Going for a test drive....

[keithb708]

Finally found a local B7 S4 to go look at, I'm just not sure what to watch out for in the 4.2 As far as problems go.... I'm also have difficult time finding seats for the S4, not to concerned about price, but actually finding a pair in decent condition.( the seat is parting from the back plate.) Another thing that makes me question buying this is that I'm looking at $18, XXX for a 70k s4.... every car geek I talk to (not well versed with Audi's) tell me "its just another hi-reving V8, its bound to have problems." and I'm just curious how "stout" these V8's actually are...

[Rocinante]

Finally found a local B7 S4 to go look at, I'm just not sure what to watch out for in the 4.2 As far as problems go.... I'm also have difficult time finding seats for the S4, not to concerned about price, but actually finding a pair in decent condition.( the seat is parting from the back plate.) Another thing that makes me question buying this is that I'm looking at $18, XXX for a 70k s4.... every car geek I talk to (not well versed with Audi's) tell me "its just another hi-reving V8, its bound to have problems." and I'm just curious how "stout" these V8's actually are...

Hey man, this site is an awesome resource.
Check this thread:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ew-PLEASE-READ

It's pretty much all you need to know about the S4. From what I've seen $18k would be a pretty good price for a B7. The thing is this is a super niche car. It's not a big car, but also not a small car. Not suuuuuper fast, but still balls fast. It gets OK gas mileage, but never really great mileage (although some people reportedly get about 27MPG sometimes). It's all about perception and preference. If it fits your eye, and your budget, and you drive it and love it, great! Welcome!

Here's some seats in the classifieds:
http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...s-spec&cat=119

[keithb708]

Well I have a 08 a4 right now that's pristine at 74k I love how the car looks its just extremely dull to drive, they're awesome looking cars. I'm just worried about the s4 breaking down for the most part. Trying to prevent being ripped off...

[Rocinante]

Well I have a 08 a4 right now that's pristine at 74k I love how the car looks its just extremely dull to drive, they're awesome looking cars. I'm just worried about the s4 breaking down for the most part. Trying to prevent being ripped off...

The engine in the 08 is pretty good, and if you're willing to put some money into it you can have quite a bit of horsepower and make the drive enjoyable. I think if you have a car that is problem free right now, I'd stick with it and put some money into the engine.

OR, you could have both. I have an 09 A4 and bought an 05 S4 for the same reason you had. It was just financially more sensible to buy a whole new car than make the A4 fun haha.

[jlaudio]

thats quite cheap for a b7 with 70k, i think. normally they are 20+ for the same year/mileage

[audis4ever]

How many Owners and Clean car history....The thing with buying any used audi is service records and knowing that its previous owners have taken care of it. Its also good to see what kind of issues it has had and (if)addressed to get a better idea of what to expect. My Brothers 06 A6 4.2 he bought with 90K on it and now has 140K and not any issues since. Also, my dads 08 S6 he bought with 80K on it 2 years ago again with all service records and 1 owner cars and yet to see any issues. I wouldnt shy away from an S4 with that kinda mileage but remember the type of people buying these things.....50/50 that they have been ridden hard and put away wet ;-)

[keithb708]

Had him start it up, blue smoke for about 30 seconds. Test drive went well, apparently the car has a chip already flashed into it. Motor sounded fine, trans felt right, I guess) but the ride was shit I'm pretty sure the front rims are badly dented. Kind of worried about the smoke, I don't want to bring it to a dealer they want $100+ per hour to look at it

[mittenS4]

Do not buy one of these cars without getting a compression test / ppi done.

If you can't afford to have this done you most certainly will not be able to afford maintenance on this car.

[jlaudio]

Had him start it up, blue smoke for about 30 seconds. Test drive went well, apparently the car has a chip already flashed into it. Motor sounded fine, trans felt right, I guess) but the ride was shit I'm pretty sure the front rims are badly dented. Kind of worried about the smoke, I don't want to bring it to a dealer they want $100+ per hour to look at it

bahaha... walk away ASAP
blue smoke upon startup for 30 seconds means that car is most likely eating oil. chances are its leaky valve seals or scored cylinders. price indicates he knows exactly what is wrong with it.

keep walking....

[lathdogg]

bahaha... walk away ASAP
blue smoke upon startup for 30 seconds means that car is most likely eating oil. chances are its leaky valve seals or scored cylinders. price indicates he knows exactly what is wrong with it.

keep walking....

^+1 what he said, there are plenty of good S4's out there. Pay a little more, and be willing to travel for the right one.

[audis4ever]

I agree 100%

[keithb708]

Figured, the guy told me its been sitting awhile, trying to play it off. Kind of sucks because it is beautiful and cosmetically sound, knew there was going to be something up with it. =[

[keithb708]

Do not buy one of these cars without getting a compression test / ppi done.

If you can't afford to have this done you most certainly will not be able to afford maintenance on this car.

Maintenance is a needed expense, no problem for my pocket. I'm just not going to buy a broken car. =p

[jdmnomore]

Maintenance is a needed expense, no problem for my pocket. I'm just not going to buy a broken car. =p

The minute I saw blue smoke I wouldve thanked the dude for his time and been on my way. Like others have said be prepared to travel and pay a small premium for a well sorted well maintained car. 08 or not they can be had at right around $20k possibly with mods. The cars that do have trouble are a bitch to fix. The ones that dont are a joy to own. Be patient and smart in your desicion. Good luck.

[mittenS4]

Maintenance is a needed expense, no problem for my pocket. I'm just not going to buy a broken car. =p

So you are aware that timing system maintenance is between $3,000 - $5,000
Clutch and flywheel labor alone $800 - $1100
Alternator belt labor alone $300 - $500

Just be sure to do your research, be patient and once you find one.....
Shell out the cash for the compression test / ppi.

[keithb708]

I'm on the hunt for a new one, If anyone is aware of a b7 s4 for about $22k in the Florida/Georgia are give me a heads up I appreciate all the input guys!

[The Councilman]

The rule seems to be stay away from the 05.5's when it comes to B7 S4's. also the chain rattle seems to be a lot less of an issue with these. I would expect to pay at least 20k for a B7 in great shape.

[sitting proper]

Like everyone else has said, just walk away. I'm buying a '06 S4 25quattro w/ 76K on it for 21.9K. That's priced on the lower end that I've seen on autotrader. I've traveled 100 miles to see this one, and I've past up on one that I've drove 300 miles to see. In the long run, you don't want to get screwed with the repair costs. Don't rush to just get one, that'll more than likely spell trouble.

[DUDEFROMRI]

I'm on the hunt for a new one, If anyone is aware of a b7 s4 for about $22k in the Florida/Georgia are give me a heads up I appreciate all the input guys!

I'm currently deployed and will be returning mid March. I'll be putting my 08' S4 on the Market it is pretty clean with 52k on the clock. Live in Savannah Georgia and would be more than willing to either have a PPI done at the dealer near me or near JAX. I'd be asking a few thousand more than $22k though, probably around $25k. Send me a PM with your email if you want some Pictures. Only Mods are in the SIG, and ALL maintenance was done on time at the dealer and it is going in for the 55K service as soon as I get home. Black/Black 6MT, only reason I am considering selling it is I am thinking about making the switch to a Cayman S.