About to purchase Audi S4-- few questions

[jaswrx]

Hello All-


I am about to pull the tigger on a used 2012 Audi S4. One of the things I am doing is researching after car purchase cost (insurance maintenance, etc.)....

The car has 50,000 miles on it. It seems Audi warranty runs out at 55,000, but either way, what are some upcoming cost I should factor in, even if I was covered under warranty. No way I am just getting by on oil changes, right?

Also, what are common problems that go wrong that I should be prepared in case of the worse scenario since I won't have a warranty.

Thanks in advanced.

Is there any reason to try and get a 2013?

[SteveYem]

Is it a 6MT or S-Tronic transmission?

Btw, Audi warranty is 4 years from original in-serive date or 50000 miles, whichever is first. So that car is out of warranty. Not a huge deal if 6MT, in my opinion.

If 6MT, always be ready to replace the clutch. Including flywheel that would be in the $3000 range I believe.

[jaswrx]

Stronic.

I know on my STi, I had normal maintenace at 30,000 such as Diff and transmission fluid, spark plugs, and coolant and brake fluid change etc.

Anything I need to look out for that I will need to do in the upcoming 30,000 miles that are similar to the above?


It seems besides normal stuff mentioned above, these cars are pretty reliable 2011+. I noticed there were issues with water pump and thermostat in earlier years.

[SteveYem]

Give this a read-through: https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...-Year-2012.pdf

Looks to me like you might need to do spark plugs at 55k but otherwise I think it's nothing major until 75k which is the DSG service, which will cost you a bit. I'm sure prices vary by area a DSG owner could give you a better idea on pricing.

I would ask for service records of this car to make sure all other routine maintenance has been done up to this point.

[sacandagaD]

Give this a read-through: https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...-Year-2012.pdf

Looks to me like you might need to do spark plugs at 55k but otherwise I think it's nothing major until 75k which is the DSG service, which will cost you a bit. I'm sure prices vary by area a DSG owner could give you a better idea on pricing.

I would ask for service records of this car to make sure all other routine maintenance has been done up to this point.

55k service at dealer is $ 850 here, can only imagine what 75k service will cost with DSG service and Supercharger belt replacement.

[roadawg]

Stronic.

I know on my STi, I had normal maintenace at 30,000 such as Diff and transmission fluid, spark plugs, and coolant and brake fluid change etc.

Anything I need to look out for that I will need to do in the upcoming 30,000 miles that are similar to the above?


It seems besides normal stuff mentioned above, these cars are pretty reliable 2011+. I noticed there were issues with water pump and thermostat in earlier years.

They are solid relatively speaking compared to German sport sedans, but if something breaks the cost is way higher than your old Subaru. For example, my 2012 6MT needs a new clutch, and it is 3400 to replace, and that is a very good price.

Maintenance wise all the stuff you posted is run of the mill, nothing out of the ordinary. Just be prepared to buck up if something breaks outside of the normal wear and tear stuff.

Also, the waterpump design is shit. It will fail again in the car's lifetime.

[jaswrx]

My Subaru is not old, ha 2015... I just want something different.

I definitely know that IF something breaks, it's a bad deal. I am trying to see what is common that breaks on these cars, BUT also see what maintenance scheduled cost, and what actually needs to be maintained to get an idea of what needs to be done even if nothing breaks.

It seems from reading the schedule from the post earlier, that nothing at 55 is crucial, but 75 is the DCT and a few other fluid changes...

Seems actually less than my Subaru, kind of weird since the 30K for Subaru requites all the fluid changes, including rear diff and transmission.

[mojangles69]

Give this a read-through: https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...-Year-2012.pdf

Looks to me like you might need to do spark plugs at 55k but otherwise I think it's nothing major until 75k which is the DSG service, which will cost you a bit. I'm sure prices vary by area a DSG owner could give you a better idea on pricing.

I would ask for service records of this car to make sure all other routine maintenance has been done up to this point.

+1

Honestly, if you can swing it financially, your best bet is to try and find a CPO 2013 with less than 50k miles. Especially since you are considering DSG.

Shouldn't be too difficult to find. I've come across plenty of CPO 2012-2014 S4's in my area...so i'd imagine you'd even have more options being in LA.

[jaswrx]

so get a 2013 b/c of warranty?

[mojangles69]

so get a 2013 b/c of warranty?

I personally would. I like having that peace of mind...especially since I am not a gearhead and am limited to just the basics (oil change and minor maintenance).

It also comes down to personal preference. Some prefer the B8 body vs the B8.5. So, that is also something to take into consideration. If you prefer the B8, then you are limited to 2012 and earlier. If B8.5, then I'd say definitely get a CPO 2013. If you have no preference, then you could go either way. You might even be able to find a low-mileage CPO 2012 S4.

Either way, with german cars it's always nice to have the peace of mind with a warranty, unless you are car savvy and capable of doing stuff in your own garage or have a tech friend do work for real cheap.

[mojangles69]

Here's a quick search I did with 96137 zip code (friend of mine lives in Westwood).

Search filters I used:
- within 200 miles of 96137
- Maximum price of $40k
- Maximum mileage of 45k

Found 18 listings on Autotrader. Wasn't sure what other options/colors/packages you're interested in, so didn't filter beyond the basics.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Used+Cars/cars+under+40000/Audi/S4/Westwood+CA-96137?endYear=2017&firstRecord=0&listingType=used& listingTypes=used,certified&makeCode1=AUDI&maxMile age=45000&maxPrice=40000&mmt=[AUDI[S4[]][]]&modelCode1=S4&searchRadius=200&showcaseOwnerId=57 536179&startYear=1981&Log=0&showcaseListingId=4223 86485&showcaseOwnerId=57536179&captureSearch=true& fromSIP=2281917B4A6FA3B646870BD9595C30A3&showToolb ar=true&Log=0

[dizzlesizzle]

here's one that's a good deal: trans, clutch and flywheel already replaced. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...T-Premium-Plus

[SteveYem]

Dumb post deleted

[dizzlesizzle]

Eh I dunno, I've heard bad things about that seller



:)

Oh yeah? Please share?

[SteveYem]

Oh yeah? Please share?

It was a lousy attempt at a bad joke (because the seller is you). Sorry about that...carry on...

[torinalth]

if going 2012 i'd be concerned about the mechatronics or the DSG if you are not getting a CPO and it has not been replaced yet. 2013 was better for the dsg, but some had electric steering issues. its a trade off. that's why I always CPO for the longer warranty, just in case. rather pay a little more for sure, than potentially pay a lot more.

[MrFunk]

I bought my last Audi with 60k miles on it... I did buy an extended warranty... BUT - after that experience I decided I would never buy a vehicle like an Audi with that many miles ESPECIALLY outside of warranty.

[jaswrx]

ok, so a CPO means I automatically get 6 years, 100,000 warranty. That seems like a no brainer!

Do I have this correct.

- - - Updated - - -

if going 2012 i'd be concerned about the mechatronics or the DSG if you are not getting a CPO and it has not been replaced yet. 2013 was better for the dsg, but some had electric steering issues. its a trade off. that's why I always CPO for the longer warranty, just in case. rather pay a little more for sure, than potentially pay a lot more.

what exactly are you referring to being "replaced?"

what was so bad in 2012?


Also, to make sure i read earlier, people actually prefer the B8 over the 8.5 from a looks standpoint?

[DannyDeez]

ok, so a CPO means I automatically get 6 years, 100,000 warranty. That seems like a no brainer!

Do I have this correct.

- - - Updated - - -



what exactly are you referring to being "replaced?"

what was so bad in 2012?


Also, to make sure i read earlier, people actually prefer the B8 over the 8.5 from a looks standpoint?

I just picked up a 2012 S4 manual trans with 52k miles. Its CPO until December 29th 2017 so I basically have the full two years of the warranty left.

I had a B8.5 S5 and wasn't really in love with it. It was an S5, so we can't compare appearance. The look of the 2013+ S4 however, is not as nice as 2012 and below S4, IMO.
The thing with the 2013+ is the steering is horrible. I won't get into it again, but its just horrible.

Stick with a 2012 and try to get a CPO car with an in service date in late 2011 or early 2012. This will ensure that you'll have the warranty for about 2 years.

The CPO is 6 years and/or 100k miles from the vehicles original in service date.

EDIT: Theres currently a thread right below yours talking about the CPO. Heres the link http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...buying-2010-S4

[jaswrx]

I just picked up a 2012 S4 manual trans with 52k miles. Its CPO until December 29th 2017 so I basically have the full two years of the warranty left.

I had a B8.5 S5 and wasn't really in love with it. It was an S5, so we can't compare appearance. The look of the 2013+ S4 however, is not as nice as 2012 and below S4, IMO.
The thing with the 2013+ is the steering is horrible. I won't get into it again, but its just horrible.

Stick with a 2012 and try to get a CPO car with an in service date in late 2011 or early 2012. This will ensure that you'll have the warranty for about 2 years.

The CPO is 6 years and/or 100k miles from the vehicles original in service date.

EDIT: Theres currently a thread right below yours talking about the CPO. Heres the link http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...buying-2010-S4

ok, so a 2012 based on steering + nicer exterior looks in your opinion :)

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the 2012 not stream bluetooth audio?

Also, seems the interior is not quite as nice, but hardly can tell...

[agorich]

I know it is something simple, but being able to stream bluetooth through the speakers is a big thing for me since I use it all the time. I listen to podcasts/books/music through it all of the time and do not listen to much on the radio besides the news. so the years prior to 2013 was a no go for me.

If you are in no rush, as your sti is a '15, maybe wait until the end of this year and find some lease trade ins from winter sales events. Not sure on your budget, but even CPO cars that were dealer loaner cars is a good option. That is how I got mine. It is a '15 that had 6500 miles on it when I bought it. CPO warranty until 2019 origianl warranty and then 2021/100k miles. Pretty much a brand new car at a significant discount. If you're not upside down on your STI and if you plan on trading it in/selling it for a down payment, you'll have a nearly new car with a heck of a warranty. Of course....the mods.

[Loe]

If you are getting a DSG, I would aim for a CPO or at least one with a reputable aftermarket warranty that will cover the transmission (mechatronic unit) that the dealer will accept (or your independent shop).

[kpykng1]

I just purchased my S4 and opted for the extended warranty, just cause I know these German made cars are way more expensive to fix than compared to my old Chevy, but I knew that when I started looking. My factory warranty runs out next month so the extra piece of mind for 4ys/48K miles is great. I'm glad I waited for the right deal to come along cause my 2012 S4 only has 24K on her. Be patient and shop around.

[torinalth]

ok, so a CPO means I automatically get 6 years, 100,000 warranty. That seems like a no brainer!

Do I have this correct.

- - - Updated - - -



what exactly are you referring to being "replaced?"

what was so bad in 2012?


Also, to make sure i read earlier, people actually prefer the B8 over the 8.5 from a looks standpoint?

like stated the CPO extends the warranty to a total of 6 years or 100k whichever comes first. note though that not everything is covered under the CPO warranty, but the majority is. Electronics like the nav or speakers will not be covered, but the engine and transmission will be. I can live without Nav while I get money to fix it, but I can't have my car down entirely until I get the money for a transmission fix.

Like a couple others mentioned, the DSG transmission has been known for more frequent failures on the earlier cars. it is not a massivly common problem, but the earlier the car is the most common the issue was. the 2012 cars had the least problems of that generation. It is something to note that the 2013 DSG is the new DSG 2.0 (vs the DSG 1.0 and DSG 1.5 in the earlier years, of whom I can't remember which was which) which is faster and slightly stronger, even though through tuning Audi lowered the redline limit.

and yes, be aware that if you want to stream bluetooth to the MMI you must have a 2013+ or use a tune2air work around, or a direct cable connection instead. Some people care, like me who only uses pandora, while others couldn't care less. The looks of the car is completely subjective. DannyDeez above likes the 2012, I did not and i only considered the 2013+ when shopping. There are only slight differences, but it was enough that I wanted the B8.5.

Regarding the steering, it is not bad, not at all. It does not give you the same feel of the previous gen M3 that had a wonderfully precise and tactile feel of a hydraulic. Maybe the 2013 year had a different feel, but my 2015 feels just fine, and I have no issues with it. I wouldn't hesitate to get one with the electric steering. For the majority of people I don't see anyone having a problem with the steering. However, that being said the 2013 cars (some) had steering issues with jerking and roughness that required a warranty fix, but to my knowledge there have been no further issues.

You can not go wrong either way, but there are minor trade offs that can weigh your decision. Also, I see in another post you mentioned the interior. The interior is very similar between the two but the layout in the center is slightly different and the 2013+ had another interior trim option that was not previously available (silver inlay black wood).

Id personally see what matters the most to you and take that route. find one that has everything you want first, and then if you have two choices you can make the decision based on year if it comes down to it. One last point, not sure if it matters to you, but Audi did not always update the navigation maps, so the newer the car, the better chance of being more up to date. You can find updates around here if needed, but they are not super cheap.

good luck with the search.

[blackfunk]

Put it this way, if you're really concerned about the warranty you can get a lower mileage 2012 (one with a warranty) and get an after market warranty which may save you a few bucks. A good aftermarket warranty is as good as a CPO with some flexibility as you get to decide the level of coverage you're comfortable with.

Conversely you can get a 2013+ which may give give you time to decide what works best for you. Honestly there are no bad answers here, just so long as you know/understand what you're getting into. These are fairly complex cars which in turn makes servicing/repairs expensive.

[dean.mohr]

They are solid relatively speaking compared to German sport sedans, but if something breaks the cost is way higher than your old Subaru. For example, my 2012 6MT needs a new clutch, and it is 3400 to replace, and that is a very good price.

Maintenance wise all the stuff you posted is run of the mill, nothing out of the ordinary. Just be prepared to buck up if something breaks outside of the normal wear and tear stuff.

Also, the waterpump design is shit. It will fail again in the car's lifetime.

If I'm not mistaken, the water pump issue was resolved by the 2012 MY. My 2012 is at over 84k and no water pump or thermostat issues (both common in 2010).

My Subaru is not old, ha 2015... I just want something different.

I definitely know that IF something breaks, it's a bad deal. I am trying to see what is common that breaks on these cars, BUT also see what maintenance scheduled cost, and what actually needs to be maintained to get an idea of what needs to be done even if nothing breaks.

It seems from reading the schedule from the post earlier, that nothing at 55 is crucial, but 75 is the DCT and a few other fluid changes...

Seems actually less than my Subaru, kind of weird since the 30K for Subaru requites all the fluid changes, including rear diff and transmission.

I know the stereotypical response to German cars is the repair costs, and yes, its going to cost more to fix than your Subaru. But that doesn't necessarily mean it is going to cost some crazy amount for every little thing.

I recently had the 75k service done on mine (6MT) and it was about $430, including the oil change, full system check, serpentine belt replacement, and whatever else. Certainly not cheap, but if you are willing to shell out $30k+ then $450 for a service shouldn't be a big surprise.

As others have stated, your real concern is the DSG/mechatronics unit. It is all but guaranteed to fail, and when it does it isn't cheap. For that reason alone I'd go CPO/manual.

[Dr GP]

I bought my last Audi with 60k miles on it... I did buy an extended warranty... BUT - after that experience I decided I would never buy a vehicle like an Audi with that many miles ESPECIALLY outside of warranty.

Wise comment. AND a CPO warranty is not necessary. Plus you can only get a CPO warranty from a VW/Audi dealer. It costs a dealer $2k to CPO a car. That increases the cost of the car by that much. Purchasing an extended warranty is a viable option to getting a CPO'd car. So if the S4 you find is not or can't be CPO'd, don't write it off. Use the $2k to buy an aftermarket warranty. Make sure it covers the DSG trans , which any quality extended warranty should. When I bought my 2011, it was not Cpo'd because it has 2 previous owners. I purchased it from an Audi dealer and purchased an extended warranty from Fidelity. I decided to buy the Silver package which covers the basics and major components of the car. There was a Gold and Platinum plan as well that covered more. Plus there are other warranty companies that you can use. To this date, I have yet to use the policy. I now have 62k miles on the car.

[s4tress]

Is it a 6MT or S-Tronic transmission?

Btw, Audi warranty is 4 years from original in-serive date or 50000 miles, whichever is first. So that car is out of warranty. Not a huge deal if 6MT, in my opinion.

If 6MT, always be ready to replace the clutch. Including flywheel that would be in the $3000 range I believe.

I just bought a 2015 MT. Is it "normal" to have to replace the clutch after just a few years? My car has 20k miles currently so it's still within the original warranty. I have almost 3 years left on it and am definitely considering buying an extended next year. I had taken my car to a Audi specialty shop for a pre purchase inspection. I asked the technician if he recommended getting an extended warranty, and his response was "hell yes". Now it's just a matter of figuring out how extensive a warranty to get. The bumper to bumper ones that cover all of the electronics, etc are pretty pricey. But if I will need a new clutch at some point, it seems ilke that repair alone could be a big chunk of the warranty price.

[DannyDeez]

ok, so a 2012 based on steering + nicer exterior looks in your opinion :)

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the 2012 not stream bluetooth audio?

Also, seems the interior is not quite as nice, but hardly can tell...

2012 does not stream Bluetooth audio. However, a $70 cable from Amazon fixed that problem for me and it works perfectly.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R2H...Y7567NWPXWG3WY

All the controls from the car(steering wheel and mmi buttons) work to be able to change songs and control volume.

Also the interior looks exactly the same to me as I remember it in my 2013 S5. I don't really think audi changed anything.

[Dr GP]

I had clutch issues on my 2010 which I got new. But @ 30k miles, when I traded it in, it was functioning fine. My current S4 has 62k miles and clutch seems to work fine. I have no idea how the previous owners used the car. BUT, obviously, the more you stess the clutch, the more you wil decrease the longevity of the clutch. FYI, the factory warranty does not cover the clutch. I would be surprised if any aftermarket warranty will either???? My Fideleity warranty does not.

[s4tress]

I had clutch issues on my 2010 which I got new. But @ 30k miles, when I traded it in, it was functioning fine. My current S4 has 62k miles and clutch seems to work fine. I have no idea how the previous owners used the car. BUT, obviously, the more you stess the clutch, the more you wil decrease the longevity of the clutch. FYI, the factory warranty does not cover the clutch. I would be surprised if any aftermarket warranty will either???? My Fideleity warranty does not.

Thanks, that's good to know. Is it because that is considered "normal wear and tear"?

[Johnnycash]

Thanks, that's good to know. Is it because that is considered "normal wear and tear"?

yes its a wear and tear item like tires, brakes etc

[GTItoS4]

Also the interior looks exactly the same to me as I remember it in my 2013 S5. I don't really think audi changed anything.

The B8 steering wheel and shifter are terrible looking compared to the B8.5. There were other smaller changes as well.

[scottycs]

not to mention the much better looking MMI buttons and menus.

[hotleadsingergu]

If I'm not mistaken, the water pump issue was resolved by the 2012 MY. My 2012 is at over 84k and no water pump or thermostat issues (both common in 2010).



I know the stereotypical response to German cars is the repair costs, and yes, its going to cost more to fix than your Subaru. But that doesn't necessarily mean it is going to cost some crazy amount for every little thing.

I recently had the 75k service done on mine (6MT) and it was about $430, including the oil change, full system check, serpentine belt replacement, and whatever else. Certainly not cheap, but if you are willing to shell out $30k+ then $450 for a service shouldn't be a big surprise.

As others have stated, your real concern is the DSG/mechatronics unit. It is all but guaranteed to fail, and when it does it isn't cheap. For that reason alone I'd go CPO/manual.

Definitely not all but guaranteed to fail...there were issues with the Mechatronics unit in those model years, but it was still a relatively small percentage of people with the issue. The DSG, however, is rock solid. There are stories of them failing, but it's rare...and nowhere near the chances of having to replace the clutch on a manual car. While the DSG is more expensive to replace (I think they ballparked it at like $11k, IIRC), there's a very good chance you'll have to replace the manual clutch at least once in that time frame ($3k), but possibly twice.

All that means is you're really not going to automatically win out or lose out, no matter which side you go on. The DSG can handle a lot more power and torque, so if you plan on modding the car it can take it, but some people just like the manual.

[sangaroo]

control arm bushings will also begin to fail around 50k-ish mile.

[jaswrx]

Is the MMI really that different on the 13? I am looking closely, and the dash seems to be very very similar on the 2012.

I noticed the 2013 is flat bottom, but other than that, it is actually better?

It seems I should get a 2013 for the latest and greatest, and find one with CPO, so I can get the 6 yr/100,000

[DannyDeez]

The B8 steering wheel and shifter are terrible looking compared to the B8.5. There were other smaller changes as well.

I wasn't crazy about the flat bottom, even though it looks nice. The shifter looks the same to me

not to mention the much better looking MMI buttons and menus.

Im really not seeing it. Looks the same to me

[DannyDeez]

Ok so I just went to the garage and snapped a pic of my 2012 interior:






And here's a google image of a 2013:





What am I missing here?

[14S4GWM]

Heres my 14