Going to look at a S4, what to look for?

[JeffNJM3]

Im thinking of going to look at a s4 avant 6spd at a dealer tomorrow. I usually stay away from dealers on older cars, but im sure you all know these things are not too easy to find. So what do you reccomend I look at? it has about 120k on it and its a 2001, not sure if a 01.5, how do u tell the diff? Any way to tell if the turbos are going? anything in particular that is common i should look for? What normally goes bad on these things. Im not sure if there are any records on this car or not, but im thinking timing belt, clutch etc. I am mechanically inclined and can do most repairs myself, but i want to keep the repairs to a minimum! I'll pass on it if it needs to much.

thanks!

[TweetsS4Estate]

they all are either 01.5 or 02 if it's an avant. Timing belt is due every 60k-80k depending on who you ask. turbos go bad sometimes, repairs aren't usually minimum. Check the control arms etc. Just search for your answers here.

[TomyG]

timing belt, water pump, control arms, after run coolant pump.. stuff like that that needs to be replaced at that time... the only way i know of dying turbos is the "dentist drill sound"

[PSU S4]

Hey Jeff, I actually have a Black on black 6 spd s4 for sale also, it has 104k but a lot of maintenance Shoot me an email or a pm if you are interested. My email is [email protected] and i can provide you with more details. Thanks Mike

[cjernigan]

Look for rust around the back on the trunk above the trim piece. Missing intercooler shrouds and bellypan. A clunking differential, very sloppy shifter, very notchy 2nd gear synchro. Other than the obvious things you'll be looking at don't let them give you BS excuses for DTC lights like the ABS light. If it's on without any other DTC lights such as the CEL it may need the ABS unit repaired which is $100 fix. It will need all the normal maintenance items but hopefully it's a clean car.

[JeffNJM3]

Thanks guys, this gives me some stuff to look for. I really dont want any rust. Im used to BMW's, and rust is not all that uncommon on them:) I dont mind doing a t-best/water pump job, Mike thanks for the offer, i did see your car on craigslist, looks like a very nice car, well worth the price, the one I'm going to look at is a good deal cheaper though and I'm really not a big fan of black. This is one is Cactus Green, don't think Ive ever seen a Cactus Green S4 on the road before let alone an avant, is this a uncommon color? I think it looks great!

[ski&drive]

If any light is one the dash dont take there word for it if they say "oh it probably just and oxygen sensor"

If its an egt your out 600 bucks...

Dont be fooled by shinny engine covers... its pretty easy to make these engine look clean

[Dutchsider]

If its an egt your out 300 bucks

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?p=13260897

[Dubluv11]

check for tears in cv boots.. listen for clunks when going over a bump, control arms like to make noise...

i can almost guarantee you will feel some sort of drivetrain thud/lash... if its manual put it in 4th gear going about 25mph and give it a quick shot of gas on and off for about a second... chances are its 1 of the 8 mounts and bushings in the car that keep the drivetrain in place... lol 2 motor mounts, front snub, 2 trans mounts rear diff mount, and 2 bushing in the rear diff carrier... if you do feel that point it out the the salesman and try to use that as a way to get them to drop the price..

if they cant provide service records about the timing belt and water pump say "oh well that needs changing in the next couple thousand miles" and try to get them to drop a little more..

it would be nice if you knew someone with a vag com so they could scan the car to see any fault codes that dont trigger the engine light

[sherbet]

lots of stuff to look for lol, dont know where to start, but If your buying from an audi dealer, thats a good thing because that means they usually do a pretty good look over and inspect the problem areas.

[JeffNJM3]

Thanks for all your help guys. Looked at the car and decided to pass, this is before I started it, never even took a test drive. It was pretty bad. It had new tires though, lol