Purchasing a Pre-Owned Tuned B8.5?

[PotentialS4]

Hi Guys,

I'm currently looking at a preowned 2013 S4 premium package. B/O sound system, sport diff etc.

It has 65,000 KM with a Revo Stage 2 (is this a thing? or is it just the 1+), AWE exhaust, intake and coilovers.

The girlfriend is heading out to the city the car is being sold in for a weekend trip so she can check it out. I've done a bit of research with regards to reliability etc but the only things that seem to come up are the motor mounts, timing chain guide, and electronic steering rack gremlins.

Is there any due diligence that I should perform before pulling the trigger? Any red flags that should jump out? I was thinking of taking it to Audi for an inspection, but would they be able to check the health of the drivetrain? Compression test?

From what I've seen the b8.5 platform is fairly bulletproof, but I'd just want to avoid buying a german lemon right after the warranty expires.

Appreciate your help!

[bhvrdr]

Are you sure you want to buy a car that may already be td1?

[PotentialS4]

Are you sure you want to buy a car that may already be td1?

I've thought about it, but I think the car is already out of warranty (4 years/80k), are there any disadvantages beyond the lack of warranty?

[bhvrdr]

I've thought about it, but I think the car is already out of warranty (4 years/80k), are there any disadvantages beyond the lack of warranty?You posted its a 2018 im assuming you meant 2013?

The only other disadvantages i see is that the person may have stressed the car more but like you said theyre pretty bullet proof engines.

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[AUDIMAN33]

If it’s tuned it’s probably abused... No one tunes there cars to baby them


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[PotentialS4]

Sorry, clarified - 2013

[Morritse]

As people have stated, it was probably driven much harder than a normal car. I wouldn't do it.

[PotentialS4]

Understandable, the issue is that I could get a similar mileage stock s4 but I'm planning on tuning it to a similar level. The price of the tuned/untuned would be roughly the same. I'm looking at 30kCAD for this one, or 30kCAD + 4-5k in mods if I get one stock. Are there any inspections (engine oil analysis/compression) that could provide information on how much the engine has been stressed? Are there any readings available into how many times a car has been redlined etc?

Thanks again

[AUDIMAN33]

Here’s a test that you can use, if it’s tuned, it’s been abused. It’s been red lined, and it’s probably broken or braking. No one gets rid of a perfectly good car that has work done to it.

Now with that being said, if you’re realistic expect some problems, go for it but don’t complain when something’s gone wrong... If you’re in love do it.


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[Jwill]

I bought my car locally (from another member on here) not too long ago. Car was already stage 2 with mods listed in sig below. I knew going into it that making the purchase of a tuned/modded car was taking a chance but I was willing to take that chance because I had searched for months for an S4 with the exact specs (color, interior, sports diff, etc). Not to mention, I had planed on doing almost all the same mods with car after purchase anyway. I went to the shop that did all the work for the previous owner and talked to them about the car/the work they did on the car just for extra piece of mind. Also stopped at the local Audi dealership the week after purchase to ask them some questions about certain things and whatnot.

I would say drive the car, make sure all the required services have been done (proof in receipts), get a pre-purchase inspection, and do as much digging about the car as you can before you make a decision. Ultimately it's up to you and be prepared for a few things to go wrong. Just my two cents...

[Midnight_Rider]

I'd check to see the SC pulley and belt to see how it is. Check the crank pulley play. Make sure the coilover shock isn't out. Make sure the third brake light works. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't have a spasm under 35 mph. Make sure the heated seat works. Stereo isn't busted. No knocking sounds. Ask when they changed the fluids (transmission, brake, etc.).

Good luck. I would never buy this car used with high mileage.

[fstr n u]

I disagree with Audiman33. I've owned over 20 vehicles with most being tuned or modified. I would hesitate to say i "bag' my vehicles more than the next owner. My drive to work is 21kms each way and i rarely get to (5 days a week) get to ever push my cars more than 50% throttle with traffic, etc. My 1998 Camaro STS Turbo with 10 years build time and around 10k miles over 10 years...would it have more time with me "beating' on the car more than other vehicles...no.

I've never sold a vehicle with more abuse/damage then when i first bought it. I spend time each couple week maintaining what i own (wax, wash, tire pressure, etc) and people comment (including dealerships) how pristine my cars are.

Drive the car you are wanting to buy, if it feels solid and there are no major issues, then look at oil, fluids and see if there is anything obviously wrong If not, buy the vehicle, and enjoy the shit out of it for a couple years like the rest of us. I sell my vehicles every 1-3 years because i am bored by them and want something new. The only one i don't sell is my 10 year build 1998 one of a kind STS Camaro making over 800 hp because it is a sense of pride (built not bought mentality).

Buy a car, drive it, enjoy it and later sell it hoping you have adequately cared enough for it the next owner can have time with it too.

[JD S4]

I disagree with Audiman33. I've owned over 20 vehicles with most being tuned or modified. I would hesitate to say i "bag' my vehicles more than the next owner. My drive to work is 21kms each way and i rarely get to (5 days a week) get to ever push my cars more than 50% throttle with traffic, etc. My 1998 Camaro STS Turbo with 10 years build time and around 10k miles over 10 years...would it have more time with me "beating' on the car more than other vehicles...no.

I've never sold a vehicle with more abuse/damage then when i first bought it. I spend time each couple week maintaining what i own (wax, wash, tire pressure, etc) and people comment (including dealerships) how pristine my cars are.

Drive the car you are wanting to buy, if it feels solid and there are no major issues, then look at oil, fluids and see if there is anything obviously wrong If not, buy the vehicle, and enjoy the shit out of it for a couple years like the rest of us. I sell my vehicles every 1-3 years because i am bored by them and want something new. The only one i don't sell is my 10 year build 1998 one of a kind STS Camaro making over 800 hp because it is a sense of pride (built not bought mentality).

Buy a car, drive it, enjoy it and later sell it hoping you have adequately cared enough for it the next owner can have time with it too.

This x 100.


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[b spot]

I would never buy this car used with high mileage.

65,000km is high mileage? That's 8000 miles/yr

[PopTart]

A lot of tuners/enthusiasts take good care of their cars. They take pride in it. Whereas, the Average Joe doesn't do routine maintenance.

[tar]

I wouldnt worry over a simple tune. If it had bags or windshield banners id avoid due to the types of people that do that stuff(vapers) but a tune meh.

[14S4GWM]

I wouldnt worry over a simple tune. If it had bags or windshield banners id avoid due to the types of people that do that stuff(vapers) but a tune meh.

Stereotype much....

[tar]

Stereotype much....

If the flat brim hat fits..

[14S4GWM]

If the flat brim hat fits..

Well you are way off on both of your stereotypes so try again.

[AUDIMAN33]

Well you are way off on both of your stereotypes so try again.

I’d trust a car with bags more than a tuned car. At least with the bags you know they’re more about the show then the go.


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[wangshuo1989]

Check launch counter, if it's too many then it's abused, don't buy it. Launching is hard on the transmission especially on a higher power level.

[S4tranquility]

I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m really surprised how many seem so concerned about a tuned car. I’d prefer a well maintained car with tasteful mods like that. Enthusiasts tend to take better care of their cars so a nicely modded car is a bonus to me. Why if it has been tuned does that equal abuse? That’s a bizarre connection.

[B8Addict]

I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m really surprised how many seem so concerned about a tuned car. I’d prefer a well maintained car with tasteful mods like that. Enthusiasts tend to take better care of their cars so a nicely modded car is a bonus to me. Why if it has been tuned does that equal abuse? That’s a bizarre connection.

+1. Its more likely that because it was tuned, an enthusiast would have been more anal about doing maintenance at shorter intervals. I bought my car nearly 5 years ago CPO with 30k miles, and when the dealership replaced my clutch and flywheel under warranty nearly 2 years ago it was beat to shit by the previous owner. The only telltale I had was that the clutch pedal was extremely heavy, wasn't slipping but I assumed thats because it was a more sturdy clutch. There is literally no way to know if it has been "abused" aside from the regular checks. Someone could have beat the crap out of the car and taken the car back to stock and you would likely have no idea it was modded.

[Morritse]

I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m really surprised how many seem so concerned about a tuned car. I’d prefer a well maintained car with tasteful mods like that. Enthusiasts tend to take better care of their cars so a nicely modded car is a bonus to me. Why if it has been tuned does that equal abuse? That’s a bizarre connection.

I guess it depends what you define abuse as. If you get a tune, it's because the car isn't powerful enough when you push it to 100%. It's completely reasonable to assume that people with tuned cars on average ask more from their engine than people with stock cars.

[Dobbler]

I guess it depends what you define abuse as. If you get a tune, it's because the car isn't powerful enough when you push it to 100%. It's completely reasonable to assume that people with tuned cars on average ask more from their engine than people with stock cars.

I disagree with that logic. I don't push my car to 100% and I'm Stage 2 Single Pulley. Why? I want low-er-end torque, a quicker car, not necessarily a faster car. My launch count is 0, I've bounced off the rev limiter once or twice max. So not everyone tunes their car because it isn't powerful enough at 100% output.

[nick0188]

No one gets rid of a perfectly good car that has work done to it.



That can’t be any further from the truth. I’ve sold tons of highly modified cars that were is nice shape.

I think there are two crowds.
1. I built this sweet car and leave it in my garage to look at, take to shows, and put 4 miles on it. I would never buy this car, as they sit, deals dry up, the maintenance is probably neglected, etc.

2. I built this sweet car and drive it everyday, so it may have slightly higher miles. Sure, there are dings and scratches, but it’s been over maintained.

I prefer to be in group 2.


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[bhvrdr]

That can’t be any further from the truth. I’ve sold tons of highly modified cars that were is nice shape.

I think there are two crowds.
1. I built this sweet car and leave it in my garage to look at, take to shows, and put 4 miles on it. I would never buy this car, as they sit, deals dry up, the maintenance is probably neglected, etc.

2. I built this sweet car and drive it everyday, so it may have slightly higher miles. Sure, there are dings and scratches, but it’s been over maintained.

I prefer to be in group 2.


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Yeah unfortunately there are plenty of dummies like me who have built car after car to pristine shape only to then get immediately bored and move on to the next. There are a ton of cars ive dumped i wish i still had

[Morritse]

I disagree with that logic. I don't push my car to 100% and I'm Stage 2 Single Pulley. Why? I want low-er-end torque, a quicker car, not necessarily a faster car. My launch count is 0, I've bounced off the rev limiter once or twice max. So not everyone tunes their car because it isn't powerful enough at 100% output.

Doesn't make sense. You're saying there wasn't enough low end power. Meaning under this load scenario, 100% of OEM output wasn't enough.

[AUDIMAN33]

That can’t be any further from the truth. I’ve sold tons of highly modified cars that were is nice shape.

I think there are two crowds.
1. I built this sweet car and leave it in my garage to look at, take to shows, and put 4 miles on it. I would never buy this car, as they sit, deals dry up, the maintenance is probably neglected, etc.

2. I built this sweet car and drive it everyday, so it may have slightly higher miles. Sure, there are dings and scratches, but it’s been over maintained.

I prefer to be in group 2.


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Yeah no, there’s group 3 that you’re neglecting to mention.
The person who puts a lot of money into their car but doesn’t fix it, the one who’s abused it. I bought modified cars before and it never works out. I find most for sale are abused...


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[nick0188]

Yeah no, there’s group 3 that you’re neglecting to mention.
The person who puts a lot of money into their car but doesn’t fix it, the one who’s abused it. I bought modified cars before and it never works out. I find most for sale are abused...


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I’ll be the first to say I beat the ever living crap out of my cars, but I also maintain them more than anyone I know. Services for fluids in half the expected mileage, bushings just because, etc. I built and daily drove a 500whp mk6 GTi for 5 years. Rain/snow/summer/winter/etc. It saw the rev limiter multiple times a day (which was 7600rpm). Never let me down (because over maintained). The guy I sold it to still hasn’t had an issue with it.


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[AUDIMAN33]

I’ll be the first to say I beat the ever living crap out of my cars, but I also maintain them more than anyone I know. Services for fluids in half the expected mileage, bushings just because, etc. I built and daily drove a 500whp mk6 GTi for 5 years. Rain/snow/summer/winter/etc. It saw the rev limiter multiple times a day (which was 7600rpm). Never let me down (because over maintained). The guy I sold it to still hasn’t had an issue with it.


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That’s great that you do that, but not everyone treats their cars like that.
I personally don’t beat on my cars.


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[nick0188]

That’s great that you do that, but not everyone treats their cars like that.
I personally don’t beat on my cars.


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Why not buy a Corolla then? What’s the point of owning a performance vehicle and just cruising around? Scene points?


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[Dobbler]

Doesn't make sense. You're saying there wasn't enough low end power. Meaning under this load scenario, 100% of OEM output wasn't enough.

Define 100%

100% torque at what RPM? 100% HP at what RPM?

I interpreted 100% as max output at max RPM. I don't drive my car at max RPM. I'm not doing 1/4 mile runs. You can keep your car under 6k RPM and want more below that RPM.

[BucDan]

I got my 2013 with 34.5k miles. All the previous owner did was a ECU Stasis flash tune and a Stasis catback exhaust.

Set the ECU tune to stock via the Audi recall as required in CA. And I'm still looking to get rid of the exhaust for something different, or stock. All good here.

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[PopTart]

I believe some 2013's received the same DSG found in the 2009-2012. The ones with the Mechatronic Issue.

[bhvrdr]

I believe some 2013's received the same DSG found in the 2009-2012. The ones with the Mechatronic Issue.

2009 - 2011 is gen 1
2012 is gen 1.5
2013+ is gen2

[ModdedEuros]

A lot of people mention don't buy a car with mods but also remember many people will return a car to stock before selling it as well because they know this or they were looking to do a dealer trade in and make some more money. Really only way would be to do a VIN lookup against all the tuners to see if that VIN was ever flashed.

[hilmar2k]

To me, it's as much about the seller as the car. When I sell my car, I go out of my way to explain and list everything that might be important to the buyer. I keep all my receipts and service records. I use only high quality parts and fluids. I take care of my cars and it's obvious. It's also obvious when I look at a car and talk to the owner whether or not the car is good to buy. You'd be surprised how honest people are if you know how to ask the questions. Don't ask if they beat on it, ask them how launch control works. Ask them if the AWD can keep up with full throttle launches. Ask them how the rev limiter works. They'll be happy to answer those, and you can get a really good sense of how they drove the car.

[dizzysn]

No one gets rid of a perfectly good car that has work done to it.

What? That's just objectively untrue.

I had an intake/header/exhaust/cam/tune/suspension/solid driveshaft GTO. It never broke, and was in perfect order. I sold it.

Then I bought a 2002 Z06. Intake/header/exhaust/cam/intake manifold/LS7 clutch/built trans/built diff/gears. That car also never broke. I put in the built drivetrain before it did. The car was an absolute beast and was perfectly fine. I also sold that. The new owner has been tracking it every weekend for 6 months now, and it's never needed anything more than brakes, tires or an oil change.

I drove both cars to the limit, and put tens of thousands of miles on them. I told the new owners that I drove them hard, but maintained them. Showed them videos of me racing, let them drive the car hard so they could feel how good it pulled and that there were no issues. Just a well maintained, built, driven car.

Don't say stupid things. People get bored of cars and get rid of them.

[Midnight_Rider]

65,000km is high mileage? That's 8000 miles/yr

Doesn't matter. If you go over 40k on German cars, it'll always cost you. It's been like that for the longest I remembered.

[fx_warrior]

Lol what logic is it to say just because a car has been tuned, it's probably been driven hard, so don't buy it? I can't tell you how many times I've read people bought lower horse powered cars because they can actually push them on the street without going over the limit in 4 seconds and those cars or much more fun to drive, so that means they've been abused too, if not more. So there's literally no correlation and you have zero idea if someone abused a non tuned car. In fact, a non tuned car might have been bought by an owner who wasn't an enthusiast and may not have been taken care of as well as someone who did tune it.

THEN people talk about how bullet proof these cars are in one post, only to say don't buy a tuned car because it might have been driven hard. First off, there's thousands upon thousands of tuned cars that share this engine, and there's been like literally 1-2 threads stating any serious problems which may or may not have been tune related in the first place? And all you guys are saying is, that your cars shouldn't be bought either if you have a tune and drive it hard, do you really think that, no. I beat the piss out of mine and I still wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

I swear people just say things just to say them, stir the pot, or are simply dumb and they don't care who knows it. There's literally nothing to back up what the naysayers are stating, yet here they are. And any non owner can search these forums and see the same.


Personally I'd be more concerned with the MMI volume knob and if it works correctly, any major squeaks rattles, reported accidents, any vibrations.... hell the condition of the seats would bother me more then whether or not it was tuned.