Looking at a 2010 S4 this weekend seeking advice

[muelleski]

I am looking at a 2010 S4 black, manual, 33K miles, Factory Navigation with back-up camera, Sunroof, TSW carbon wheels on 255/35ZR/19 Carbon fiber package ,Bang and Olufsen sound package, asking price $32,900. I would appreciate everyone's advise on what I should look for and what questions I should be asking. I don't know a lot about these cars. My father as an A6 with the 3.0T and I love it. how long is the clutch good for on these cars, brakes, etc? Any issues with this model year? How is the price on this? I wanted to post a pic but I cant for some reason maybe because I am new? http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/615246868/overview/ here is the link

[infinkc]

Looks good, but price seems high for a non cpo. Clutch all depends on how it was driven (20-90k) id pay around 28 for it. It does have the sports diff which is a plus.

[sacandagaD]

I am looking at a 2010 S4 black, manual, 33K miles, Factory Navigation with back-up camera, Sunroof, TSW carbon wheels on 255/35ZR/19 Carbon fiber package ,Bang and Olufsen sound package, asking price $32,900. I would appreciate everyone's advise on what I should look for and what questions I should be asking. I don't know a lot about these cars. My father as an A6 with the 3.0T and I love it. how long is the clutch good for on these cars, brakes, etc? Any issues with this model year? How is the price on this? I wanted to post a pic but I cant for some reason maybe because I am new? http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/615246868/overview/ here is the link

Some nice options but with no warranty or maintenance history, you could be looking at replacing items like water pump, t-stat, clutch, wheel bearings, or brakes at any time now.

[AudBoost]

..but price seems high for a non cpo.
^This. I would use Edmunds True Market Value (TMV) calculator to get an idea of what it's worth. Just a quick calculation and it's market value is around $28K and change. If it was a CPO it would be $30k so that price is a bit high.

http://www.edmunds.com/tmv.html

[IanCH]

this car isnt CPO, and is a stick with aftermarket wheels. 100% guarantee that it was driven hard and modded with at least a stage 1 tune at some point - probably has a TD1

[raudiace4]

this car isnt CPO, and is a stick with aftermarket wheels. 100% guarantee that it was driven hard and modded with at least a stage 1 tune at some point - probably has a TD1

100% chance? [emoji19]

Check it out OP, cross check the VIN with Audi and then APR/GIAC/Revo.

Very possible it could be stock ecu. And I agree with 32k for non CPO a bit high, 28-29k would be a good deal.
SD[emoji106].

[S4'ed]

I just bought a mint 2010 S4 Premium, 6MT, with nav, the 19" wheels, and the nappa silk full-leather two tone interior. No sports diff. 15,000 miles, one owner, no CPO. I paid $35K.

[muelleski]

Thanks for the info all. Where are you finding S4's this cheap? I have been scouring 300 mile radius for 3-4 weeks and this is the least expensive one I found with this mileage range. How do I cross check the VIN with Audi, just email them and they will let me know? I will see what I can dig up before I make the trip its about 1hr away from me. I really like those wheels on a black car! IanCHI see you are in boston. want to help a fellow Bostonian out if I give you the VIN will you contact someone at your dealer and see what they know? Chances are it was probably sold in the area.

[muelleski]

S4'ed did you buy from a dealer or private? That sounds like a hell of a deal

[muelleski]

So I am clear on the CPO the origonal waranty is good for 4 years so that would be up end of this year, the CPO is good for another 2 years? What does that cover isn't it just drive train? Engine, Tranny, rear end?

Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty



If there is remaining coverage from the Audi New Car Limited Warranty at the time of your Certified pre-owned purchase, the Audi New Car Limited Warranty provides coverage on the Certified pre-owned vehicle until its expiration, either four years from the original in-service date or at 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. When the Audi New Car Limited Warranty coverage ends, the Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty becomes effective and provides coverage for a period of two years or up to 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, not to exceed 100,000 total vehicle miles.¹

[muelleski]

I put about 12k per yr on my car so I would be over the warranty a little over 1yr from buying anyway if I understand this right.

[muelleski]

So for the hell of it I extended my search to unlimited distance. the closest S4 w/ around 30K that is not white ( i cant do white) is 650 miles away in NC. its a 2011 and they are asking 34K for it and its not at an Audi Dealership so its prob not a CPO either

[muelleski]

I just checked on the Audi website there are 0 CPO S4's within 500 mile radius for sale through them.

[mr shickadance]

aftermarket wheels, grille, corny badges etc. This baby has been played with, now that could either mean that the car was driven nicely, or rode hard and put away wet.

Based on the TSW wheel choice I am guessing that this car was driven hard.

For 32 it seems outrageous for 28 I still dont know if I would bite.

I think the search would continue, although this car could be someone's on a forum, you can get a better idea of how it was treated by viewing an OP's post history.

[Shimmy]

In the PNW, this car would have been sold already. A comparable car here TMVs in the mid 30s with a CPO being around 37k.

OP, I'd do a VIN check and see what comes up in maintenance history.

[muelleski]

What does TMV's mean? I am not sure how the choice of wheels reflects ones driving style either... Either way I would love to find out more I will see if my father's dealer will get me any info.

[AudBoost]

I just checked on the Audi website there are 0 CPO S4's within 500 mile radius for sale through them.
TMV = True Market Value

For reference use http://www.autotrader.com/
Autotrader shows there are 18 2011/12 CPO's in a 200 mile radius of 01844

[KRp220]

there are a bunch of these "what's this car worth" threads and some of you guys just rip on everything... jeez

OP: i have an app on my phone that i used to use at the dealership i worked at to evaluate the value:

Manheim MR: $29600 wholesale, $32,100 retail
NADA: $30,625 trade, $34,250 retail
note: MMR- was able to adjust to the Northeast, NADA did not specify. $1000 reconditioning cost built in.

if i were you, search all local/regional sources for comparable vehicles, make a list with year, miles, options, prices etc and compare them all to each other and see how this one lines up. go see it and drive it. find out if it has been purchased at an auction or if its a trade it. ask the dealer and look on the carfax to see if the t-stat hs been replaced, you can see the water pump (looking for metal, not plastic, right guys?) and anything else.

a PPI would be nice...


good luck

[KRp220]

audi of nashua is 16 miles away from that dealership if you want to do a PPI. and East Coast European is 40 miles away..

[muelleski]

What is a PPI? KRp220 thx for looking that up for me. What is the deal with the T-stat and water pump recalled?

[muelleski]

Oh a pre purchase inspection got it! I have not bought a used car in awhile, well I had a G8 but that had 4K miles on it and was less than a yr old. I didnt realize there was this much to look at with this car but I guess with it being a performance car it is going to most likely get driven hard.

[KRp220]

What is a PPI? KRp220 thx for looking that up for me. What is the deal with the T-stat and water pump recalled?
PPI - pre purchase inspection
t-stat and water pump were common issues. search for the two, or common issues in general, and see what you can find. i dont know enough about either to comment more than i already have!

[muelleski]

Man I have searched high and low for awhile thought I was going to have to bail on an S4 and settle for a reg A4 with a tune but then I found this one in my ballpark (30k was my budget) and got pretty excited.

[mr shickadance]

be patient OP, there does seem to be a drought of s4's but the market will correct itself soon.

Do not rule out carmax either, regardless of how you feel about them, its a nice option to know that they will transport cars for a nominal fee across the country. That right there expands your market considerably.

[b8audis4]

be patient OP, there does seem to be a drought of s4's but the market will correct itself soon.

Do not rule out carmax either, regardless of how you feel about them, its a nice option to know that they will transport cars for a nominal fee across the country. That right there expands your market considerably.

Carmax is great and their warranty is great too! I would definitely inspect a car there carefully but at the same time if you wanted to sell a car and didn't want to do private sale that is the way to go so I wouldn't be too concerned about buying one from their.

[Frinkferta]

Bought both of my Audis from CM. Both we shipped, one was $99 to ship, the other was free. Great service.

[roadkillrob]

Thanks for the info all. Where are you finding S4's this cheap? I have been scouring 300 mile radius for 3-4 weeks and this is the least expensive one I found with this mileage range. How do I cross check the VIN with Audi, just email them and they will let me know? I will see what I can dig up before I make the trip its about 1hr away from me. I really like those wheels on a black car! IanCHI see you are in boston. want to help a fellow Bostonian out if I give you the VIN will you contact someone at your dealer and see what they know? Chances are it was probably sold in the area.

Not in New England- that car would be 34-35k if it was CPO around here, 32 is about right from what I have seen - I looked all over and eventually picked up a 2011 Premium Plus everything on it, DSG, NAV, B&O, Backup Cam, Nappa Silk Leather, Sport Diff, 39 months old, full dealer service history 39k miles and paid 38k for reference.

That being said, I would pay more or hold out and get a CPO car. If you look on ebay, there are a few for sale out of Texas and they seem to be a few grand cheaper than we can get them, but you would spend a grand shipping (would be a no salt car though!)

Rob

[roadkillrob]

Here are a couple CPO options in the area

2013 $40k http://www.audinatick.com/certified-inventory/index.htm?model=S4&&&&
2011 $38k 20k miles http://www.primeaudi.com/certified/Audi/2011-Audi-S4-f98524300a0a00de1508e52e3f213c95.htm
2012 $38k prestige http://www.wagnermotors.com/used/Audi/2012-Audi-S4-b3316f090a0d04fe7338886ec4b2d5cf.htm

All better deals in my book - 5k more gets you into a year or 2 newer car with lots of warranty left and lower milage, 7k more gets you a 1 year old car and if you wanted to put a warranty on that 2010 (which is a real early 2010, sold in 2009) it would cost you $3500, so you would be at $36500 and for 1500 bucks more have a much better car.

[muelleski]

What's CPO get me aside from 2 yrs or 50k mile warranty?

[ishowerinjager]

It gets you a whole bunch of peace of mind!

If youre on a budget then you probably dont want to pay for $3000 mechatronic, a $600 water pump, $600 wheels bearing, or any of the other expensive things these cars occasionally need. They are usually reliable but when they arent its expensive.

I wouldnt buy one without CPO but thats just me, and especially a 2010. I also wouldnt buy one with a single mod because that i my mind screams driven hard.

[MVR 155]

That car looks well equipped and clean, I would suggest a PPI on any used performance car. The asking price is not at all out of line if you look at what everyone else is asking (even CarMax's prices are nothing to get excited about.... they have 14 B8 S4's with the lowest priced one at $30K with 58K miles). I say to see what kind of deal you can work out, if you can get the numbers to work for you (assuming the car checks out good) then go for it!!

[GeoJoe]

Notice drilled and slotted rotors on that car OP? Not stock. I'd ask for a water pump check too.

[muelleski]

I appreciate all the input I am amazed at how many members are chiming in on this. The big question that I still need answers for or clarification on is what does CPO get me? Again if this is a 2010 the factory warranty runs out end of next month right? So CPO gets me 2 years or 50k miles right? I said I drive 12K a yr but actually its more like 13K since I have had my jeep for 2 years this month and it has 26K on it. So 1,100 miles per month. the car has 33K on it, by my math I only would have 17K left on the CPO or around 16 months call it. Unless I am missing something with the CPO. My cousin owns a very reputable repair shop my father had a 2006 A6 2.7T that after the warranty ran out was maintained by him until it had 110K on the clock. He sold it to my cousin and his wife still has it, it has 170K on it with NO major repairs other than reg stuff. I guess the point I am getting at is why should I be worried (again if the car checks out) about a car with this low mileage lasting another 16 months??? Also I am not one to ever keep my rigs stock if it has aftermarket brakes, wheels, a tune all that much better for me as it's all shit I would probably end up doing anyway. that is if it hasn't been pounded to oblivioun.....

[muelleski]

Oh and wheel bearings at 33k or even 50k? Is this a 90's Hyundai or a German engineered driving machine????

[muelleski]

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=WAUDGAFL4AA064152&partner=CDM_0#undefined car fax came back clean as far as accidents but does not look any major maintenance was done.. No water pump changed either. My electrician does all the work at 2 local audi dealerships he will be there today and is going to have someone run the VIN to see what they can find out. Again I appreciate all the input its been great!!!

[IanCH]

just FYI, a 2010 car was bought likely around the middle of 2009, this car has no warranty left.

I don't have a good relationship with the dealer by me, but generally if you can find the dealer the car was serviced at by calling around you can coax them into reading off the service records to you.

[ballinb5]

It gets you a whole bunch of peace of mind!

If youre on a budget then you probably dont want to pay for $3000 mechatronic, a $600 water pump, $600 wheels bearing, or any of the other expensive things these cars occasionally need. They are usually reliable but when they arent its expensive.

I wouldnt buy one without CPO but thats just me, and especially a 2010. I also wouldnt buy one with a single mod because that i my mind screams driven hard.

Yea, but if he doesn't get CPO, he won't have to worry about TD1 when he gets a tune haha

[MVR 155]

This car has been out of warranty for about a full year, if you look at the carfax report it shows that it was titled for the first owner on 11/27/2009...... This would have the factory warranty expired as of 11/27/2013. Warranty always goes by "in service" date not model year.

[KRp220]

a lot of you guys are hung up on the CPO coverage. the mega inspection that is done is nice, but if you do the math, you're probably only getting another year or so of coverage. like Ian said, if the car was purchased in 2009 or 2009.5, and the CPO warranty gets you 6 years total (who cares about the mileage - annual miles for the car are low and the OP drives the industry average) you'll only have coverage until 2015 to 2015.5

OP, look at the carfax again and find the original in service date. if you're truly concerned about repairs, a warranty and a PPI would be a better option that an CPO car, IMO

[roadkillrob]

a lot of you guys are hung up on the CPO coverage. the mega inspection that is done is nice, but if you do the math, you're probably only getting another year or so of coverage. like Ian said, if the car was purchased in 2009 or 2009.5, and the CPO warranty gets you 6 years total (who cares about the mileage - annual miles for the car are low and the OP drives the industry average) you'll only have coverage until 2015 to 2015.5

OP, look at the carfax again and find the original in service date. if you're truly concerned about repairs, a warranty and a PPI would be a better option that an CPO car, IMO

Once he pays for a PPI and adds a warranty on a 2010 car - he might as well just spend 2k more and get a CPO 2012 and have warranty until 2018! 2010's are know to have a few issues, I would hate to see you spending 32k on it and then be stuck with a Mechatronics replacement (not an issue I guess on this car), engine mounts and a water pump, then that extra to get to a newer car with a warranty will seem really cheap!

Also - what happened to that car recently - looks like it was traded at an Audi dealer in NH, put in inventory, 500 miles where put on it in a month and then it appears to have been auctioned or something for it to end up at the discount used car place it is at now - If an Audi dealer dumped it, it is a red flag in my book, they had it for a month and either could not sell it or found an issue and auctioned it - weird that it gained 500 miles during that time.

08/27/2014 33,141 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale
09/23/2014 33,736 Porsche Audi Stratham
Stratham, NH
603-418-0288

[integroid]

So for the hell of it I extended my search to unlimited distance. the closest S4 w/ around 30K that is not white ( i cant do white) is 650 miles away in NC. its a 2011 and they are asking 34K for it and its not at an Audi Dealership so its prob not a CPO either

Wish you were closer:(

[KRp220]

Once he pays for a PPI and adds a warranty on a 2010 car - he might as well just spend 2k more and get a CPO 2012 and have warranty until 2018! 2010's are know to have a few issues, I would hate to see you spending 32k on it and then be stuck with a Mechatronics replacement (not an issue I guess on this car), engine mounts and a water pump, then that extra to get to a newer car with a warranty will seem really cheap!

Also - what happened to that car recently - looks like it was traded at an Audi dealer in NH, put in inventory, 500 miles where put on it in a month and then it appears to have been auctioned or something for it to end up at the discount used car place it is at now - If an Audi dealer dumped it, it is a red flag in my book, they had it for a month and either could not sell it or found an issue and auctioned it - weird that it gained 500 miles during that time.

08/27/2014 33,141 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale
09/23/2014 33,736 Porsche Audi Stratham
Stratham, NH
603-418-0288

i agree with your thoughts on a 2012, i was just referring to the 2010 the OP mentioned.

i have a friend that works at Stratham - OP, let me know if you are serious enough about this (still) and i will do some digging

rob is right though, i would be skeptical of an auctioned car, especially a relatively desirable s4, and 30 days in not a long time in inventory

[muelleski]

good point roadkillrob!

[mr shickadance]

i agree with your thoughts on a 2012, i was just referring to the 2010 the OP mentioned.

i have a friend that works at Stratham - OP, let me know if you are serious enough about this (still) and i will do some digging

rob is right though, i would be skeptical of an auctioned car, especially a relatively desirable s4, and 30 days in not a long time in inventory

aren;t most used car not sold at dealer's from auctions? I was always under the impression that privately held used car lots this was their main practice...go to auctions, scoop up the cars, sell at a profit?

[muelleski]

Quick update my guy had Audi run the VIN the car has NEVER been to a dealership for any service work. It has 2 recalls one for moisture in the tail lights, one for a computer update. That defiantly scares me when are the regular service intervals for the S4?

[integroid]

I think you should look elsewhere.

[muelleski]

I think you are right. I am not afraid of a non CPO car for the reasons I gave above but one that has never been serviced (service is free on these cars for a certain time period correct) then traded in to an audi dealership and auctioned off seems like a BIG red flag. Thanks everyone for helping out and saving me from wasting hrs of my weekend.

[integroid]

The service is not free unless you purchase Audi Care up front. For a dealer to auction it off and not turn it into a cpo and resell it would be enough for me to look another direction.

[ishowerinjager]

Oh and wheel bearings at 33k or even 50k? Is this a 90's Hyundai or a German engineered driving machine????

Just replaced mine at 55000km, do a search you will see so many people with premature wheel bearing failures in these cars. I realize that wheel bearing are usually a 150,000 km type thing but not with these cars.

do some research before you post.... and especially before you chirp

[roadkillrob]

aren;t most used car not sold at dealer's from auctions? I was always under the impression that privately held used car lots this was their main practice...go to auctions, scoop up the cars, sell at a profit?

Yes that is where they get most of them (unless they get a good used trade), the question is always why did a dealer decide to auction the car and make less on it than retailing the car. Sometimes it is simple, weird car they can't sell, so they auction after x days on the lot, brand they don't want to cell - Audi dealer get's Chevy Cobalt - probably won't get a customer in looking for that car and they don't want crap on their lot. After that, when an Audi dealer auctions an Audi that has not been on the lot very long and the car is new enough and low miles so they can CPO or even not CPO but is easily sellable, then it is odd.

I believe one of the CPO requirements may be that it was Audi serviced, so that missing alone may be enough to not CPO, but still would be a car a typical dealer would want to sell non CPO.

Looking at the CPO checklist in the Stop area it states:

Is it certain the vehicle does not have an extensive or unreasonable service history? - lack of service may fail this

Is the vehicle free from current or evidence of past after market modifications? (Free from chassis,
body, electrical, or engine performance modifications; free from ANY chip or wheel and tire
modifications. Dealer installed OEM accessories are acceptable) - it fails this with the aftermarket wheels and brakes

Are all services up to date and reflected in the maintenance booklet? (Make note of the service
and maintenance being performed during the CPO inspection and make sure to stamp the booklet
for all services performed to date.) - it fails this

So car cannot be CPO'd which may cause the dealer to auction or may be other issues also.

[mr shickadance]

yea i see what you are saying, this car def screams I have been modded tho, i would not want to touch it unless i got a forum posters history or something. Modded cars can be babied, or destroyed.

[KRp220]

aren;t most used car not sold at dealer's from auctions? I was always under the impression that privately held used car lots this was their main practice...go to auctions, scoop up the cars, sell at a profit?

i was just making a general comment. privately held lots can still be dealers and dealer-trade cars from other dealerships. lots of dealers buy cars from auctions too
just sayin' its always nice to know the story behind the car

[IanCH]

story time:

I bought my car from a 3rd party dealer and the car was purchased at auction from Bernardi Audi by my dealer (AMG is the acronym for my dealer)

AMG sold me the car with 75k even on the clock, it drove great and had no visible issues
Car had a 60 day warranty covering 100% of problems (mass law mandated)

Immediately after purchase at the post purchase oil change and trans fluid change (done by my local independent audi shop, paid for by AMG) it was identified that my car had a "leaky power steering hose" and the P/S was losing fluid (about 1 full volume of res per 2 weeks)

AMG played the wait and see for 2 weeks and bought me a bottle of P/S fluid

3 weeks into ownership all of the electrics in the car died. Dead central electric unit, 1k to fix and re code the new unit at Ira Audi (crooks, was a $400 job tops)

4 weeks into ownership AMG decides to fix the P/S pressure line - puts in the new line which is not a cheap part, doesnt fix the problem.
At this same time I identify a dying A/C fan, AMG replaces this fan

Week after AMG scopes the P/S system, decides its the other line, replaces another line, still doesnt fix the problem.

Week later AMG replaces the entire P/S pump and belt. Problem is fixed.

TL;DR: I bought the car November 2013 for $31k @ 75k miles full loaded prestige (killer deal) - dealer lost his ass fixing the parts I found that were broken that he (and audi) were hoping I wouldn't find in time for the mandated by law warranty to expire. Total bill on the P/S work was easily $4k with labor and parts given the intensive nature of reaching the P/S system. Car has run beautifully since (through 90k mi) and has no problems except maybe motor mounts which I am waiting for an aftermarket solution for.

[patinsd]

Quick update my guy had Audi run the VIN the car has NEVER been to a dealership for any service work. It has 2 recalls one for moisture in the tail lights, one for a computer update. That defiantly scares me when are the regular service intervals for the S4?

Interesting that the car never visited an Audi dealer because all 2010 S4 were recall for water pump issue starting in september 2010 and thernostat just after .
After the recall , AoA extended my power train to 5 years or 100 000 miles !
I think you need to do more research about this car !

[Dr GP]

Even if the car you find is not Cpo'D , you can buy an extended warranty from any dealer or on the internet. I suggest you not buy any German car without a warranty. Thats what I did when i bought my 2011 in May. You can buy different levels of protection as well. Another reason that prices are releatively high IS because the cars are scarce and very desireable. Dealers know that.

[chrisbryan89]

I bough a non-cpo'd 2010 over a year ago and haven't had any issues whatsoever. It was owned by a dealer GM so I'm sure it was cared for very well, but I wouldn't be hesitant at all to go with a non-cpo'd 2010. When it comes to German used cars it seems forums are full of the "I wouldn't touch it without a warranty" people, but I haven't found that to be a major issue. If that's a concern for you there are always 3rd party warranties. Plus, the car only has 30k miles, which for that year, is not a lot. As long as you do your due diligence I say go for it.

[S4'ed]

S4'ed did you buy from a dealer or private? That sounds like a hell of a deal

Bought it from an Audi dealer. They wanted $39K with CPO. I told them $35K without the CPO (I do all my own fixing...).

[mr shickadance]

Bought it from an Audi dealer. They wanted $39K with CPO. I told them $35K without the CPO (I do all my own fixing...).

i guessing you have a 6speed? i think i would call off the cpo as well if I got a manual, I have the auto so given the cost of that mechatronic unit itself, the warranty will pay for itself when that blows.

[boosted dub]

Yea man, I bought my S4 6 months ago- black, 2010, DSG, B&O w/ 38kmi for $30,000 at a Maserati dealership. I'd pass on that or go in with a check for $28k and say take it or leave it. These cars are reliable and that not being a DSG makes for less of a worry. The wheels are nice an upgrade but the prior maintenance is a concern so use that to haggle, there is some serious wiggle room there.

[muelleski]

All good stuff guys. So just to clarify you don't get free maintenance unless you pay for audi care, which isn't free. So no free maintenance? Still seems odd that it's a 2 owner car and neither brought it in for even recalls. I am not one to bring my cars to the stealership either but this is a stretch. And sorry I didn't do my "research" but wheel bearings going at 50k is just piss poor for any mfg. also when i checked w audi they said only 2 recalls were the tail light moisture and ecu upgrade. No water pump

[muelleski]

Ok so am still looking. I have found a couple certified S4's I like. I am about 5K over my budget if I can get this one for 35K and its the color I want its an auto and I think has all the good options right? (wanted a manual but I havent owned one in 17yrs I would have prob got sick of it anyway) My car payment will be the same as it is now it will just be 5yrs vs 3yrs... But hey I will be covered until 18 so at least I will have piece of mind for 3 of those yrs and knowing my car habits I will prob want something different by then anyway. Thoughts on this bad boy???

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2015&zip=02333&listingType=certified&listingTypes=certified&maxPrice=40000&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BAUDI%5BS4%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=S4&sortBy=distanceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&makeCode1=AUDI&startYear=1981&maxMileage=45000&searchRadius=300&listingId=384414946&Log=0

[muelleski]

Looking at the car fax the brake were replaced around 10K is that normal???

[sacandagaD]

Ok so am still looking. I have found a couple certified S4's I like. I am about 5K over my budget if I can get this one for 35K and its the color I want its an auto and I think has all the good options right? (wanted a manual but I havent owned one in 17yrs I would have prob got sick of it anyway) My car payment will be the same as it is now it will just be 5yrs vs 3yrs... But hey I will be covered until 18 so at least I will have piece of mind for 3 of those yrs and knowing my car habits I will prob want something different by then anyway. Thoughts on this bad boy???

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2015&zip=02333&listingType=certified&listingTypes=certified&maxPrice=40000&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BAUDI%5BS4%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=S4&sortBy=distanceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&makeCode1=AUDI&startYear=1981&maxMileage=45000&searchRadius=300&listingId=384414946&Log=0


Is having a 135 mph speed limiter due to the 18" wheels and no sport differential a concern for you?

[IanCH]

Is having a 135 mph speed limiter due to the 18" wheels and no sport differential a concern for you?

the speed limiter can be changed with a tire swap.

[muelleski]

Whats the sport diff major difference? I wont be tracking the car.

[muelleski]

and no 135 limiter is not a deal breaker, and I will most def be getting a 2nd set of wheels/tires for summer or winter

[Sethh]

What does TMV's mean? I am not sure how the choice of wheels reflects ones driving style either... Either way I would love to find out more I will see if my father's dealer will get me any info.

Eh, you might wanna do a little more research on these cars if you think that the choice of wheels doesn't reflects one's driving style...Just saying.

[doug97gxe]

Whats the sport diff major difference? I wont be tracking the car.

YES

[doug97gxe]

I want its an auto and I think has all the good options right? (wanted a manual but I havent owned one in 17yrs I would have prob got sick of it anyway)

i came close to this decision.. i held out and i'm happy i did .. everyday i drive my car i'm happy i didn't get an auto .. though a lot of people i know use to drive manual and are bored with it now and don't feel like dealing with it

[sacandagaD]

the speed limiter can be changed with a tire swap.

Do you mean the speed limiter senses the tire diameter and changes accordingly?


OP- I just had to have the Sports Differential, I felt it was the most important feature to have, but not everyone feels like that. I wanted to have the ability to take advantage of the most the car has to offer, even if I don't most of the time. I also feel like it adds to the value of the car when it comes to selling it, as it appeals to a broader spectrum of potential buyers.
To each his own, just have no regrets.

[blackfunk]

There's so much wrong information posted here its a shame.
One, If an Audi dealer sells 50 S4's in a year (random numbers here) and all 50 cars are returned at the end of their leases do you think that they then take all 50 cars and try selling them themself? No. It goes to auction. They may select two or three of the 50 and certify them for sale in their used division. Does that mean the others are somehow no good? I know this because I know three GM's one from a Honda dealership, one from a BMW dealership and another from a Toyota dealership who have all said more or less the same thing to me over the years.
Two, car dealerships tend to want to stock multiple types of cars i.e. @ an Audi dealership a BMW, A Benz, a Honda etc. They can't certify those. Doesn't mean that there's something wrong either. As a matter of fact I can guarantee that they've done a safety check at the very least.

Next everyone on here will tell you get the SD, as someone who's owned both without and with, I can say consider your driving style and to a lesser extent your resale value (doesn't actually add much). I you drive pretty aggressively then sure, if not give it a long hard look. Same goes for top speed, how often do you actually drive faster then 130mph? Enough to warrant spending a couple extra grand? You're taking about 5k above your previous max of 30k. Only you can really make the determiniation on the value of these items but just remember everybody on this forum is Lewis Hamilton and drive as such all the time.
Three, A car thats never been back to the dealer for service for me draws LESS red flags than one that been there every week. My mechanic who recently had a 2013 Allroad - did all his services at his shop. As a matter of fact all of his cars including his M3 and M6 and S4 have never been back to the dealer unless a part is physically broken and in some cases he will pay for it and put it in himself because he thinks the tech are idiots.

I say all that to say, don't just rule out a car because its not at an Audi dealership or because its doesn't have a service record - just make your decision accordingly so that you are aware there could be potential problems. i.e. with a 2010, water pump

[muelleski]

Still not really clear on the difference with the sport diff and without? Yes I know I could spend the time researching but that's the reason I joined this forum in the 1st place.

blackfunk- I agree with you and its kind of what I was saying in my replys above BUT that car had not been in for any of the warranty work that's what scared me away. I don't bring my cars to dealerships for non warranty issues or service that is not part of the service plan. Independent mechanics are most always more cost effective and I have found they care more (maybe because mine is my cousin...) After hearing about all the issues with these cars I am leaning toward the CPO seems like a good option, but if I found a non CPO that had all the options I liked and had maintenance records and warranty work done I still would not be afraid.

[blackfunk]

Please don't misunderstand I meant it as a generalization. Every used car is unique so it totally comes down to a case by case basis. My C5 which I bought used in 2012 had 60K miles but no service history - and I mean none. I could however tell it was a well taken care of car. Granted 12k is a hell of a let less money than 35k but for me it would be the yard stick which I'd measure with. Personally I'm like you, I'm ok considering a non CPO car. There are some who would not. There were some posts that suggest something must be wrong because its not CPO I just wanted to let you know thats just not true.

[Sethh]

Still not really clear on the difference with the sport diff and without? Yes I know I could spend the time researching but that's the reason I joined this forum in the 1st place.

blackfunk- I agree with you and its kind of what I was saying in my replys above BUT that car had not been in for any of the warranty work that's what scared me away. I don't bring my cars to dealerships for non warranty issues or service that is not part of the service plan. Independent mechanics are most always more cost effective and I have found they care more (maybe because mine is my cousin...) After hearing about all the issues with these cars I am leaning toward the CPO seems like a good option, but if I found a non CPO that had all the options I liked and had maintenance records and warranty work done I still would not be afraid.

Maybe this will help you understand more about the SD.

http://www.audi.com/aola/brand/en_lc/tools/advice/glossary.html#source=http://www.audi.com/aola/brand/en_lc/tools/advice/glossary/rear_seat_bench_plus.browser.filter_i_r.html&container=layerModalContent

[muelleski]

This did it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQowh2Kr38s#t=178 looks pretty awesome. Question is who has driven an S4 w/ and w/o was it super noticeable? Seems like it should be based on this vid

[blackfunk]

I've had both. Without SD I could get to car to slide at will. I personally found this more fun vs the SD where the car just turns in before understeering seeming to me more than the non SD car. I could be just imagining that aspect. Also with the SD equipped car it feels like the back is about to come around but the harder you stay on the gas the more it just seems rotate. Coming from rwd cars my expectation is that the car should go to oversteer but just keeps gripping until understeer takes over. It requires a lot of balls to drive 10/10 as the car is so capable. Either way both are still fun.

[sacandagaD]

This did it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQowh2Kr38s#t=178 looks pretty awesome. Question is who has driven an S4 w/ and w/o was it super noticeable? Seems like it should be based on this vid

I've never driven one without it at speed, but I can say it is a hell of a lot of fun taking on and off ramps on the gas at serious speed, hard to describe but it feels like the car is rotating through the curve as you turn tighter.