Looking at getting into a '10. Thoughts and comments appreciated. :)

[soundmike]

Howdy, folks.

First time poster, long time lurker.

Been looking at getting either a '10 S4. Found a couple in my mile and price range, but am a little torn.

- '10 PPlus, 46k miles, auto, back-up cam (i like this because of the back-up cam)
- '10 Prestige, 49k, 6mt (i like this because of the manual and the B&O, but it has no back-up cam)

I haven't driven a manual in nearly two decades, and have been itching to go back to driving one. I really like having a back-up camera though.

Both have the adaptive suspension, but not sure if it has the differential. Neither are CPO, and, as you can see, nearly out of warranty as well.

Reading through the threads, seems like the biggest thing to worry with this model year is the Tstat/water pump. Both are within the VIN ranges, but from the little info i've gathered (service records), it hasn't been fixed or replaced on these two vehicles. Also, seems like there's some minor issue with the DSG?

This will be my first German vehicle. I have friends who've owned BMW's (lots of HPFP problems) and Audi's (at least three, one ended up a lemon, the other was in service half the time my friend owned it, all were bought new, the other just had issues pop up randomly. All were MY 2008 and up A4's and an A5.)

Long story short, i am a bit concerned on reliability. I realize some issues will pop up as the miles rack, and often times repairs on Audi's will be higher than other brands.

But realistically, what kind of high $ issues can one expect? I plan on making this vehicle a keeper. What would be a good lifespan for the B8's? Can't say i've seen a lot of high mileage cars beyond 100k.

Many thanks for any input and guidance. :)

p.s. I've sorted through the first 30 pages in this sub-forum the past couple of weeks, and quite surprised actually for not seeing much in the way of problem threads --- typically common on forums.

[SwankPeRFection]

If you like manual cars, get the 6-speed. Also, find one with a Sports Rear Diff. You'll thank me later, trust me on this one. Would be good to find a CPO one too if you want warranty coverage to 100k miles or 6 total years. DSG can have some issues and maintenance on it could be a bit more in the long run, so unless you absolutely want it, go the manual route.

Whatever you do, try not to skimp on the Sports Diff please. Some people on here will tell you it's no big deal, but those same people come back months later and are looking for opinions on what to do about trading their non-SD equipped car in for an SD equipped one, so ya. Get it to begin with and save yourself the regret down the road.

[MerkurRS]

I would have to think there are enough cars in the market for you to find exactly what you want. Decide what colour you want, what interior, trim etc and look for it. Meanwhile, go test drive all the rest.

[soundmike]

Thank you, Swank. Both cars are out of state, i'll ask the sellers if they can check it for me. Short of looking underneath the car, is there an easy way to determine this otherwise? Does having active suspension mean it also has SD?

I certainly wouldn't pass off the SD, i heard and read that it's a great thing to have at the track. I used to track my prior vehicle and tons of fun with it (G35, albeit auto and without rear active steer.)

[soundmike]

I would have to think there are enough cars in the market for you to find exactly what you want. Decide what colour you want, what interior, trim etc and look for it. Meanwhile, go test drive all the rest.

Surprisingly, not much in my area. At least not in the mile/price range i'm looking at. The two above are both a few states away.

I take it you don't suggest either options above?

[SwankPeRFection]

Thank you, Swank. Both cars are out of state, i'll ask the sellers if they can check it for me. Short of looking underneath the car, is there an easy way to determine this otherwise? Does having active suspension mean it also has SD?

I certainly wouldn't pass off the SD, i heard and read that it's a great thing to have at the track. I used to track my prior vehicle and tons of fun with it (G35, albeit auto and without rear active steer.)

Have them send you the Audi window sticker for the car. They should be able to pull this from Audi directly and send it to you for the respective VIN. Sometimes you can tell via various cues in photos, but it's not a 100% certainty until you actually verify it. Just FYI.