B8/B8.5 Buyer's Guide and "Looking to buy" Question Thread

[audrobotic]

Hi, I'm in the market for an A4 saloon, and I have looked at this --> https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/a...4a22?cldtidx=2 The owner told me it burns 1 litre of oil in 2000km / 2500km and that the piston rings have never been replaced. Whats your opinion?

There is no listing at the link. But it looks like a 2011 - so that’s a big no. Don’t touch that car (or any 2009-2012) unless you love throwing away money.

[Discipulus]

There is no listing at the link. But it looks like a 2011 - so that’s a big no. Don’t touch that car (or any 2009-2012) unless you love throwing away money.

Hi, I'm in the market for an A4 saloon, and I have looked at this --> https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/a...4a22?cldtidx=2 The owner told me it burns 1 litre of oil in 2000km / 2500km and that the piston rings have never been replaced. Whats your opinion?

Agreed, I'd stay away from the B8 2009-2012 generation unless you can get it for a REALLY good price and love to wrench.
If you do get a B8, make sure it has the piston/rings replaced already, check the wastegate rod/flapper on the turbo for looseness, and make sure the timing chain tensioner is up to date. If all three of these things look good then you'll be fine - everything else is normal wear and tear on these cars.

[Pr1ce]

https://www.audifortworth.com/used/A...m#&gid=1&pid=7

Spoke with the dealer and they said it has every service record avble and the timing service was completed. Any opinions or thoughts y’all?

I’m in Orlando about 16hr so kinda gambling persay on this

[f_399]

https://www.audifortworth.com/used/A...m#&gid=1&pid=7

Spoke with the dealer and they said it has every service record avble and the timing service was completed. Any opinions or thoughts y’all?

I’m in Orlando about 16hr so kinda gambling persay on this

I live in Fort Worth, let me know if I can do anything to help


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[Pr1ce]

I live in Fort Worth, let me know if I can do anything to help


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That would be super appreciated for sure sir. The guy told me on the phone everything was completed but they are delaying sending the Carfax and records to me. I’ll definateky keep you posted though.

[MantanaB6]

Looking at this B8 Avant. I know it's a 2011 so there are some things to be concerned about. Is there any way to determine if it suffers oil consumption without having to drive it a couple hundred miles? Extra sooty tailpipes? Also what is the difference between the 3G vs 3G+ MMI? I'm guessing this has 3G; all I really care about is Bluetooth phone and music streaming...

https://www.middletownmotorcars.com/...N49Ddy68YR0%3d

[Project Quattro]

Looking at this B8 Avant. I know it's a 2011 so there are some things to be concerned about. Is there any way to determine if it suffers oil consumption without having to drive it a couple hundred miles? Extra sooty tailpipes? Also what is the difference between the 3G vs 3G+ MMI? I'm guessing this has 3G; all I really care about is Bluetooth phone and music streaming...

https://www.middletownmotorcars.com/...N49Ddy68YR0%3d

I've seen this car before, that is a f*cking nice spec. It has "real" MMI because it has nav. MMI/Nav + B&O is what it takes to get Bluetooth music, although I'm not sure they had the streaming music as an option in 2011. It will have phone for sure, and an iPod hookup in the glove box.

Call any Audi dealer with the VIN, tell them you're thinking of buying it, and ask if it has had the repairs. If it had stage 1 and stage 2, you're good. If not, go look at it and check the oil level (hit Car in the MMI, then scroll to oil level) immediately when you get there without asking them about it. It should be full. If not, it's probably burning oil. If it's full, no way to know for sure unfortunately without driving it for a considerable distance. A lot of 2011s were impacted.

The window sticker is here.

https://mclaren722.herokuapp.com/VWv...4FAFL6BA168534

[MantanaB6]

I've seen this car before, that is a f*cking nice spec. It has "real" MMI because it has nav. MMI/Nav + B&O is what it takes to get Bluetooth music, although I'm not sure they had the streaming music as an option in 2011. It will have phone for sure, and an iPod hookup in the glove box.

Call any Audi dealer with the VIN, tell them you're thinking of buying it, and ask if it has had the repairs. If it had stage 1 and stage 2, you're good. If not, go look at it and check the oil level (hit Car in the MMI, then scroll to oil level) immediately when you get there without asking them about it. It should be full. If not, it's probably burning oil. If it's full, no way to know for sure unfortunately without driving it for a considerable distance. A lot of 2011s were impacted.

The window sticker is here.

https://mclaren722.herokuapp.com/VWv...4FAFL6BA168534

I contacted the Audi dealership where is was serviced from 23,xxx miles through 85,xxx miles. They had an extensive service history, knew the car and said the owner was a fastidious guy. They also were very aware of the oil consumption situation, but stated this vehicle didn't exhibit any symptoms. Sooooo it may be ok or it may start burning oil as soon as I drive it off the lot...

[Project Quattro]

I contacted the Audi dealership where is was serviced from 23,xxx miles through 85,xxx miles. They had an extensive service history, knew the car and said the owner was a fastidious guy. They also were very aware of the oil consumption situation, but stated this vehicle didn't exhibit any symptoms. Sooooo it may be ok or it may start burning oil as soon as I drive it off the lot...

Go check it out, just check the MMI first thing.


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[MFR 78]

Hey all,

B6 A4 owner here since 2004. Currently looking to get into a B8.5 2014 Prem Plus A4 in the very near future and looking for some friendly advice.

I have 2 pretty much identical cars--same color(black pearl) Prem Plus with MMI Navi Plus Package. My question is--First car has 25K miles for around $21K and Car two has 55K miles for $18K. Should I pay the 3K premium for the one with lower miles? From reading here the B8.5s seem pretty reliable, so maybe the higher mileage one? Im a bit torn.

Budget is a concern too, I can manage both fine, but would rather pocket the 3K if that makes more sense. I drive about 8-10K miles per year.

Thanks

[MantanaB6]

Go check it out, just check the MMI first thing.


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I think that will be the plan. Thanks!

[Project Quattro]

I think that will be the plan. Thanks!

Cool man. You'll have to bring it down to some meets if you get it. Some killer cars and coffee shows happen here in Fairfield County.


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[MantanaB6]

Cool man. You'll have to bring it down to some meets if you get it. Some killer cars and coffee shows happen here in Fairfield County.


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Yea I always think I'm going to go to meets and then it never happens. Fully intended to go to some last summer with the Goodwood Avant but ended up being busy almost every weekend and making a single one.

[BucDan]

What do you guys think of this one?

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...&modelCode1=A4

[tominabox1]

What do you guys think of this one?

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...&modelCode1=A4

One owner! Looks awesome. I'd ask why it isn't CPO'd but other than that it looks great. (probably because >40k miles?)

[BucDan]

One owner! Looks awesome. I'd ask why it isn't CPO'd but other than that it looks great. (probably because >40k miles?)

That's what I asked. They gave me the BS of "because of the mileage, if we CPO it, it will be hard for us to sell in this market" crap. CPO is possible for cars up to 60K miles and under 4 years of age. They only offered extended warranty on it for an arm and a leg of $3K for 2yr/24k miles lol. I emailed FD-warranty to see what they offer for extended warranty, since it's literally at the end of the factory warranty.

[B G 8er]

That's what I asked. They gave me the BS of "because of the mileage, if we CPO it, it will be hard for us to sell in this market" crap. CPO is possible for cars up to 60K miles and under 4 years of age. They only offered extended warranty on it for an arm and a leg of $3K for 2yr/24k miles lol. I emailed FD-discounts to see what they offer for extended warranty, since it's literally at the end of the factory warranty.

Love manuals and they are hard to come by. Especially for a 15. Mileage seems about average. I'd check it out with a fine tooth comb to make sure it hasn't been in an accident, ect. Doesn't always show on Carfax. I have heard of people having good success with aftermarket warranties. Plus then you aren't locked into just taking it to the dealer as som,e of the aftermarket warranty comnpanies allow you to take it to Independent shops as well.

[BucDan]

Love manuals and they are hard to come by. Especially for a 15. Mileage seems about average. I'd check it out with a fine tooth comb to make sure it hasn't been in an accident, ect. Doesn't always show on Carfax. I have heard of people having good success with aftermarket warranties. Plus then you aren't locked into just taking it to the dealer as som,e of the aftermarket warranty comnpanies allow you to take it to Independent shops as well.

At 45K miles for 3 years, I'm pretty much only open to it because it's the "national average". I'll take a look at it, for sure. Just not sure how long it'll take the guys at FD-warranty to get back to me.

[audrobotic]

At 45K miles for 3 years, I'm pretty much only open to it because it's the "national average". I'll take a look at it, for sure. Just not sure how long it'll take the guys at FD-warranty to get back to me.

Any luck with this car? I think your main concern would be to check for accidents. A 2015 should be pretty solid. It looks like the dealer posted some pics. Dont let on to the dealer your level of interest especially since youre a several hours away from the dealer. Be like “oh its a manual?..what evs...”

[BucDan]

Any luck with this car? I think your main concern would be to check for accidents. A 2015 should be pretty solid. It looks like the dealer posted some pics. Dont let on to the dealer your level of interest especially since youre a several hours away from the dealer. Be like “oh its a manual?..what evs...”

I'm kinda on the fence with it because of the mocha seats lol. I was hoping for black seats with brown inlays and brown wood inlays. I saw the pics too, it looks like the leaser either parked outside or lived in the mountains because it has some water spots under the hood from rushing through snow... maybe? They could've at least polished the items under the hood better. I know, I'm trying not to be desperate because of the manual, but I showed disinterest because of the mocha brown seats, though I am secretly warming up to them. I'll reach out again a little bit later today to see if I can schedule something to go see it without it being a complete waste of time.

Last I asked, all they did was an oil change and a "300 point" inspection and it passed with "flying colors", which means rotors, brake pads, and tires will need a change soon since it's at 45k miles.

Honestly, my deadline is the end of the summer before the next smog old my older beater, so I have some time.

[audrobotic]

Yeah I’d pass on that mocha brown.

[BucDan]

Yeah I’d pass on that mocha brown.

I passed on it. Some deep scuffs on the interior.

[Blacksamurai00]

Hey all! I’m looking at this car after a poor experience in inclement weather in my 14 year old mazda6 (no abs no safety features other than airbags). What are your thoughts? If you guys green light it I’ll probably try and get it this weekend.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...ff=share_other

[Blacksamurai00]

I’ve also already seen pics of it and it’s downright gorgeous. It’s was traded in and is being serviced according to the guy I talked to.

[muppets]

Your estimated sticker price: http://mclaren722.herokuapp.com/VWvi...HFAFL2DN034892
I'd say go for it, well optioned car for the price

[Blacksamurai00]

Your estimated sticker price: http://mclaren722.herokuapp.com/VWvi...HFAFL2DN034892
I'd say go for it, well optioned car for the price

Thanks, I’ll head over and make a deal then. Also slightly confused, is the tensioner issue still a thing with the 13s? There seems to be conflicting statements around the web.

[audrobotic]

Thanks, I’ll head over and make a deal then. Also slightly confused, is the tensioner issue still a thing with the 13s? There seems to be conflicting statements around the web.

Early production engines for 2013 model year may have the undesired tensioner. I dont think anyone knows the exact date but its something like 2012 production = bad, 2013 production = good. There is a sticker on the timing chain cover (or thereabouts) that tells you the engine production date.

[Blacksamurai00]

Awesome thanks for the advice. When I go to check it out I’ll ask to see it. Last question, what should I aim to pay for this out of the door? They have it listed 13 flat

[audrobotic]

The carfax shows that the airbag was reprogrammed by Audi in Florida. I would want to call that dealer and find out what that was about. Maybe it was just a recall or TSB but I would want to know if it was related to an accident

[Project Quattro]

Awesome thanks for the advice. When I go to check it out I’ll ask to see it. Last question, what should I aim to pay for this out of the door? They have it listed 13 flat

That price seems pretty reasonable as a starting point. The VIN decoder isn't working for me right now but I assume it doesn't have the sports package... if it does, it's a steal. Obviously get it as low as you can.

The carfax shows that the airbag was reprogrammed by Audi in Florida. I would want to call that dealer and find out what that was about. Maybe it was just a recall or TSB but I would want to know if it was related to an accident

The air bag light goes on in these cars for a billion reasons; it's tied into almost everything in the dash for some reason. I wouldn't sweat it too much.

[Blacksamurai00]

[QUOTE=Project Quattro;13071721]That price seems pretty reasonable as a starting point. The VIN decoder isn't working for me right now but I assume it doesn't have the sports package... if it does, it's a steal. Obviously get it as low as you can.

It actually does have the sports package, I’m diving in.

[Project Quattro]

[QUOTE=Blacksamurai00;13071779]

That price seems pretty reasonable as a starting point. The VIN decoder isn't working for me right now but I assume it doesn't have the sports package... if it does, it's a steal. Obviously get it as low as you can.

It actually does have the sports package, I’m diving in.

I just traded mine in a few weeks ago, 52k miles, manual sports package no nav. I got more than that asking price in trade in value and they listed it at $21,500.

Absolutely a steal if it's equipped like that.


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[ericA6]

Hey guys, I’m new to the A4 forums. I owned an 05 A6 3.2q in the past (RIP) and now looking into this B8 A4

http://www.bavarianautosportsdfw.com...tx-id-23109667

I’ve had the PPI done by Blair Automotive (reputable indy shop) and found a leak in the vacuum pump and front timing chain covers. Maintenance done by Audi up to 45k per service history. Mileage discrepancy was due to the mileage being reported when in km, not actual mileage (that’s what Blair told me) Other than that they said it was perfect. What do y’all think?

[Project Quattro]

Hey guys, I’m new to the A4 forums. I owned an 05 A6 3.2q in the past (RIP) and now looking into this B8 A4

http://www.bavarianautosportsdfw.com...tx-id-23109667

I’ve had the PPI done by Blair Automotive (reputable indy shop) and found a leak in the vacuum pump and front timing chain covers. Maintenance done by Audi up to 45k per service history. Mileage discrepancy was due to the mileage being reported when in km, not actual mileage (that’s what Blair told me) Other than that they said it was perfect. What do y’all think?

Nice spec. But, it's a 2010:

- did it have the oil consumption repairs done?
- it will need the timing tensioner dealt with basically immediately
- it has the ZF6 automatic which is significantly inferior to the ZF8 they moved to in 2011

If 1 is a yes, you're comfortable paying for 2, and 3 doesn't bother you, go for it.


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[ericA6]

Nice spec. But, it's a 2010:

- did it have the oil consumption repairs done?
- it will need the timing tensioner dealt with basically immediately
- it has the ZF6 automatic which is significantly inferior to the ZF8 they moved to in 2011

If 1 is a yes, you're comfortable paying for 2, and 3 doesn't bother you, go for it.

I’ve read that the oil consumption repairs are covered up to 80k miles, is that still true? Also, what’s the inferiority issue with the older transmission?

[Blacksamurai00]

[QUOTE=Project Quattro;13071840]

I just traded mine in a few weeks ago, 52k miles, manual sports package no nav. I got more than that asking price in trade in value and they listed it at $21,500.

Absolutely a steal if it's equipped like that.


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So the dealership said the car has a head gasket that needs to be replaced. They’re doing the repair but the car will now be around 16. Is it still worth it or should I walk away? I asked the GM that I’d make a deal on it if they could work with me on the price.

[Blacksamurai00]

But obviously I do not feel beholden to that statement. I’m just surprised that the car was traded in last week, and they only now know that the car has a blown gasket and the price is gonna go up by 3k. Basically it sounds like they probably low balled the previous owner on the trade and are now trying to offload the cost onto me to make even more.

[ericA6]

I’ve read that the oil consumption repairs are covered up to 80k miles, is that still true? Also, what’s the inferiority issue with the older transmission?

I’ve called my local dealer and the SA told me it is covered up to 80k miles. He will pull the cars service history and email it to me. If the car has a clear history I can take it in and the will do the Stage 2 repairs and I can pay for the timing chain, CT tensiones and guides to be replaced with other miscellaneous parts while the have the engine taken apart without having to pay for the extra labor. Now... can anyone enlighten me on the remark of the FZ6 transmission being inferior to the FZ8? Gracias Project Quattro for the previous reply!

[Project Quattro]

I’ve called my local dealer and the SA told me it is covered up to 80k miles. He will pull the cars service history and email it to me. If the car has a clear history I can take it in and the will do the Stage 2 repairs and I can pay for the timing chain, CT tensiones and guides to be replaced with other miscellaneous parts while the have the engine taken apart without having to pay for the extra labor. Now... can anyone enlighten me on the remark of the FZ6 transmission being inferior to the FZ8? Gracias Project Quattro for the previous reply!

Hey sorry work was literal hell today.

The ZF6, from a reliability perspective, is fine. The ZF8 is known to be exceptionally stout and is used (in various states of tune) in nearly all Audi and BMW models among others. Both of them will take K04 power without issue; I personally know people running K04s on both.

From a driveability perspective, the gearing in the ZF6 is a bit wonky compared to the ZF8. This has a big impact on acceleration (the ZF8 is ~.7 seconds faster to 60, 5.8 vs. 6.5) and fuel economy since it revs higher at highway speeds. The ZF6 also shifts more slowly when using paddles or the tiptronic function; the 8 shifts almost DSG-fast.

So, all that to say, the ZF6 is fine. I owned one in my B8, which I didn't do any performance mods to, and it was adequate. But the ZF8 makes the car feel much more like a sports sedan, which most of us here prefer.

Anyone feel free to agree or tell me I'm an idiot. The latter is totally possible; I'm just a guy who doesn't even own an A4 anymore.



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[audrobotic]

...I'm just a guy who doesn't even own an A4 anymore.

You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave...