Probably a dumb question, but wth... (maintenance related)

[JD797]

So I finally found a buyer for my a6 2.7T, and had planned on getting a b5 s4, but am having second thoughts.... are all these maintenance horror stories a somewhat common occurence or rare? I know the turbos eventually go, and timing belt job has to be done, as well as suspension stuff later on as well, but I feel like that's the same for most cars (excluding turbos if there are none obv). Oh, and there's the concern of it being jacked, lol.... can anyone offer some insight into what it's truly like maintenance/reliability wise to own a b5 s4? Much appreciated - thanks!

[RolledMySTi]

It's a roll of the dice. I had a bunch of problems when I first got her, but now she purrs like a kitten. I have 90k on original k03's. It really should be no different than your A6 2.7T since its the same motor. If you could handle the maintenance on that you can handle a S4.

[TheDarkness]

Yea JD I just got an b5 s4 and after researching some of these posts sounds like a warranty was the best way to go

[exorcet]

i wouldn't think it is much different than your old a6 2.7tt...

[KompMan420]

I've got just over 97k miles and just ran into my first problem. AC condenser started leaking so I had to replace it. I've done quite a bit of other preventative stuff and I've had the occasional typical stuff like seals leaking, but (knock on wood) she's been good to me for over 47k miles.

[S4 in_lowplaces]

Depends on how the previous owner handled everything. If they didnt care, then your going to get problems. Your prob best off buying one from an enthusiast on any of these forums.But to give you an idea. This a list of what i have fixed. obviously the previous owner didnt care.

Rear prop seal
Rearmain seal
a few boost lines
some vaccum lines
some IC hoses
torn wasteate lines
torn combi valve line
PCV system
coolant tank
entire front end (suspension)
head gaskets
Turbos
timing beltCam Tension Gasket
valve cover gaskt
2ndry water pump
worped rotors
All i have is a coolant leak i cant find but IM just onna pour some bars leak in it and foret about it.

[JackalS4]

As long as the one you test drive "feels right", and you have it carefully checked over by a good Audi shop, you should be good. Doing both is key.

I've owned mine 6 months and it hasn't really had any issues that weren't from the last owner...once catching up the maintenance and doing engine mounts & 2 control arms, and even before, it has driven perfectly.

Of course that's only 6 months but hey it feels solid and so far so good.

Calculate all the little things wrong with the car and build up a "total" in your head, and let that help you decide whether it's worth its value. A good shop will find SOMETHING, and that's okay.

And what S4 in_lowplaces said.

[Jurjen]

Ive had mine for over 2 years now - only replaced a cv shaft, secondary water pump (I think that's what its called). , the throttle body boot, oh, and a wheel bearing.

The rest has all been regular maintenance stuff. Im at 150,000kms, been chipped for 30k, and its still going strong.

Like people have mentioned, keep on top of the maintenance, don't drive it like you stole it, and you'll be fine! But if you've owned a 2.7T a6, you should know exactly what you're getting into, firewall forward, the cars are almost identical.

[JD797]

I also heard theres an issue with syncros going bad from 1st to 2nd shifting??? any word on that??????

[S4 in_lowplaces]

^^ Ya but thats only with the TIP S4's