2008 A4 S-Line Avant 3.2L Reliability at 120k + miles

[migx333]

TLDR:
I'm looking at buying a 2008 A4 S-Line Avant 3.2L with 119k miles and it is listed for $8500 is it worth it?


Recent service records of $2500 that include:

Brake vacuum Pump + gasket
Camshaft Adj
Timing Chain
Intake camshaft sensor
exhaust camshaft sensor
All hoses replaced,
Camshaft solenoid
Replaced rear brake pads and rotors

My only concern is the owner got the car at 112k miles and is selling it at 119k miles and I dont think he has the service records of the previous owner.


Ive done a fair share of research and the results are all over the place with some saying it will last if you are on point with regular maintenance and watch for the carbon build up, timing chains, etc. and others saying to stay away from it as it is almost at the end of its life.




I wanted to see your guys' opinions if this is a good buy. It will be a daily commuter car for a few miles a day and the occasional camping trip.

[SpacemanPete]

Number one: get a pre-purchase inspection. it's way easier than most people think. if they don't want to work with you on that then pass.

Also, get the VIN and in the carfax if you see it's ever been to an Audi dealership for service, you can call them up to see if they have more service history info (maintenance, but recall fixes, etc). I did that and they were super helpful, but ymmv.

depending on what region you're in and where the car is coming from, pay particular attention to rust and suspension parts (bushings).

my A4 is a 2.0 so I can't speak to the V6 engine stuff you wanna look out for, but assuming previous owners did regular synth oil changes and the rest of the standard maintenance, you could be ok.

but even if the engine is rock solid, if the body is rotting apart it's usually safer to walk away.

Pay for a pre-purchase inspection.

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[Quattro 4 Life]

I picked up my 3.2 about 5.5 years ago at 108k miles and I’m sitting at 135k-ish now. The engine-specific issues I’ve dealt with have mainly been gaskets getting old and failing (oil filter, upper rear timing chain covers, VCGs, etc.).

I’ve updated many other components on the car that were getting worn out like engine/trans mounts, control arms and struts.

Solid engine and more reliable than many others from Audi. Check out the 3.2 thread if you want to see what types of issues folks have posted about over the years.

[migx333]

Number one: get a pre-purchase inspection. it's way easier than most people think. if they don't want to work with you on that then pass.

Also, get the VIN and in the carfax if you see it's ever been to an Audi dealership for service, you can call them up to see if they have more service history info (maintenance, but recall fixes, etc). I did that and they were super helpful, but ymmv.

depending on what region you're in and where the car is coming from, pay particular attention to rust and suspension parts (bushings).

my A4 is a 2.0 so I can't speak to the V6 engine stuff you wanna look out for, but assuming previous owners did regular synth oil changes and the rest of the standard maintenance, you could be ok.

but even if the engine is rock solid, if the body is rotting apart it's usually safer to walk away.

Pay for a pre-purchase inspection.

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I'll be finding a place that specializes in European Vehicles and get a full pre inspection there.

Thank you both for the advice.

[Jeevan]

Price is too high. This is mostly likely in 4500-5500 ball park at max. 3.2's are not well desired and have low market values. You failed to mention critica services like timing belt, waterpump, carbon cleaning, thermostat. If these services are done along with motor mounts. you may wanna pay 6000 at max


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[doughboy17]

Price is too high. This is mostly likely in 4500-5500 ball park at max. 3.2's are not well desired and have low market values. You failed to mention critica services like timing belt, waterpump, carbon cleaning, thermostat. If these services are done along with motor mounts. you may wanna pay 6000 at max


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Yep, this reminded me to advise OP to inspect motor mounts. Ours needs at least one.

[FatMongo]

All boils down to if this is a 6 spd or not. If its a tiptronic - no. If its a 6 spd, try to negotiate the price down.

[migx333]

All boils down to if this is a 6 spd or not. If its a tiptronic - no. If its a 6 spd, try to negotiate the price down.

Why wouldnt it be worth it if it is a tiptronic? do those tend to have more problems?

[FatMongo]

Why wouldnt it be worth it if it is a tiptronic? do those tend to have more problems?

If you have to ask, I dont think my explanation would make sense.

6 spd = making love to a beautiful woman
tiptronic = using a sex doll

[migx333]

If you have to ask, I dont think my explanation would make sense.

6 spd = making love to a beautiful woman
tiptronic = using a sex doll

Ohh for that reason haha.
Believe me, i know. I miss my B8 S4 M/T.
I just thought there was a specific reason reliability wise

Heres my baby I miss everyday
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/859874-2015-Audi-S4-B8-5-(6-Speed-Manual)-BLK

[rhfosu]

Manual wagons are worth more. Full stop. 8500 for a 3.2 with a tip is crazy money.

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