Getting my s4 to 300k miles

[gfro1234]

Short background: I have a 2001.5 casablanca white s4 with 163k, tiptronic, GIAC stage 1. I'm a college sophomore planning on graduating in 2013 and I basically make no money throughout the year, only during the summer time. I'm getting better and better at working on my car for repairs and stuff to save myself from going broke.

What I would like to know is: how feasible is it to get a b5 s4 to at least 300,000 miles (on the chassis)? The plan would be to wait until I graduate college and have a full time job (currently industrial and systems engineering major) so I'd have some money to spend. Then I'd swap in a six speed transmission (after doing 1-2 collar and getting upgraded clutch/flywheel) and get my engine rebuilt (and a pair of gt28s or something similar).

I feel like the engine and transmission would be the main limitation once the miles get high. Obviously I'll still need control arms every so often and other regular maintenance but do you guys think that there are any other big things that would stop a b5 from lasting to 300k? The other option would be to just buy another car, but if the time comes and I still want a stage 3 s4 I would want to know if it was doable.

I appreciate any input you guys have!

[STaSIS_2.0T]

I looked into getting a six speed swap into my old 2001.5 with my local shop . It was far cheaper to find another 6-speed S4 than to do the conversion.

[samwisemueller]

I'm planning on going a million, but I imagine a better platform to do it would be my 6-speed versus your tip. If you are capable enough to manage the labor yourself, you'll be fine, otherwise you'd better hope you move up to CEO pretty damn fast.

[aaaaaahhhhhhhhh]

I looked into getting a six speed swap into my old 2001.5 with my local shop . It was far cheaper to find another 6-speed S4 than to do the conversion.

how many miles did you have on your s at the time? do you remember roughly what the parts cost?

the depreciation (depending on how much the op drives/year) would definitely be a factor to take into account, as well as the fact that the op said he plans to do a lot of the work himself.


Edit: ot, but do you know if once you reach a million the odometer rolls over again or does it stay at 999,999.99?

[gfro1234]

I'd be doing the work myself and with a buddy or two most likely since I know a couple guys who personally have torn their s4's apart and put them back together, and I don't have that experience yet. Granted it would be easier to do on a manual, but I'd probably want a bulletproof transmission so I'd likely be working on the stock six speed ether way.

Also as far as saving money, how much can I really expect to get for a tiptronic with that many miles on it if I did sell? I'm guessing practically nothing.

[hercfe]

In 2013, a 01 with 200k+ and a dinosaur tiptronic-you're going to have to pay someone to buy it.

seriously though, if you want another 100k, i'd start with a complete re-vamp of the vacuum system, and a trans fluid change/new filter. pull the engine over a weekend and do piston rings and head gaskets. all that combined is about 300 in parts and *should* take the average diy'er mechanic about a week with the right tools. It'd be a good x-mas break project, and will freshen your car like it was brand new.

[gfro1234]

In 2013, a 01 with 200k+ and a dinosaur tiptronic-you're going to have to pay someone to buy it.

seriously though, if you want another 100k, i'd start with a complete re-vamp of the vacuum system, and a trans fluid change/new filter. pull the engine over a weekend and do piston rings and head gaskets. all that combined is about 300 in parts and *should* take the average diy'er mechanic about a week with the right tools. It'd be a good x-mas break project, and will freshen your car like it was brand new.

As far as the piston rings and head gaskets - is that all thats needed to preserve my engine another 100k? (I've never had an engine rebuilt so I don't know everything involved)

[Avant Fetish]

Lol...just change the oil and try and stay up on maintenance...thats all anyone can do. Just like everything else...there is a service life for each part.


if your not burning oil, blowing smoke, losing compression, etc...theres no need to crack the motor open.

I'm sure there are lots of 200k plus cars driving around. Not all of the owners go on message boards.

[Turbo1A4]

ive got over 200k on mine and its running like a champ! the trick is to talk dirty to your car and show it some love

[ski&drive]

Its not what you have to do to it to get it to 300k... it more what its gonna cost.

400 for an alternator.... 400 for a brake job.... 400 for control arms all are common wear items that need to be replaced at some point in time.

Im also a student 2013 and im in almost 7k in repairs since the beginning of the summer and i do ALL my own work

[28cmod]

I looked into getting a six speed swap into my old 2001.5 with my local shop . It was far cheaper to find another 6-speed S4 than to do the conversion.

Do the work yourself. Only cost me 2.5k.
Far cheaper than selling and buying another casa avant in 6mt ;)

[DRA4]

300,000 miles is nothing for this car if you keep up with the regular maintenance, treat it good and it will treat you great!

[YnotS4]

Theres a guy here with 240k on the clock and his car is still going strong. Maintenance is the key, if act this car looked just as good as my 130k car

[J-b5]

mine is starting to consume oil... around 130,000 miles..

about a litre every 2500 miles.

[onemoremile]

Hairline crack in a water port in one of the heads. Stage 3- 2001 S4 Avant with 258k miles on the clock. It is now a winter project and will hit that 500k mark.

A friend and I regularly competed in autocross and did open track days with a 94 Jetta VR6. During that period it's mileage ranged from 249-269k miles. Stock clutch and everything.

[phila_dot]

My only fear would be that tip tranny going before you can afford the swap. Torque converter will cost just as much.

[gfro1234]

thats a good point phila_dot, I'm pretty sure its on its original transmission but I did get the torque converter replaced around 135k

[gfro1234]

Do the work yourself. Only cost me 2.5k.
Far cheaper than selling and buying another casa avant in 6mt ;)

you made the right choice!

[Aggv]

300,000 miles is nothing for this car if you keep up with the regular maintenance, treat it good and it will treat you great!

x100

[Yesmar]

are you daily driving your car right now, or is it sitting while your at school. you can save miles, and wear and tear by parking it for periods at a time while not working, just take steps necessary for that type of storage, ie frequent oil changes, weather the miles say you need them or no ect. Keep up with all other maint. anyway.

[28cmod]

you made the right choice!

My TC was going and to fix it was around the same money for me to have it done.
During the conversion process I swore I hated my car, Audi's, German engineers, etc...

But now that it is done I am thrilled with it. The car feels more "mine" after having her so far apart. Of course now I am fighting boost and timing issues but what do ya do. I'll take me 300k plus, its a labor of love. Or insanity... Either way

[sherbet]

Yeah I agree with most of the posts here. Keep up with regular maintenance. Also, makes sure you check out all your hoses and things that are similar. Just had to replace nearly all the hoses on my 01 X5 with 135k and the work was a bitch. Parts were a prett penny also. Little stuff left unattended can really sneak up and bite you in the ass. As for everything, I know that these cars are very durable. The galvanized chassis also helps with this.

[WikiWiki]

just broke 195k today- and I beat the shit out of my car- 60 miles of commuting everyday- whenever theres not traffic the right pedal gets its workout-

[gfro1234]

this all sounds pretty reassuring, sounds like the main thing is just keeping an eye on maintenance which shouldn't be a problem cause I hate when something is wrong with my car. thanks for the input guys!

[gfro1234]

My TC was going and to fix it was around the same money for me to have it done.
During the conversion process I swore I hated my car, Audi's, German engineers, etc...

But now that it is done I am thrilled with it. The car feels more "mine" after having her so far apart. Of course now I am fighting boost and timing issues but what do ya do. I'll take me 300k plus, its a labor of love. Or insanity... Either way

I'd love to be able to say that about my sedan one day!