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

[ericA6]

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.

I’d say you’d have a pretty good opinion since you’ve owned both the B8 and B8.5. I’m sure most here haven’t owned both. I do appreciate the responses. I think even with the upcoming expenses I’m going to pull the trigger on this one. If anyone else has anything to contribute I sure would appreciate it. I’ll post pics if/when it happens.

[Project Quattro]

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

Don't worry about me too much.

I’d say you’d have a pretty good opinion since you’ve owned both the B8 and B8.5. I’m sure most here haven’t owned both. I do appreciate the responses. I think even with the upcoming expenses I’m going to pull the trigger on this one. If anyone else has anything to contribute I sure would appreciate it. I’ll post pics if/when it happens.

My B8.5 was a manual technically but I've driven a number of 8AT autos.

Make sure the oil consumption is squared away and timing tensioner is done ASAP and it should serve you well. With a few mods it'll still be a rocket. It's a nice spec, and that color looks great when it's cleaned up.



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[base14]

Well, I'm back in the market for an Avant after owning the Q5 since last summer. I've been drooling over Allroads lately because they've become more affordable this year. Its what I wanted in the first place and at this point in my life, I don't need the extra room that my Q has. So I've been looking at 2013-14 ARs. Found a clean white/black AR P+, 50k mi.

https://www.armstrongvw.com/vehicle-...or-id-22668787

I'm taking a look at this on Friday. Anything to look out for other than the obvious (tires/brakes/body/engine leaks/etc)? Oil consumption seems to be fixed on the B8.5 engines and the other major problems with the E888 from what I've heard is the timing chain tensioner and carbon buildup. Good price tho, at $23.9k?

[Project Quattro]

Well, I'm back in the market for an Avant after owning the Q5 since last summer. I've been drooling over Allroads lately because they've become more affordable this year. Its what I wanted in the first place and at this point in my life, I don't need the extra room that my Q has. So I've been looking at 2013-14 ARs. Found a clean white/black AR P+, 50k mi.

https://www.armstrongvw.com/vehicle-...or-id-22668787

I'm taking a look at this on Friday. Anything to look out for other than the obvious (tires/brakes/body/engine leaks/etc)? Oil consumption seems to be fixed on the B8.5 engines and the other major problems with the E888 from what I've heard is the timing chain tensioner and carbon buildup. Good price tho, at $23.9k?

Seems like a good deal to me, sport package Allroads are tough to find. Carfax checks out, and it's under NADA retail. Warranty only just expired too. Could be a nice buy.


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[Adams-Allroad]

My 2013 allroad "auto drive select" not enabled.

What do I gain if enabled.
Engine performance main concern.

[Adams-Allroad]

My 2013 allroad "auto drive select" not enabled.

What do I gain if enabled.
Engine performance main concern.

Also have APR stage 2

[Blacksamurai00]

Can anyone pull the window sticker for this car? VIN is WAUHFAFL3EA141524. Looking to buy it in the next couple days and trying to kbb the options. Thanks!

[Blacksamurai00]

Nvm got it!

[audrobotic]

Can anyone pull the window sticker for this car? VIN is WAUHFAFL3EA141524. Looking to buy it in the next couple days and trying to kbb the options. Thanks!

Thats a real nice setup. I also checked it in the free carfax app for service history ( doesn't check for accidents though) and it has a very good service history. Dealer serviced etc etc.

[arashcuzi]

Can someone tell me why some cars with the S-Line badging on the wings that have the flat bottom three-spoke wheel (and what appears to be the black optics/competition package) don’t have the S-Line badge on the steering wheel while others do?

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

I may have to fly to CT...


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[chip_]

Well, I'm back in the market for an Avant after owning the Q5 since last summer. I've been drooling over Allroads lately because they've become more affordable this year. Its what I wanted in the first place and at this point in my life, I don't need the extra room that my Q has. So I've been looking at 2013-14 ARs. Found a clean white/black AR P+, 50k mi.

https://www.armstrongvw.com/vehicle-...or-id-22668787

I'm taking a look at this on Friday. Anything to look out for other than the obvious (tires/brakes/body/engine leaks/etc)? Oil consumption seems to be fixed on the B8.5 engines and the other major problems with the E888 from what I've heard is the timing chain tensioner and carbon buildup. Good price tho, at $23.9k?

So what happened with this one? Didn't like your offer....

[base14]

So what happened with this one? Didn't like your offer....

Yah, I wanted it for less (23k) and they didn't budge on the price so I let it go. Had some light paint damage and chips, pollen/algae deposits on the rubber seals like it had been parked outside for a while anyway...
I'm going to Bend this weekend to look at another one, 2013 AR prestige, monsoon grey, sport pkg, new pads/rotors F+R. I'd prefer black or brown interior but gray on this one isn't a deal breaker for me. It's got a tint already so that's a plus. It's got all the bells and whistles except for B&O . Regardless, if it all checks out, I plan on putting another offer on it.
https://www.subaruofbend.com/used/Au...earchDepth=1:1

[Blacksamurai00]

Yeah it was a lucky find honestly. Drove it (it was amazing) and I plan to pick it up when the owner is free next. I do not mind paying 21 for this car and the lady was a huge Audi fan so I felt better about buying the used car.

[Project Quattro]

Can someone tell me why some cars with the S-Line badging on the wings that have the flat bottom three-spoke wheel (and what appears to be the black optics/competition package) don’t have the S-Line badge on the steering wheel while others do?

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

I may have to fly to CT...


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That is an incredibly nice car. Basically the ideal setup. I'd check it out for you but unfortunately I'm away this weekend.



As to your question, I don't believe that car is a "full" S-line, it's a sports package car with the S-line appearance package, the latter of which they put on tons and tons of cars throughout the B8.5 run. A full S-line car would have the badging and different seats, nothing else would be different though.


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[Project Quattro]

Yeah it was a lucky find honestly. Drove it (it was amazing) and I plan to pick it up when the owner is free next. I do not mind paying 21 for this car and the lady was a huge Audi fan so I felt better about buying the used car.

Looks like a nice one based on the sticker, congrats! Pics?

[Blacksamurai00]

Looks like a nice one based on the sticker, congrats! Pics?

Thanks! I haven’t picked it up yet, we’re having some scheduling issues since we both work. I’m hopefully taking a day off to pick it up this week and I’ll post some pics then!

[Blacksamurai00]

So while I’m waiting for the nice lady to get back to me about the A4 that is close by me (1hr drive), I happened upon this car on cars.com. VIN is WAUMFAFL2DN018772. They want 2k less than the 2014 one and it has a CPO warranty that will last through December of this year. However it has 50k miles as opposed to 36k miles. Should I wait for the 2014 premium plus 36k Miles with CPO till July or spring on the 2013 prestige fully loaded with 50k miles and warranty till December? This is driving me nuts I just want a car already.

[Blacksamurai00]

So while I’m waiting for the nice lady to get back to me about the A4 that is close by me (1hr drive), I happened upon this car on cars.com. VIN is WAUMFAFL2DN018772. They want 2k less than the 2014 one and it has a CPO warranty that will last through December of this year. However it has 50k miles as opposed to 36k miles. Should I wait for the 2014 premium plus 36k Miles with CPO till July or spring on the 2013 prestige fully loaded with 50k miles and warranty till December? This is driving me nuts I just want a car already.

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

vs

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

[Project Quattro]

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

VS

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

The '13 is a true S-like and therefore pretty uncommon. It also already has tinted windows and peelers, which (if you like them) would save you a few grand in mods. It may also have other mods under the skin... you can email APR with the VIN to see if it has a tune on file. Regardless of tune status, that's the one I'd get.


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[audrobotic]

So while I’m waiting for the nice lady to get back to me about the A4 that is close by me (1hr drive), I happened upon this car on cars.com. VIN is WAUMFAFL2DN018772. They want 2k less than the 2014 one and it has a CPO warranty that will last through December of this year. However it has 50k miles as opposed to 36k miles. Should I wait for the 2014 premium plus 36k Miles with CPO till July or spring on the 2013 prestige fully loaded with 50k miles and warranty till December? This is driving me nuts I just want a car already.

I’m leaning toward the 2013 prestige. The seller sounds like and enthusiast. Which means he prob drove the car the way it was meant to be driven. The nice lady with the 2014 drove it around town with lots of short trips. Im just guessing. But I would also want to know the reasons why the sellers are selling. I recently found youtube videos and info from this guy Greg Macke. His videos are kinda cheesy but it sounds like he really knows his stuff. Id also look for maintance records on the 2013. The solid maintence on the 2014 is the only thing that stands out to me as a plus.

[Blacksamurai00]

Yeah honestly the dude is super cool, we had a pretty long conversation about how he came into owning the car and he seems legit. It wasa lease before he got it and put 15k miles on the clock in that time. I’m going up there to see the car and have Audi check it out, and if everything looks good I’m gonna scoop it up with the quickness.

[Project Quattro]

Yeah honestly the dude is super cool, we had a pretty long conversation about how he came into owning the car and he seems legit. It wasa lease before he got it and put 15k miles on the clock in that time. I’m going up there to see the car and have Audi check it out, and if everything looks good I’m gonna scoop it up with the quickness.

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[BathRobeSamurai]

Prospective buyer here. I tested a 2018 A4 Allroad and that's the general version I want to go after. But I also want to shop for used, most likely 2014-2016 based on what I'm reading here. If anyone can call out some "gotchas" or hidden knowledge that I might not know for a 2014-2016 vs the new 2017-18, you will be my hero.

Specific questions...

For the allroad, I'm not seeing the "Sport Package" or "S-line package" listed on the website configurator. Does the allroad just not offer that? There is a hot weather and a separate cold weather package that give you sport seats.

I want to have CarPlay, and it only comes stock on the '17-'18 models. I read elsewhere that there's a Chinese aftermarket unit called "RSNav" that most people have success with. But I want to know what the drawbacks are of that, hopefully from anyone who has one or has used one / etc. This thing is what someone linked me to:
https://rsnav.com/products/3g-mmi-3g...-interface-kit

On the same note, I feel like I don't want the "Navigation / Telematics" package at all. This from the 2018 model of course, not sure about past years. It's like $3000 which is a lot, and I don't care for the virtual cockpit. And I would not use nav directions from the car at all, I think (would use iPhone/CarPlay, see above). But correct me if I'm wrong and if I'd be missing out on the "MMI" stuff, as I didn't have a ton of time to drill into what's all there with the MMI. And if I run an aftermarket CarPlay setup, would that just stomp on all that anyway? Am I "crazy" for not wanting the nav/telematics package?

And any advice you all have for me would be epic. Thanks!

[Blacksamurai00]

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God damn it I did it. It was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Car is absolutely gorgeous and I’m glad I waited for the alcantara. Well maintained and definitely an Audi Enthusiasts car. Thanks for all the help with my annoying questions!

[Dr.Spaceman]

Hey guys, I'm considering trading in my 2013 WRX for an A4. I'm considering this one:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...ting=167483540

I will say, I would prefer to pick one up with the Sports package, but there are none within 200 miles of my location and I think they'll be a bit outside of my price range anyway. I've got a big move coming up next month and I can't really afford to add more than, say, $1.5k on top of my trade-in value. Sadly the selection of these cars near Asheville, NC (where I'm moving to) is even worse than it is here in VT.

I did find this car as well. It checks a lot of boxes, but the price is high and I have doubts that I can get it within my price range. The fact that its 's over 4 hours away doesn't help. https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...AdvisorSection

[Pr1ce]

Hey guys, I'm considering trading in my 2013 WRX for an A4. I'm considering this one:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...ting=167483540

I will say, I would prefer to pick one up with the Sports package, but there are none within 200 miles of my location and I think they'll be a bit outside of my price range anyway. I've got a big move coming up next month and I can't really afford to add more than, say, $1.5k on top of my trade-in value. Sadly the selection of these cars near Asheville, NC (where I'm moving to) is even worse than it is here in VT.

I did find this car as well. It checks a lot of boxes, but the price is high and I have doubts that I can get it within my price range. The fact that its 's over 4 hours away doesn't help. https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...AdvisorSection

Well in my opinion I wouldn’t get either of them. I live in Orlando and flew to Dallas to get my prestige because it was a prestige. If you’re buying a car and plan on keeping them get what you want if you have the time to wait and search. It took me 3 months to find mine.

It seems you want manual? Interior color isn’t a concern?

List the options you want... I fly free for jet blue so if ya find a Florida car I’ll drive it up for ya since I fly free back lol

But seriously I’d pass on those

Edit: just reread and you have a trade involved damn

[Dr.Spaceman]

Options aren’t super important to me, and neither is interior color tbh. I’m coming from a few relatively basic cars so I’m not looking for anything too crazy. Manual is a must.

I’m curious, what is it about those cars that makes them bad buys? Particularly the 2015, it seems like a pretty solid and well optioned car?

[Pr1ce]

Options aren’t super important to me, and neither is interior color tbh. I’m coming from a few relatively basic cars so I’m not looking for anything too crazy. Manual is a must.

I’m curious, what is it about those cars that makes them bad buys? Particularly the 2015, it seems like a pretty solid and well optioned car?

Oh okay yea if options and interior aren’t that big a deal then they aren’t too bad. I personally hate beige interior as it seems to age way faster. The 2015 isn’t a bad deal just the interior for me.

My other concern and reason why I’m like “ehh” is northern cars. If they are garaged then big plus but if not the under side and such have taken a beating. I’ve dealt with northern cars before and will never buy anything north of Tennessee if I plan on keeping the car for an extended time frame.

[Project Quattro]

Hey guys, I'm considering trading in my 2013 WRX for an A4. I'm considering this one:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...ting=167483540

I will say, I would prefer to pick one up with the Sports package, but there are none within 200 miles of my location and I think they'll be a bit outside of my price range anyway. I've got a big move coming up next month and I can't really afford to add more than, say, $1.5k on top of my trade-in value. Sadly the selection of these cars near Asheville, NC (where I'm moving to) is even worse than it is here in VT.

I did find this car as well. It checks a lot of boxes, but the price is high and I have doubts that I can get it within my price range. The fact that its 's over 4 hours away doesn't help. https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...AdvisorSection

My old one is still for sale at BMW Bridgeport in CT. Manual sports package and already tuned with an exhaust, drivetrain inserts, and a CR-15 brace and some other stuff. PM me if you're interested and I can give you the rundown and details on why I traded it in.

https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/used...b6867f9a6a.htm



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[Carebria]

Hey guys. I’m new to Audis bit not new to forums or what you might call enthusiast cars. I’m looking to get into an Allroad since it’s the closest we can get to an Avant here ideally within a few years. I like the B8.5 models and have been reading the threads on timing tensioners. I happened to came across one locally and the condition, color, and options are perfect however the mileage has me nervous but the dealer has had it for a couple more baths and dropped price to a point where I’m wondering if I should consider it even though it’s ahead of my plan to wait a few years. Link to specific vehicle. I’d love to get some experienced members opinions. http://www.hooversouthtown.com/2013-...4/Details.aspx

[Project Quattro]

Hey guys. I’m new to Audis bit not new to forums or what you might call enthusiast cars. I’m looking to get into an Allroad since it’s the closest we can get to an Avant here ideally within a few years. I like the B8.5 models and have been reading the threads on timing tensioners. I happened to came across one locally and the condition, color, and options are perfect however the mileage has me nervous but the dealer has had it for a couple more baths and dropped price to a point where I’m wondering if I should consider it even though it’s ahead of my plan to wait a few years. Link to specific vehicle. I’d love to get some experienced members opinions. http://www.hooversouthtown.com/2013-...4/Details.aspx

That seems like a reasonable price for an extremely nicely-optioned car. Sports package Allroads are not common... that is a loaded Premium Plus trim level and not the Premium the ad says. Nothing I see in the Carfax seems like a red flag, aside from the open recall but that's a free repair so not a big deal. The time on the lot is concerning, but with a clear PPI I'd say it's a safe buy.

Window sticker:



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[f_399]

High mileage owners, what common maintenance items do you start worrying about?

And common engine issues?




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[Project Quattro]

High mileage owners, what common maintenance items do you start worrying about?

And common engine issues?

Bottom of the first post bro.


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[xthealienatorx]

Hey all, I've never had an audi newer than 03, and I'm at the point right now where I'd like to have one really nice car than a couple of good cars. This is for sale about a 1.5 hrs from me, I'm just not familiar with the new cars and pricing, and how reliable they are when modified. It's a 2010 a4 avant with the stasis package, looks to be a s line with a s tronic trans. I'm tempted to get a personal loan to buy it instead of waiting for my truck to sell. Any reason I should hesitate? It's 140k miles though.. tia

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[B G 8er]

Sweet find! The Avants are pretty rare and very sexy. Not sure if additional mods had been made to this car but I believe the only powertrain mods with the Stassis package would be a possible aftermarket ECU tune and possible aftermarket exhaust. There were evidently some issues at one time with the tunes from Stassis which I believe was the root of the cause for Audi to begin requiring the dealers to begin scanning all customers' cars for aftermarket chip tuning (upon approval for warranty repairs) and automatically voiding any power train coverage with a code called TD1. The biggest issues you can look up on these forums are the Oil Consumption issue and Timing Chain Tensioner issues. The was a class action lawsuit extending coverage for the oil consumption issue to 8 years or 80k miles. There is another class action lawsuit pending for the timing chain tensioner. Serious issues you must research before considering that vehicle. Let us know what you find out. What's the mileage? Price seems awfully low. Is it a salvage title?

[xthealienatorx]

Sweet find! The Avants are pretty rare and very sexy. Not sure if additional mods had been made to this car but I believe the only powertrain mods with the Stassis package would be a possible aftermarket ECU tune and possible aftermarket exhaust. There were evidently some issues at one time with the tunes from Stassis which I believe was the root of the cause for Audi to begin requiring the dealers to begin scanning all customers' cars for aftermarket chip tuning (upon approval for warranty repairs) and automatically voiding any power train coverage with a code called TD1. The biggest issues you can look up on these forums are the Oil Consumption issue and Timing Chain Tensioner issues. The was a class action lawsuit extending coverage for the oil consumption issue to 8 years or 80k miles. There is another class action lawsuit pending for the timing chain tensioner. Serious issues you must research before considering that vehicle. Let us know what you find out. What's the mileage? Price seems awfully low. Is it a salvage title?

It's got 146k.. is there any way to check the engine ours in the newer cars? I like to be able to compare time to mileage so I can tell how it's been driven.
I'm a technician so I don't mind fixing things within the engine if needed. Plan to do a timing chain kit as soon as I get it.

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[B G 8er]

It's got 146k.. is there any way to check the engine ours in the newer cars? I like to be able to compare time to mileage so I can tell how it's been driven.
I'm a technician so I don't mind fixing things within the engine if needed. Plan to do a timing chain kit as soon as I get it.

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That's basically a high mileage car. Really hard to tell what you might end up with. Check these forums. There have been some guys that have actually swapped to newer used engines. Not saying it will need a new motor for a while but as you likely know, Audi's aren't exactly inexpensive to fix and once they get to over about 75-80k miles, let alone pushing 150k. Who knows. How many Owners has it had? Just the fact it's got all the Stassis stuff on it, that would make me believe whoever owned it drove sportingly. At that mileage, it's almost hard to believe it could have made it that long without the timing chain tensioner being replaced. I'd check with an Audi dealer. Based on the Vin, they should be able to give you an idea of the service history, especially for any warranty repairs. Has it had oil consumption issues? If it had the pistons replaced, members on these forums are mostly saying the oild burning issues have been permanently resolved.

[S-Liner]

Not an S-line


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[Project Quattro]

If anyone is looking into this HMU before buying.

https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/ct...726063617.html


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[bvanleer21]

Hello! New to the forum but I'm looking to purchase a 2015 allroad premium + and I'm looking to do a pre-purchase inspection. The car is at Audi Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury Mass. Does anyone have any recommended shops near Shrewsbury or Worcester? Is there a better thread to post this kind of request in?