Soon to be new owner of 2017 S7 Prestige....

[IwantanRS7bad!]

Good day everyone! I am a newbie to owning an Audi and may jump on one that is just absolutely gorgeous with low miles. It is a 2017 Audi S7 Prestige with Daytona Pearl exterior/black interior. I will get a warranty, but I was wondering if anyone on here would be willing to share what may be a great warranty to get into for this car? I am not rich, so getting a new headlamp assembly would bankrupt me, if you get my meaning. Also, anything else to look out for? this was a technically a 2 owner car, with the first owner only having it for a couple months and the second owner up till 45,500 miles. Was maintained and babied. I just want to know if this would be a bad investment for me and I would be better off in a Charger or Corvette...lol. Please help and thank you for letting me rant!

[Virtuaframax]

Hopefully welcome to the Audi family.

My 2cents for whatever is worth it. This is a close to $90K car as new, and such it will be much more expensive to maintain that a $40K charger.
You are approaching 50K miles when you buy it so i would look for some items that a warranty won't cover, but that might need to be addressed:

1) Brakes: the brakes on these cars are big and not cheap to replace. Just in rotors and pads you are looking at approx $1,500 without labor. And this reflect blank discs and nothing fancy like slotted or drilled.
2) Tires: I see you live in OH and if in the northern part of it, you will need to deal with snow. If the car comes with summer tires, you'll need to invest in a set of AS or winter. Winter tires options for the 20" low profile wheels are limited. Prepare to spend $300/tire for a good set of of All Season
3) A good coverage warranty will cost a pretty penny for this car, but will give you some peace of mind (approx $4,000 for a 5 year / 75,000 miles coverage).

[IwantanRS7bad!]

Hopefully welcome to the Audi family.

My 2cents for whatever is worth it. This is a close to $90K car as new, and such it will be much more expensive to maintain that a $40K charger.
You are approaching 50K miles when you buy it so i would look for some items that a warranty won't cover, but that might need to be addressed:

1) Brakes: the brakes on these cars are big and not cheap to replace. Just in rotors and pads you are looking at approx $1,500 without labor. And this reflect blank discs and nothing fancy like slotted or drilled.
2) Tires: I see you live in OH and if in the northern part of it, you will need to deal with snow. If the car comes with summer tires, you'll need to invest in a set of AS or winter. Winter tires options for the 20" low profile wheels are limited. Prepare to spend $300/tire for a good set of of All Season
3) A good coverage warranty will cost a pretty penny for this car, but will give you some peace of mind (approx $4,000 for a 5 year / 75,000 miles coverage).

Thank you @Virtuaframax! And this car actually comes with 2 sets of tires! I have not seen them yet, but hopefully they have some "meat" left. I figured the brakes would be expensive...almost everything is on an Audi. And yes, I do live in Northeast Ohio! Very good guess! My wife and I have gone over what to do with my car purchase since we bought her new car in 2022 and it is an SUV so I could get what I wanted since on crappy Northeast Ohio winter days I can take her car. She is permanent work from home. Thank you for the response!

[IwantanRS7bad!]

Question, is the estimated $1500 brake job for all four wheels?

[Virtuaframax]

that's just parts for the 4 wheels depending on deals you can find online and then have to add cost of labor for a mechanic that agrees to install the parts that you procure on your own.

I've actually just got a quote from a indy euro specialized shop for all 4 rotors and pads for $3,100 installed... seemed steep for OEM rotors and EBC red stuff

[MattyMarkey]

Not many VSC/Extended warranty companies for these cars. They definitely will cost a pretty penny based on year/miles.

Fidelity Warranty Services is the only one I recommend, but there are a few threads on here that may give insights into a couple others.

My guess is the VSC would be upwards of $6k. Would not cover wear items like brakes though. Control Arms ($2500-3k) and Motor mounts ($3-4k), would be covered. So the gamble may pay off if you need those.


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[Virtuaframax]

Carchex quoted me $4,300 for my 2018 S6 with 36,000.

[09S5]

TWS over here.
5 yrs or 60k miles on top of current mileage.

$4531.
Ded.$250


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[IwantanRS7bad!]

Wow.....little bit of sticker shock! lol..This model has 45k miles, two owners (first owner had it for I think 6 months, second owner till now) that seemed to have babied it. I know I need an extended warranty, but wow...that is expensive. Damn. I really do not want to have to settle for a charger instead....

[09S5]

Warranty 18 months same as cash thru SPP.

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[Virtuaframax]

We are not trying to scare you, but just make you aware of the costs associated to a luxury car that is 90K new. as a reference i was looking at 2018 X5M, which would have been more expensive with similar miles and the maintenance to replace brakes and tires just stirred me away from it: brand new that car was 120K which lines up with the higher maintenance.
I had two S5 and the maintenance was much lower: oil changes, tires, and brakes. And didnt have anything gone wrong with a stage 1 tune for the 50,000 miles i drove it. and the new owner (a friend of mine) is still driving it and enjoying it and beating the hell out of it!
If you don't need the bigger car for kids and passenger space, the 8.5 S5 is a great option and can be fast with little money spent.

[Valpo A7]

Since it’s a 17 chances are it needs the turbo screen recall performed. But does the screen replacement keep the car from blowing the turbos later? That repair alone could be many thousands of $$$.

[Virtuaframax]

the screen is actually a Audi recall now. my 18 didnt need it, but perhaps the 17 does. anyway, it would be cover by Audi

[IwantanRS7bad!]

We are not trying to scare you, but just make you aware of the costs associated to a luxury car that is 90K new. as a reference i was looking at 2018 X5M, which would have been more expensive with similar miles and the maintenance to replace brakes and tires just stirred me away from it: brand new that car was 120K which lines up with the higher maintenance.
I had two S5 and the maintenance was much lower: oil changes, tires, and brakes. And didnt have anything gone wrong with a stage 1 tune for the 50,000 miles i drove it. and the new owner (a friend of mine) is still driving it and enjoying it and beating the hell out of it!
If you don't need the bigger car for kids and passenger space, the 8.5 S5 is a great option and can be fast with little money spent.

I know you're not trying to scare me....far from it! It just sucks to hear after I have done all the research I can since I have never owned an Audi before and makes me hesitate on getting the car. I appreciate everyone's help with this!

- - - Updated - - -

the screen is actually a Audi recall now. my 18 didnt need it, but perhaps the 17 does. anyway, it would be cover by Audi

I checked the VIN and it shows no recall needed.

[IwantanRS7bad!]

I am combing through different extended warranty companies, including the one's you all have recommended. I really want to own this car, but if it pushes me over my budget, then Ill have to turn down this beautiful car...Thank you all!

[Virtuaframax]

just for your information, i did not get the warranty and been driving it for 16,000 worry free. i am in the process of changing brakes (hence the detailed info i provided you with based on OH and MI indy shops) and had to change the tires due to pot holes.

so far the car has been nice to me... and i am going to upgrade to a stage 1 tune, x pipe and mid pipes... hopefully nothing changes!

[Valpo A7]

If the S is potentially out of your price range in repairs then perhaps look at the A7. For the most part same car but a V6 instead of a V8

[IwantanRS7bad!]

just for your information, i did not get the warranty and been driving it for 16,000 worry free. i am in the process of changing brakes (hence the detailed info i provided you with based on OH and MI indy shops) and had to change the tires due to pot holes.

so far the car has been nice to me... and i am going to upgrade to a stage 1 tune, x pipe and mid pipes... hopefully nothing changes!

You didn't get the warranty?? You must be a mechanic then..or sooper rich! lol..I thought about it too, but after seeing just the led headlamp assembly is between $3200-5000 new/used, I told myself not to stop looking for a good ext warr. I just got a quote back from one and it is $220 amonth and doesn't cover engine/trans!!!! I just want to cry....this car (next to an RS7) is my dream and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I test drove it this past Sunday!

[IwantanRS7bad!]

If the S is potentially out of your price range in repairs then perhaps look at the A7. For the most part same car but a V6 instead of a V8

I know...but for me, I have expensive tastes...go big or go home! Hahahaha...I have looked at some A7's in the past and I may re-visit that search if I do not go for this gorgeous specimen of a car. Thank you Valpo!

[Virtuaframax]

i would have burned through the warranty in about a year and 1/2 due to the amount of driving i do. and will probably sell it by the time i get to 90-100K miles

[bfuqua81]

Since it’s a 17 chances are it needs the turbo screen recall performed. But does the screen replacement keep the car from blowing the turbos later? That repair alone could be many thousands of $$$.

They updated the screen mid year, My 17 S7 isnt under recall and Audi said I was good to go, either way recall is free if needed.

[sandjunky]

If you find an S7 at CarMax, they have a really good ext warr. I was in the same boat when looking for my S7 and was quoted north of 5k from the dealer and that almost killed the S7 for me. ended up finding the perfect spec S7 at CarMax and had it shipped to me from out of state. Carmax 4 yr 75k millage was around 2300 w/250 deductible and you can take it almost anyplace for work, even the dealer. so far it already paid for itself as the passenger side control arms failed and they paid 3400 plus to replace them. Just another option if you so decided to go down the rabbit hole. As a side note, the car already had an APR stage 1 from the previous owner and I purchased the 2016 w/24k on the OD. The biggest recurring cost will be breaks and tires since these yachts are so daum-heavy.

[Alabama]

On average, standard repairs (e.g., brakes, water pump, etc.) for "american" cars will cost significantly less than for european cars. While nothing is guaranteed, longevity is certainly helped by driving reasonably and performing all preventive maintenance on time. Many folk even on AZ who push their cars achieve many miles without major repair costs. If your plan is to abuse a car, definitely get the charger.

[IwantanRS7bad!]

On average, standard repairs (e.g., brakes, water pump, etc.) for "american" cars will cost significantly less than for european cars. While nothing is guaranteed, longevity is certainly helped by driving reasonably and performing all preventive maintenance on time. Many folk even on AZ who push their cars achieve many miles without major repair costs. If your plan is to abuse a car, definitely get the charger.

Thank you Alabama! I do not plan on abusing this(or any) car, as I am looking for something to enjoy driving everyday. Also, being over 40yrs old, abusing cars are in the past for me! The charger is now def out, the wife does not like getting in and out(plus stoopid expensive...yes, I know it is the last year of them...lol) of the car. I am 6'3" and she is almost 6'2". The S7 we both have no issues getting in and out! Now, the carfax on this S7 shows it has been meticulously maintained and taken care of. No accidents or title issues. This car has no dings or dents on it and no leaks. It currently has almost 46k miles on it. I am wondering if I should get the ext warranty, or risk not getting it. The ext warranty is good for 3yrs/36k miles. $4200. Any estimated issues that may happen around this mileage? I understand wear and tear. Just curous about stuff like tie air ride suspension, headlamps, turbos, etc. Also, Can I change the MMI unit to something newer? I have looked all over, but I see A7 and S6 head units and no S7. Would the S6 unit be the same? Thank you all again for your help and guidance!

[MattyMarkey]

Thank you Alabama! I do not plan on abusing this(or any) car, as I am looking for something to enjoy driving everyday. Also, being over 40yrs old, abusing cars are in the past for me! The charger is now def out, the wife does not like getting in and out(plus stoopid expensive...yes, I know it is the last year of them...lol) of the car. I am 6'3" and she is almost 6'2". The S7 we both have no issues getting in and out! Now, the carfax on this S7 shows it has been meticulously maintained and taken care of. No accidents or title issues. This car has no dings or dents on it and no leaks. It currently has almost 46k miles on it. I am wondering if I should get the ext warranty, or risk not getting it. The ext warranty is good for 3yrs/36k miles. $4200. Any estimated issues that may happen around this mileage? I understand wear and tear. Just curous about stuff like tie air ride suspension, headlamps, turbos, etc. Also, Can I change the MMI unit to something newer? I have looked all over, but I see A7 and S6 head units and no S7. Would the S6 unit be the same? Thank you all again for your help and guidance!

Motor Mounts and Control Arms will be the big ticket items that could go now or within that mileage/timeframe. All things turbo related are covered under the extended warranty.

RSNAV v4 is the best bet for an upgraded screen and new android auto functionality - they come in a larger 10” and 12” screen.

3yr/36k miles isn’t much, depending on how much you drive. With that, I would personally save your $4200, and keep saving up funds little by little every year. I would think differently if this was a 5yr/60k or 72k mile warranty.


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[kharizma]

As you said - go big or go home. haha this is true for repairs as well. Is $4200 for peace of mind for the 3 years/36k miles worth it to you?

Air suspension could give at any time, I don't think it's 'common', but it happens. Brakes are necessary and expensive. Regardless of what the service history shows and what condition the car is in, anything can happen.

Instead of looking to replace the MMI screen, maybe start a if SHTF fund for your car if you opt to forego the warranty. I didn't get a warranty on my RS7, but it's also a garage queen with under 20k on it.

[Audibellybutton]

Question, is the estimated $1500 brake job for all four wheels?

for S cars you can definitely do a full brake job much cheaper get parts from rockauto.com the powerstop pads are cheap and make less dust than oem and dont have any annoying noises. their rotors are decent too, you could get all 4 done under $800 easily, probably cheaper if you choose even cheaper options.

I saw that you keep mentioning the headlamp assembly. Yeah those are expensive. Also very rare to just "go out" they generally do not have any issues for the entire life of the car. Get a warranty for potential repairs. But overall maintenance is not expensive at all.

As for the air suspension, I'm almost at 100k miles now, had it 3 years, My car is slammed farther than recommended and I still have not had any air suspension issues or any shocks leaking. Even if it did, a new shock can be had for less than $400 bucks and you're back in business.

motor mounts are a common issue and are expensive though. Its not an easy DIY job either

[dab]

century warranty services has absolutely the best. My rs7 has been quite the problem child, sports differential, pcv, thermostat, carrier bearing, wheel bearings and right now a brand new engine. Yes read that correctly they are paying 42.5k for a brand new motor from audi. I bought the warranty in 2020 when my rs7 was past the years of the 50k factory for $6900, it goes until 4/2024. Total that they have paid out would be somewhere around 60k. Duraun Webb has worked for cws for 20 years and he has been magic to work with. They have even paid for the rental car for a month, I have been waiting four months to get this engine issue addressed. Hopefully this week.

[09S5]

I take u not tuned?

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[MattyMarkey]

I take u not tuned?

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His Sig says APR Tuned. Thought the same until I saw that. Just be thankful not all VSC companies verify... CWS never did, until now haha

[09S5]

..
Yeah I think dude fucked it up for anybody else..

Just goes to show you that there is still a few legit VSC warranty that's worth it weight..

That new engine payout is magnificent ..

I would keep that badboy forever brother..





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[jrubio96]

So personally, I think the warranties are good value after seeing my friend already recoup his investment on it with differential failure and some other gremlins with his S6. If you can add it onto the loan it makes a ton of sense because then your monthly only goes up a little bit.

However you can get away with pretty expensive repair work for relatively affordable if you know where to look for parts, and have an in with mechanics. My S7 is currently being buttoned back up after a pretty big overhaul for 75k miles. Oil change, DSG service, spark plugs, motor mounts, front suspension (upper/lower control arms, new end links, TGK lowering forks). Paid 1k in parts for everything because I sourced a used set of motor mounts for $100 and did the window weld trick, Sidem front control arm kit (literally the most extensive control arm kit I've seen) for $560, $200 for TGK forks, $100 for spark plugs, and then oil change and DSG stuff. I've always had mechanic friends/acquaintances that would do work for me <$50 an hour, but I'm back to working at a dealership (VW) and now my labor rate is only $40 an hour. So I'll have done this huge maintenance overhaul for less than 2k with labor included.

[Audibellybutton]

century warranty services has absolutely the best. My rs7 has been quite the problem child, sports differential, pcv, thermostat, carrier bearing, wheel bearings and right now a brand new engine. Yes read that correctly they are paying 42.5k for a brand new motor from audi. I bought the warranty in 2020 when my rs7 was past the years of the 50k factory for $6900, it goes until 4/2024. Total that they have paid out would be somewhere around 60k. Duraun Webb has worked for cws for 20 years and he has been magic to work with. They have even paid for the rental car for a month, I have been waiting four months to get this engine issue addressed. Hopefully this week.

Sorry to hear that man! Congrats on the new engine though! Do you have any details about what caused the engine failure? Anything to watch out for?

[dab]

I probably wont keep it forever, have to break in the new motor. It comes with a one year unlimited mileage warranty. No idea what caused the failure, I had work done on the turbo replacement, oil screen, pcv valve.

[09S5]

I probably wont keep it forever, have to break in the new motor. It comes with a one year unlimited mileage warranty. No idea what caused the failure, I had work done on the turbo replacement, oil screen, pcv valve.

dab, you winning over there.


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[Audisthesia]

Meanwhile there’s an Audi dealer that gave me a lifetime power train………

[dab]

dab, you winning over there.


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crazy thing is my shop is saying how hard this new engine is to crank, not good news..... I had my car brought on a trailer to this shop on 2/4...

[MattyMarkey]

crazy thing is my shop is saying how hard this new engine is to crank, not good news..... I had my car brought on a trailer to this shop on 2/4...

Damn... hope they've given you a loaner

[IwantanRS7bad!]

Great news all! I went with the S7! I cannot stop smiling every time I look and drive her! Had a master mechanic go over her and his diagnosis is I got a great deal on the car! No major issues! Thank you all who have answered my every question! I can't wait to tune and get to know the car! Cheers all!!!

[rockstar143]

Audi and saving money doesn't necessarily go hand in hand.
Gorgeous ride though, hope you enjoy it in good health.
Don't rush to tune it...enjoy what it is for now and build up to that.