Euro and ShopDAP. However, I was hoping to get some feedback/input from members on here with personal experience with these cars.
Any input/advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[slykens]

1. The car has 72k miles. What are some common problem areas to look for in an S4 with high mileage? / What is the average life expectancy? (I'm hoping at least 150k miles)

I can't answer many of your other questions but I can say that 150k ought to be easy, assuming the car is well maintained. DSG maintenance, 5k oil changes with quality oil, etc.

I've owned my '10 for eleven years and 138k miles. It is easily the best car I've ever owned, even when I consider the quirkiness of the first gen DSG.

[sacandagaD]

OP- I can't imagine it wasn't spec'd, but I don't see the Sport Differential option specifically listed in the description?

[RosSauce]

Take it for a pre-purchase inspection at a local reputable Audi/VW shop. If they refuse, walk away.

Typical things that need to be replaced at some point include the PCV, thermostat, water pump. I would advise to only buy an S4 with documented maintenance history via papers, Carfax, owner spreadsheets, etc. These cars are great when properly maintained.

I would also check routine items like tires, brakes, bushings, etc. since these can all add up if they need to be replaced in the near future. If no history of carbon cleaning was done, I would advise getting that done as well.

[Ruthlessbeatle]

Bought mine at 71k currently have 83k. The only thing I had a problem with was PCV.

Common issues are PCV, thermostat, and water pump. Some have supercharger intercooler issues but thats on the tuned cars.

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[luxmatic]

I got my B8.5 S4 at 75k miles 3 years ago, now it's at 127k miles and still going strong. I've had many B8/8.5 S4's come to my shop with well over 170k miles (even a 2011 with 300k!) and typically have no major issues with them as long as they are maintained regularly.

In my experience what I've seen gone wrong with them is usually the water pump, motor mounts, various bushings, PCV, carbon build up, and the occasional oil leak. Check for any white coolant marks around the front of the engine (would indicate water pump might have a bad seal/bearing), clunks over bumps, oil buildup anywhere underneath. It would be worthwhile to get a PPI before buying it (one with a full system scan).

As for the car it looks like it was well cared for from what I can see. If they don't know whether or not it has a sport diff you should be able to see it listed in the individual drive mode settings.

IMO, the B9 is a nicer car to drive but feels more sedated than the B8 platform. The 8 speed trans doesn't have much character and power isn't as spontaneous as the B8 because it's turbo. The new gen C8 A6 is what the B9 S4 should've felt like because of it having a proper DSG and the S4 having a torque converter.

[JRYtheS4]

Front control arm bushings, water pump, pcv, thermostat, carbon buildup, wheel bearings, differential maintenance, dsg maint., Crash history/paint corrections/orange peel. Signs of previous mods/tuning. Fluid levels (coolant low or min?) Oil quality. Oil under the rear of the motor near the steering rack (timing cover(s) or oil filter housing leak). Dsg guys is there a plastic cover you can pull to see near the flywheel? 6mt has one. Look for oil on that for rear main seal issues. You or someone else should definitely get a look at the underside with both covers taken off.

Bought a 2011 in June with 89k and I've done most of the maintenance work above except dsg because I'm 6MT. Those are the things I'd be looking out for in repair history or during the driving test. I learned of the water pump leaking and timing cover oil leak AFTER I bought the car, could have easily gotten a discount if I knew. Live and learn.

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[rudyr]

I'd like to think the maintenance schedule I've kept up is pretty in line with what you'd want to see done