prospective buyer

[cameratoaa]

I potentially want to buy a b8.5 S4 and had a few questions:

CPO, worth getting one and spending the extra 2-3K in price or go aftermarket warranty later?

I plan to get one with blind spot monitoring, nav version of mmi, drive select, and the sport diff. Apparently these come with adaptive cruise from reading the sticky?

2013 vs 2014 no differences right?

does adaptive cruise control (the sonar stuff) come as an option on any of these and if it does how can i tell? I know where to check for sport diff in the mmi but the one i test drove last night i couldn't find any indicators it had the adaptive cruise feature. Furthermore is it true the high price of alignments because of this system like ive been reading?

Premium Plus vs Prestige differences specifically in the 2013/14? I believe (at lease what im seeing) both the 2013/14 Premium Plus come with heated auto dimming mirrors and memory seats (what used to be an add on item?).

Reliability...i come from two B5 A4 and one B5 S4 so im sure it cant be worse right.

[kobrian85]

CPO, worth getting one and spending the extra 2-3K in price or go aftermarket warranty later?
It is in my opinion, I was looking for a CPO with my car when I got it in July. I guess it depends how much you plan to mod it and how quickly. If you plan to leave it stock then I would lean towards getting a CPO car. If you don't care and plan to jump right to stage 2 and go nuts with the suspension, then the CPO isn't really of any value to you.


I plan to get one with blind spot monitoring, nav version of mmi, drive select, and the sport diff. Apparently these come with adaptive cruise from reading the sticky?
I don't believe so, but I could be wrong. I don't have blind spot monitoring on mine (I do have the other options you mention though), and I do not have adaptive cruise.


2013 vs 2014 no differences right?
Some people claim you should steer clear of the 2013, because it was the first year of the "facelift", but you'll find a number of people who disagree. Otherwise, 2013 -2015 are all the "same", they are all in the B8.5 generation.


Premium Plus vs Prestige differences specifically in the 2013/14? I believe (at lease what im seeing) both the 2013/14 Premium Plus come with heated auto dimming mirrors and memory seats (what used to be an add on item?).
I don't know for certain, but I believe the heated/dimming mirrors were standard on the S4. Memory seats are an option, I believe that package comes with the keyless entry/start/stop. I also believe Prestige has adaptive lighting.


Reliability...i come from two B5 A4 and one B5 S4 so im sure it cant be worse right.
So far so good with me. There are plenty of people that have had specific issues, but overall, the vibe you'll get from this forum is that this platform is solid.

Are you looking to get 6MT or DSG transmission? Both have their "issues", can't really go wrong with either though.

[MrFunk]

^^ I agree with most above.

CPO is good if you can get it on the car you want. I would not be a deal breaker for me.
I've heard the adaptive cruise doesn't work all that well in this car. I would not hunt for one with it - if the car you want has it, then great, but it would not be a mandatory feature for me. The adaptive cruise cars will have a radar in the front bumper that you can see visually. See pic below.
http://hazzydayz.com/ekmps/shops/hazzydayzshop/resources/Design/acc-sensor.jpg
Stay away from the 13's. Lots of issues with the new electric steering.

[cameratoaa]

It is in my opinion, I was looking for a CPO with my car when I got it in July. I guess it depends how much you plan to mod it and how quickly. If you plan to leave it stock then I would lean towards getting a CPO car. If you don't care and plan to jump right to stage 2 and go nuts with the suspension, then the CPO isn't really of any value to you.

Ill probably leave it stock for now, but i would at a minimum tune it eventually...37K roughly for a CPO 13/14 with average or below average miles, anywhere from 30-35K for non CPO. Think that's fair pricing for a CPO or would i have room to haggle it to non CPO pricing?


I don't believe so, but I could be wrong. I don't have blind spot monitoring on mine (I do have the other options you mention though), and I do not have adaptive cruise.

The one i drove last night had blind spot monitoring. I think i would never use adaptive cruise but in the event i found a car that had it that worked for me, i was curious about the the alignment stuff.


Some people claim you should steer clear of the 2013, because it was the first year of the "facelift", but you'll find a number of people who disagree. Otherwise, 2013 -2015 are all the "same", they are all in the B8.5 generation.

OK good to know, i imagine the only true differences would be mmi software or other software nothing physical.


I don't know for certain, but I believe the heated/dimming mirrors were standard on the S4. Memory seats are an option, I believe that package comes with the keyless entry/start/stop. I also believe Prestige has adaptive lighting.

Is adaptive lighting worth it in anyone's opinion...there are very few Prestige trims for sale even 300+ miles from me. If i really cared about having it i wonder how hard it would be to retrofit adaptive lighting.


So far so good with me. There are plenty of people that have had specific issues, but overall, the vibe you'll get from this forum is that this platform is solid.

Are you looking to get 6MT or DSG transmission? Both have their "issues", can't really go wrong with either though.

I plan to get the DSG, its quicker apparently and I have my other cars for when i want manual. I also sit in traffic more than i used to so there's that.

[cameratoaa]

when you say lots of issues with the electric steering what issues specifically? Things there are a TSB for or...?

Good to know where its located now, i know on the S6 it has two fake fog light things for the same system/night vision.


^^ I agree with most above.

CPO is good if you can get it on the car you want. I would not be a deal breaker for me.
I've heard the adaptive cruise doesn't work all that well in this car. I would not hunt for one with it - if the car you want has it, then great, but it would not be a mandatory feature for me. The adaptive cruise cars will have a radar in the front bumper that you can see visually. See pic below.
http://hazzydayz.com/ekmps/shops/hazzydayzshop/resources/Design/acc-sensor.jpg
Stay away from the 13's. Lots of issues with the new electric steering.

[cameratoaa]

Adding another one to this, Is the alcantara nice to have or is it meh? the one i drove last night just had the regular "leather" seats.

[kdn0789]

Adding another one to this, Is the alcantara nice to have or is it meh? the one i drove last night just had the regular "leather" seats.

That's all personal preference. To me, I like full leather seats cause it looks nicer. The leather is really soft and nice.

[MrFunk]

when you say lots of issues with the electric steering what issues specifically? Things there are a TSB for or...?

Good to know where its located now, i know on the S6 it has two fake fog light things for the same system/night vision.

If you search you will find a plethora of threads with people having steering rack issues. The dreaded "knotchy steering". I've experienced it in a few 13's (not only S4's) and it entirely ruins the driving experience. The steering feels as if it has knotches in it. Audi has done software updates and replaced countless racks but people kept having the issue. I'm hoping they've gotten it resolved by now personally I'd avoid the 13's if I had the choice to do so.

[cameratoaa]

If you search you will find a plethora of threads with people having steering rack issues. The dreaded "knotchy steering". I've experienced it in a few 13's (not only S4's) and it entirely ruins the driving experience. The steering feels as if it has knotches in it. Audi has done software updates and replaced countless racks but people kept having the issue. I'm hoping they've gotten it resolved by now personally I'd avoid the 13's if I had the choice to do so.

Got it, the one i drove last night was a 14, and the steering only on the freeway it would go left and right on its own slightly. I couldn't tell if it was normal or not. Is that similar to what you're talking about?

[kobrian85]

OK good to know, i imagine the only true differences would be mmi software or other software nothing physical.
I don't even think there is any difference in the MMI between the B8.5 years.


37K roughly for a CPO 13/14 with average or below average miles, anywhere from 30-35K for non CPO. Think that's fair pricing for a CPO or would i have room to haggle it to non CPO pricing?
Seems a little high for CPO pricing and maybe between $31k-$34k for non-CPO. Mine is a 2013, it had about 32k miles on it with CPO and I picked it up for around $34k. Dealer wasn't willing to budge on the price. Before I found my current car, it seemed that dealers weren't willing to move on their pricing, regardless of CPO status. I don't know if it had anything to do with the manual transmission I was shopping for or not, I tend to think it might have had a little something to do with their unwillingness to negotiate, but it could be any number of things...


Is adaptive lighting worth it in anyone's opinion...
It wasn't for me. Maybe your needs are different then mine, I'm doing mostly city driving, I didn't think it's "great" and a must have.


As Funk said about the 2013 steering... it was the first year of the electronic steering in these cars, the 2010-2012's have hydraulic. There have been some reported problems with "notchiness" at the top of the steering and I'm sure there are other various issues. Honestly, I haven't had any problems with mine, and I'm sure there are many others who haven't. Those that do have problems, I feel, are a pretty small group. I think in general the consensus is if we could get the hydraulic system in the B8.5's then all of us would, but even the electronic isn't terrible (not really "awesome" either though...). For what it's worth, I drove both a 2013 and a 2012 and I expected a significant difference in the feel, it wasn't as vastly different as I had thought it would be. Considering you're looking at a 2013 and 2014, it's a pretty moot point though.


Got it, the one i drove last night was a 14, and the steering only on the freeway it would go left and right on its own slightly. I couldn't tell if it was normal or not. Is that similar to what you're talking about?
That's the "notchiness" that you were experiencing. I'm not sure that anyone has discovered a "fix". There have been some discussion about VAGCOM adjustments to make it better. Since I'm not currently experiencing it, I haven't done a ton of research on it yet.


Is the alcantara nice to have or is it meh?
I personally preferred the Napa leather over the alcantara (I have dogs and children). I like the "cleaner" look of the napa over the alcantara. That said, there are some seating options that are beautiful with the alcantara - the Cobalt alacntara with the black Napa is amazing. The "Panda" scheme looks good with alcantara (I prefer it more with the all Napa though).

[tcristi]

I currently own a 2013 with Adaptive cruise and I absolutely love it. The system is very good and you can control the distance and drive select (dynamic, auto, comfort) to change how aggressive it will accelerate after the lane opens up. I typically just set the cruise for 75 mph and let go of the pedals. The car will maintain a predetermined distance from the car in front based on what you set (2-4 car lengths). Once the lane opens it will accelerate back to the speed you predetermined. It will also brake and accelerate all the way down to 10mph so it's great in traffic. I have to admit, the first time I tried to use it I was freaked out. It's a very strange feeling putting your trust in the car to brake and then to have it automatically do it is bizarre. However, on day with traffic or on a longer road trip, you feel more relaxed since the car is doing most things for you.

Another hidden feature of the system is that it will automatically brake in an emergency even if cruise isn't on. The radar system is always scanning and if it detects an object coming close quickly it will sound an audible alarm and jam the brakes so you don't collide.

The only way to know if the car has it without getting in is to look at the front passenger fog lamp. You will see a black scoop with a dome inside to the right of the lamp, that's where the radar is placed. Check the link attached
https://goo.gl/photos/43Qq5J989dhS1HKA6

I did a lot of research on it when I was purchasing the car and it was only available on the Prestige model as a option called the Driver Assist Package ($3250). That package also included dynamic steering which wasn't affected with the notchiness the other 13-15's had, it's a different steering rack. I attached a pic of my window sticker so you can see the option listed.




https://goo.gl/photos/NjyqksUMorb5LZeB6

- - - Updated - - -

Link with picture containing the scoop.

https://goo.gl/photos/c24N12y4JR4QLCu68

[cameratoaa]

I currently own a 2013 with Adaptive cruise and I absolutely love it. The system is very good and you can control the distance and drive select (dynamic, auto, comfort) to change how aggressive it will accelerate after the lane opens up. I typically just set the cruise for 75 mph and let go of the pedals. The car will maintain a predetermined distance from the car in front based on what you set (2-4 car lengths). Once the lane opens it will accelerate back to the speed you predetermined. It will also brake and accelerate all the way down to 10mph so it's great in traffic. I have to admit, the first time I tried to use it I was freaked out. It's a very strange feeling putting your trust in the car to brake and then to have it automatically do it is bizarre. However, on day with traffic or on a longer road trip, you feel more relaxed since the car is doing most things for you.

Another hidden feature of the system is that it will automatically brake in an emergency even if cruise isn't on. The radar system is always scanning and if it detects an object coming close quickly it will sound an audible alarm and jam the brakes so you don't collide.

The only way to know if the car has it without getting in is to look at the front passenger fog lamp. You will see a black scoop with a dome inside to the right of the lamp, that's where the radar is placed. Check the link attached
https://goo.gl/photos/43Qq5J989dhS1HKA6

I did a lot of research on it when I was purchasing the car and it was only available on the Prestige model as a option called the Driver Assist Package ($3250). That package also included dynamic steering which wasn't affected with the notchiness the other 13-15's had, it's a different steering rack. I attached a pic of my window sticker so you can see the option listed.




https://goo.gl/photos/NjyqksUMorb5LZeB6

- - - Updated - - -

Link with picture containing the scoop.

https://goo.gl/photos/c24N12y4JR4QLCu68

Sounds cool I might use cruise more often with having that. But the prestige is the only trim level that can have this feature? It can't be added to a premium plus? I only ask because right now there are only 7 prestige trim cars on cars.com and they're all over 40k. Furthermore none of them seem to have the adaptive cruise anyway.

Can someone else confirm the dynamic steering system eliminates the steering issue of the premium plus version of the car? The premium plus car I drove last night had settings under "individual" for the steering and one was "dynamic" Is this not the same thing?

[tcristi]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/596598-Audi-Driver-Assist-Package-Premium-Plus-v-Prestige-Real-Dynamic-Steering

Check post #22

I've seen similar posts like this.

[cameratoaa]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/596598-Audi-Driver-Assist-Package-Premium-Plus-v-Prestige-Real-Dynamic-Steering

Check post #22

I've seen similar posts like this.

Thanks for confirming! So driver assist = dynamic steering and radar cruise control correct? And they come together only not separate? Where does the adaptive lighting come into play?

[tcristi]

Correct, it's part of the driver assistance package.

The prestige package adds B & O stereo, Adaptive light, side assist, advance key and navigation plus.

[MrFunk]

Got it, the one i drove last night was a 14, and the steering only on the freeway it would go left and right on its own slightly. I couldn't tell if it was normal or not. Is that similar to what you're talking about?

Yes

[cameratoaa]

Correct, it's part of the driver assistance package.

The prestige package adds B & O stereo, Adaptive light, side assist, advance key and navigation plus.

Ok thanks, and this is the same with 2013 and 2014? Ive seen premium plus with B&O and nav plus too, is side assist just the blind spot system?

[cameratoaa]

Correct, it's part of the driver assistance package.

The prestige package adds B & O stereo, Adaptive light, side assist, advance key and navigation plus.


Yes


I currently own a 2013 with Adaptive cruise and I absolutely love it. The system is very good and you can control the distance and drive select (dynamic, auto, comfort) to change how aggressive it will accelerate after the lane opens up. I typically just set the cruise for 75 mph and let go of the pedals. The car will maintain a predetermined distance from the car in front based on what you set (2-4 car lengths). Once the lane opens it will accelerate back to the speed you predetermined. It will also brake and accelerate all the way down to 10mph so it's great in traffic. I have to admit, the first time I tried to use it I was freaked out. It's a very strange feeling putting your trust in the car to brake and then to have it automatically do it is bizarre. However, on day with traffic or on a longer road trip, you feel more relaxed since the car is doing most things for you.

Another hidden feature of the system is that it will automatically brake in an emergency even if cruise isn't on. The radar system is always scanning and if it detects an object coming close quickly it will sound an audible alarm and jam the brakes so you don't collide.

The only way to know if the car has it without getting in is to look at the front passenger fog lamp. You will see a black scoop with a dome inside to the right of the lamp, that's where the radar is placed. Check the link attached
https://goo.gl/photos/43Qq5J989dhS1HKA6

I did a lot of research on it when I was purchasing the car and it was only available on the Prestige model as a option called the Driver Assist Package ($3250). That package also included dynamic steering which wasn't affected with the notchiness the other 13-15's had, it's a different steering rack. I attached a pic of my window sticker so you can see the option listed.




https://goo.gl/photos/NjyqksUMorb5LZeB6

- - - Updated - - -

Link with picture containing the scoop.

https://goo.gl/photos/c24N12y4JR4QLCu68

link broken, i thought it was just on mobile but doesnt work on PC either.

[tcristi]

Ok thanks, and this is the same with 2013 and 2014? Ive seen premium plus with B&O and nav plus too, is side assist just the blind spot system?

I think those are all separate options on the premium plus. The prestige adds all of that plus adaptive headlights and the ability to add driver assist.

And yes, side assist is blind spot monitoring.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tcristi]

https://goo.gl/photos/aC7CLZaZCrDV8G2b9

Try this

[cameratoaa]

I think those are all separate options on the premium plus. The prestige adds all of that plus adaptive headlights and the ability to add driver assist.

And yes, side assist is blind spot monitoring.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok thanks. So just to be clear, the only thing the prestige would be missing from all the options is the driver assist? I've seen the sun shade thing on the back windows on a few of these, is that another a la carte option?

[tcristi]

Ok thanks. So just to be clear, the only thing the prestige would be missing from all the options is the driver assist? I've seen the sun shade thing on the back windows on a few of these, is that another a la carte option?

Yes to both


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cameratoaa]

https://goo.gl/photos/aC7CLZaZCrDV8G2b9

Try this

That worked. Damn it's hard to tell online in the pics if that's there.

- - - Updated - - -


Yes to both


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for confirming!

[CardFan]

I would also suggest looking at the Audi order guides to help with understanding the available options.

2013 (https://www.audiclubna.org/images/forms/aoa_order_guide_2013.pdf)

2014 (http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=135669868&access_key=key-1q3rzo5altbof1otn4i2)

Good luck with your search!

[13jfp]

Adding another one to this, Is the alcantara nice to have or is it meh? the one i drove last night just had the regular "leather" seats.
I love the Alcantara! Very durable.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[cameratoaa]

I would also suggest looking at the Audi order guides to help with understanding the available options.

2013 (https://www.audiclubna.org/images/forms/aoa_order_guide_2013.pdf)

2014 (http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=135669868&access_key=key-1q3rzo5altbof1otn4i2)

Good luck with your search!

YES. thanks i was looking for something like this for a while...so i didnt have to ask it all on here...2014 link loads a blank page however, but from this thread ive found that to avoid the steering issue, and just to have a more rare car, im going to try and swing for the Prestige with the driver assist package.


I love the Alcantara! Very durable.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

Good to know, what color do you have?

[13jfp]

YES. thanks i was looking for something like this for a while...so i didnt have to ask it all on here.



Good to know, what color do you have?
Black...I'm at almost 50,000 miles and seats still look new

Sent from my SM-G900V using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[cameratoaa]

Black...I'm at almost 50,000 miles and seats still look new

Sent from my SM-G900V using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

Nice, out of all the ones ive seen i think the only ones i wouldnt get are red and white...red is too flashy i think and the white i feel may show dirt quickly like on the B5

[kobrian85]

Nice, out of all the ones ive seen i think the only ones i wouldnt get are red and white...red is too flashy i think and the white i feel may show dirt quickly like on the B5

The red/black combo only comes in full Napa. You can find the white/black combo in both configurations, but the full Napa seems to be pretty rare.

[cameratoaa]

The red/black combo only comes in full Napa. You can find the white/black combo in both configurations, but the full Napa seems to be pretty rare.

Yea i saw that actually late last night, the red/black didnt look alcantera.

[tcristi]

Red/Black is full leather. I have it on my car, the pictures don't do it justice, it looks incredible in person.
I always receive compliments on the interior.

[cameratoaa]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/687113652/overview/

What do you all think of their price?

[kobrian85]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/687113652/overview/

What do you all think of their price?

Looks pretty solid to me. Price appears to be pretty fair. It's not a CPO car, not sure if there's a particular reason for that, because I think any dealer can request CPO certification from Audi (maybe someone who knows better can chime in on that). It's not clear if this one has the Sports Diff (you mentioned wanting that in a previous post), if it doesn't, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me personally. From the photos it does have the B&O Sound System in it. Also has NAV+ (backup camera and sensors), so that's a plus. I personally love that interior, that's the one thing that I wish I had...

This particular listing isn't on Carguru's, so no easy way to see how it is priced, but looking at other 2014's in your area with the Prestige package seem to indicate this one is in the ballpark.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourc eContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&formSourceTag=112&newSearchFromOverviewPage=true&inventorySearchWidgetType=AUTO&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c24022&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=c24022&zip=19041&distance=100&searchChanged=true&transmission=A&modelChanged=false&filtersModified=true

[cameratoaa]

Looks pretty solid to me. Price appears to be pretty fair. It's not a CPO car, not sure if there's a particular reason for that, because I think any dealer can request CPO certification from Audi (maybe someone who knows better can chime in on that). It's not clear if this one has the Sports Diff (you mentioned wanting that in a previous post), if it doesn't, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me personally. From the photos it does have the B&O Sound System in it. Also has NAV+ (backup camera and sensors), so that's a plus. I personally love that interior, that's the one thing that I wish I had...

This particular listing isn't on Carguru's, so no easy way to see how it is priced, but looking at other 2014's in your area with the Prestige package seem to indicate this one is in the ballpark.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourc eContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&formSourceTag=112&newSearchFromOverviewPage=true&inventorySearchWidgetType=AUTO&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c24022&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=c24022&zip=19041&distance=100&searchChanged=true&transmission=A&modelChanged=false&filtersModified=true

It doesnt have the sport diff...but it has everything else. Based on reading a few threads it seems like the sport diff is well worth having. Why do you say you wouldnt mind not having it?

[kobrian85]

It doesnt have the sport diff...but it has everything else. Based on reading a few threads it seems like the sport diff is well worth having. Why do you say you wouldnt mind not having it?

It's just my personal opinion, there are a lot of people that disagree... But I feel it's a overhyped. I have it on mine, I've yet to track my car (although I plan to on occasion), so I really never get the "fun factor" that comes with having it. In fact, I've only had mine kick on once, noticeably, and it wasn't really appropriate for driving on the street for it to kick in where it did. Keep in mind, it's also a part that has had a few reported failures, and it's not cheap to replace it, even if you do find one at a junkyard/Ebay. In fairness, that hype would seem to inevitably help with resale value as it will add to the desire of the entire package. Conversely, since this car does not have the Sports Diff, that might help you in negotiating a lower price.

[torinalth]

just to add persona opinion. I find the sport differential a nice feature. not mandatory, but I'd get one with it. Alcatara I'm not a fan of. It get super hot in the summer (not initially like leather, but he holds heat so you'll sweat) and does not look as nice. Regrading the MMI, in 2014 (not all if I remember correctly) they changed to a 3g modem for connecting to the cellular network vs 2g in those before it. some models got free upgrades recently, but can't remember which. not a huge deal but something to note.

[AvusPdx]

I'm not a fan of the red/black interior, it doesn't age very well (look at cars 8+ years old with colored leather interior). Black is always a safe bet with potential buyers and resale, a classic that will never go out of style. The alcantara holds you in better while cornering compared to full leather. I think it looks better, and much higher end cars use way more alcantara (trim pieces, seats, steering wheel), it just grips your ass better I think.

Sports diff should engage at almost all cornering situations and not just at the limit. The torque distribution will occur accordingly to throttle input/steering angle etc.

[protogeoff]

Came from a BMW a month ago. Love the sport diff. In dynamic mode it's more active and you can definitely feel it rotate the rear of the car around in a very smooth and predictable manner as you get on the fun pedal. Very satisfying.

Sent from my SM-G928W8 using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[pdqgp]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/687113652/overview/

What do you all think of their price?

Looks like the original In Service date was March of 2014, sold with 19 miles on it. Original MSRP was: $55,400