Need opinions which is the better deal between this 11' B8 & 13' B8.5

[Vanimal]

*headline correction 2012 B8


I have been looking at these two S4's on Auto trader for the last few weeks. I decided I am going to possibly take a trip down the highway Friday evening to go look at one, can't hurt right. Id like some members opinions on what they think, as you guys know these cars best. Also going to bring my 2010 B8 S5 and see what they offer as a potential trade in. I owe roughly $20k on the S5 and NADA has it listed for $23,300 with my miles as a clean trade in. Id at least be able to come even steven on the buy out. Worst case i drive away in my S5 & enjoy it for a bit longer.

First is a 2013 Prestige B8.5 which is fairly loaded even has sport diff i believe with 66k for $29,994. I dig the estoril blue as my current S5 is a Deep Sea Blue Pearl
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...19028427&Log=0


Other is a REALLY clean 2012 Brilliant Black Premium Plus with most of the options i want with only 62k, states the paint is in awesome shape and was garaged kept for $28,950 Does look very clean down to the exhaust tips.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...20400648&Log=0



$30k is about the price id like to be at, don't want to move far from my current car payment. Hell id be adding $10k as it is to what i owe on my S5 which is still a nice car. It's smart to save money towards other things like vacations, my 12 year old asking me for expensive things like $350 baseball bats you know sucky adult life The B8 Black S4 seems really nice, but at the same time with the bit of higher miles on the B8.5 for its year is fully loaded. In all honestly how i drive i am not that worried about the sport diff. I just want seat memory, carbon inlays, B&O sound system, Nav etc. At the moment i prob only plan to lower it on H&R OE springs and put a intake and cat back and call it a day.



What do you guys think? I'm Looking for the better "smarter" deal best known as best bang for buck. I really would love a B8.5 with the flat bottom wheel. And updated front end. But at the same time the B8 is still a sexy car, has the better steering and at least its a 2012 and has the 1.5 gen DSG. ONE THING that scares me is DSG failure. Hopefully i wouldn't lose sleep over that lol.

[DannyDeez]

The mileage is pretty much the same on both cars. The two cars are only $1k difference in price which won't do much to your monthly payment. Im partial to the 8, but it seems like you would be happier with the 8.5 but I would find out why its so cheap.

My advice: Get the car fax for both cars. It will tell a lot about them. Let us see it if you can(take cell pics of the pages and post them). Then make a decision. The B8 is priced right, but the 8.5 sounds fishy at that price. Even with the miles it should still list for over $30k from what I've seen.

For reference, I just paid $32k for my loaded 12 S4 prestige with 52k miles, full two years remaining on Audi CPO warranty and an awesome car fax and service history. Full options/window sticker can be seen in my thread.

[Vanimal]

The mileage is pretty much the same on both cars. The two cars are only $1k difference in price which won't do much to your monthly payment. Im partial to the 8, but it seems like you would be happier with the 8.5 but I would find out why its so cheap.

My advice: Get the car fax for both cars. It will tell a lot about them. Let us see it if you can(take cell pics of the pages and post them). Then make a decision. The B8 is priced right, but the 8.5 sounds fishy at that price. Even with the miles it should still list for over $30k from what I've seen.

For reference, I just paid $32k for my loaded 12 S4 prestige with 52k miles, full two years remaining on Audi CPO warranty and an awesome car fax and service history. Full options/window sticker can be seen in my thread.

I agree i am weary on the price of the B8.5. The B8 looks really clean. I will car fax on both for SURE, i am in no rush. I just have been casually browsing Auto Trader for the last few weeks. I wanted to look at the B8.5 first but something just hits me in the gut about it, thats why i made this thread. Its that gut feeling when something is too good to be true it usually is.

That seems like a GREAT deal you got, i would go up to $32k with two years left on warranty, compared to the $30k price mark i mentioned. There is always the option to keep patiently waiting for some kind of deal like that to pop up as well. If you don't mind me asking how much did you put down as a down payment?

[DannyDeez]

I agree i am weary on the price of the B8.5. The B8 looks really clean. I will car fax on both for SURE, i am in no rush. I wanted to look at the B8.5 first but something just hits me in the gut about it, thats why i made this thread. Its that gut feeling when something is too good to be true it usually is.

That seems like a GREAT deal you got, i would go up to $32k with two years left on warranty, compared to the $30k price mark i mentioned. There is always the option to keep patiently waiting for some kind of deal like that to pop up as well.

Thanks! I felt the deal was pretty fair. I saw a bunch of 2012 prestige online being priced at upper $30's by dealerships. The 10 & 11's were much less. Like mid $20's less, but I was set on a 12. The warranty was something that was a must have for me right now.

You're definitely in a good position and seem to have a level head on the purchase. I agree that it does seem too good to be true. I'm very curious to see what the carfax has to show. That'll help with the decision for sure.

[Vanimal]

Thanks! I felt the deal was pretty fair. I saw a bunch of 2012 prestige online being priced at upper $30's by dealerships. The 10 & 11's were much less. Like mid $20's less, but I was set on a 12. The warranty was something that was a must have for me right now.

You're definitely in a good position and seem to have a level head on the purchase. I agree that it does seem too good to be true. I'm very curious to see what the carfax has to show. That'll help with the decision for sure.

I am not gonna lie with no kind of warranty it will be hard not to be worried about that DSG failure lol. I got talked into a extended warranty to 100k when i bought my Hummer years ago, i NEVER used the damn thing. But if the DSG fails, man o man that can be pricey.

[Vanimal]

I need to go on more vacations so I can stop looking at cars lol. This way I won't have enough for a new car haha. I just got back from Florida March 23. It was nice just used Ubrer the entire time there. That was the I used the "RS5 OEM rotors" wheel money I had set aside. Eeek!

The insane cars you see cruise around South Beach make my S5 seem like a Honda Civic :( Seen a ton of M4's, they literally were "common" down. Especially when you just see Enzo's & Aventador's cruising down the street.

[chaos2984]

Buy the 2013 and be done if those are the only 2 you are considering. You will be very happy with the sports diff and the updates to the 8.5 style.

[RudyH]

I am not gonna lie with no kind of warranty it will be hard not to be worried about that DSG failure lol. I got talked into a extended warranty to 100k when i bought my Hummer years ago, i NEVER used the damn thing. But if the DSG fails, man o man that can be pricey.

I think the Stronic issues are slightly blown out of proportion because of the fact that the part that breaks is cheaper then a clutch (including labor), and the chance of a clutch going is the same as needing a mech repair kit. We do see a lot of them, but I can also guarantee you Audi sold a LOT more Stronic's then 6-speeds or they wouldn't be considering ditching the 6-speed.

In all honesty, I love my B8 and the 2012 would be the best year for obvious reasons to get it. The B8.5 has further refinement (especially with the Stronic) - except the new steering was introduced (2013), so it would be something I would keep on the radar.

Personally, I wouldn't go B8 to B8, but when it comes time (40k km more I will be thinking about it), I will likely grab a '14-'16 S4 if I don't like the pricing on the new S5 Sportback / RS3, so 1-2 summers from now.

[Vanimal]

Probably right about the DSG situation. Both cars have their merits. Just wanna make the right choice as I'll be looking to keep it 3-4 years+.

There's always the option of waiting until next year when the B9 S4 hits the showroom floor. Further discounting the B8 and B8.5. That's another way to go.

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[MrFunk]

We really need a sticky for these threads...

My personal opinion:

Avoid the 13's. They had the most issues on this platform mostly with steering.

Avoid that many miles. 60k+ is high IMO for a USED S4. I do think these cars are very reliable, but 60k+ of miles is a LOT of windshield time and you'd be surprised how poorly people care for their cars. I bought my last A4 with 60k miles (3 year old car)... I had a ton of issues with that car - as well as all the regular maintenance that come up at those miles... I don't know how the previous owner drove the car but it needed a rebuilt gearbox within a couple months of ownership (thank God I had an extended warranty). I decided I'd never buy a used Audi again... especially given I like to buy a car, pay it off in 3 years and keep it 8... (which I could not do with that high mile A4)...

I'd stick with 30k miles or less. If you can't afford one with 30k or less then I'd honestly suggest looking at a model car that you can afford with lower miles... For 30k you could just about buy a brand new GTI. I'd buy a new GTI over a 60k mile used S4 with no hesitation. Or even better a very low mileage Golf R. I did a quick search - you can get a 13' Golf R with under 20k miles for under 30k...

[S4 00 2.7]

man, that's a lot of miles. so if you were to wait a year or so would that help you get something with less miles? if so, I'd wait.

[Vanimal]

We really need a sticky for these threads...

My personal opinion:

Avoid the 13's. They had the most issues on this platform mostly with steering.

Avoid that many miles. 60k+ is high IMO for a USED S4. I do think these cars are very reliable, but 60k+ of miles is a LOT of windshield time and you'd be surprised how poorly people care for their cars. I bought my last A4 with 60k miles (3 year old car)... I had a ton of issues with that car - as well as all the regular maintenance that come up at those miles... I don't know how the previous owner drove the car but it needed a rebuilt gearbox within a couple months of ownership (thank God I had an extended warranty). I decided I'd never buy a used Audi again... especially given I like to buy a car, pay it off in 3 years and keep it 8... (which I could not do with that high mile A4)...

I'd stick with 30k miles or less. If you can't afford one with 30k or less then I'd honestly suggest looking at a model car that you can afford with lower miles... For 30k you could just about buy a brand new GTI. I'd buy a new GTI over a 60k mile used S4 with no hesitation. Or even better a very low mileage Golf R. I did a quick search - you can get a 13' Golf R with under 20k miles for under 30k...

That's what a service history and car fax is for. There's plenty of people who have bought on here with more than 30k miles.

As for the GTI R BIG BIG pass on that. That's a kids car, I'm 31. I would feel stupid driving around in a GTI. That's just not my taste of car. Hell going from my B8 S5 to that GTI R would be a MAJOR downgrade maturity wise for me. If I trade my S5 in it's going to be for a 4 door S4, not a smaller car.

I know what you are saying but just because a car has 30-40k miles doesn't mean it it was "taken" care of automatically. Someone could have a 30k mileage S4 tuned early on and beat to all hell with the oil changed once. Compared to a guy like me with my 2010 S5 who changes the oil every 5k on the dot with all upgrades services. I have 80k on my 2010 S5 and it drives damn near like new, never had a problem with the engine. Has had every service up to 75k documented.

I've seen people with DSG problems with 30-40k miles. Some had absolutely no problems with upwards of 90k with the DSG fluid never even changed. It's a roll of the dice. Saying to ONLY buy under 30k seems intense because you are basing it off your past experience.


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[Vanimal]

man, that's a lot of miles. so if you were to wait a year or so would that help you get something with less miles? if so, I'd wait.

I agree on the B8.5, I've kinda pushed that one out. Don't have good vibes about it.

What about the B8 with 62k. You guys realize a lot of used Audis for sale are 2 year lease returns owned by business men or what have you putting more than the 15k per year probably. But the plus side is it's probably mostly highway miles.


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[Vanimal]

Perfect example of my 30k miles point. Here's a 2013 B8.5 I thought about looking at this one. Looks clean. It was owned by a friend of a Member on here. It was tuned early on, you can see it has exhaust on it. Was rear ended, wheel is bent possibly and it shakes going above 80mph. But the dealer has it listed like it's pretty much flawless.

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/193C8A11

Here's another 2013 literally 10 mins from me. $37,000 but it's certified & has 48k. I'd need to sit down and do which has better value between this and the 2012 B8 S4 with 62k. Right off the jump it's almost $10,000 more cash money wise. That's 10k that can be invested into the B8 with 62k. In reality it only has 14k more miles...
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/19473D96



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[BDP]

I don't see any issues with that 11, from the pictures it looks clean. At 62k it's been really only driven maybe 12k a year which is good IMO. I'd at least go check it out. The only issues with the early cars was the T-Stat and water pumps...I think Audi has an open recall on at least the T-stat.

[Vanimal]

I don't see any issues with that 11, from the pictures it looks clean. At 62k it's been really only driven maybe 12k a year which is good IMO. I'd at least go check it out. The only issues with the early cars was the T-Stat and water pumps...I think Audi has an open recall on at least the T-stat.

I think that 2011 is the one I'm going to look at. I don't feel comfortable with the miles on the 2013. Just from the description and pictures the 2012 looks and gives me the gut feeling it was taken car of better. Of course I'll sill car fax it and make sure the DSG was serviced. I'll only put roughly 8-10k miles on it a year, so in two years it will only have 82k roughly. I've had my S5 for about a year and have only put 8k on it.


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[BDP]

I think that 2011 is the one I'm going to look at. I don't feel comfortable with the miles on the 2013. I'll only put roughly 8-10k miles on it a year, so in two years it will only have 82k roughly. I've had my S5 for about a year and have only put 8k on it.


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Here is a low mileage 12...black in WV...if the mileage on the one bothers you at all.

http://www.astorgauto.com/used/Audi/...cd2621c717.htm

[MrFunk]

That's what a service history and car fax is for. There's plenty of people who have bought on here with more than 30k miles.

As for the GTI R BIG BIG pass on that. That's a kids car, I'm 31. I would feel stupid driving around in a GTI. That's just not my taste of car. Hell going from my B8 S5 to that GTI R would be a MAJOR downgrade maturity wise for me.

I know what you are saying but just because a car has 30-40k miles doesn't mean it it was "taken" care of automatically. Someone could have a 30k mileage S4 tuned early on and beat to all hell with the oil changed once. Compared to a guy like me with my 2010 S5 who changes the oil every 5k on the dot with all upgrades services. I have 80k on my 2010 S5 and it drives damn near like new, never had a problem with the engine. Has had every service up to 75k documented.

I've seen people with DSG problems with 30-40k miles. Some had absolutely no problems with upwards of 90k with the DSG fluid never even changed. It's a roll of the dice. Saying to ONLY buy under 30k seems intense because you are basing it off your past experience.


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It was just my opinion. 60k+ miles is high...
I know several adults driving GTI's and Golf R's... and I know several kids (20's) driving S4's... plenty on here... but again, was just a suggestion... service history and car fax are by no means accurate prognosis either. My suggestion is simply to find a low mile car... what you do is obviously your decision

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[Vanimal]

Here is a low mileage 12...black in WV...if the mileage on the one bothers you at all.

http://www.astorgauto.com/used/Audi/...cd2621c717.htm

That seems like a solid deal, the gas cap picture looks off for some reason like its primer'd inside? Rest looks good. One thing it had to have is the 19" stock peelers. Love those wheels on the S4, hate the 18" wheels some come with, really drags the exterior down. I plan to just toss some H&R OE springs on it to rid of the wheel gap and use the peelers for at least the first year.


I'm not in a huge rush so to speak. I told the fiancé one will eventually pop up in PA. Might take a week, might take a year. I still have my B8 S5 that I get complements on all the time. I'm just personally partial to a 4 door S4. Which probably won't turn heads as much. But I don't care, nobody really cares what you drive at the end of the day.


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[Vanimal]

It was just my opinion. 60k+ miles is high...
I know several adults driving GTI's and Golf R's... and I know several kids (20's) driving S4's... plenty on here... but again, was just a suggestion... service history and car fax are by no means accurate prognosis either. My suggestion is simply to find a low mile car... what you do is obviously your decision

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Don't get me wrong if I came off ignorant. 60k miles is certainly tip top. I'd like to be lower if I can. More in the low 40k miles range. There's always the option of waiting until the B9's hit the floor next year. Discounting the B8/B8.5 even further. I'd come up to $33,000 probably if I could get into the high 30, low 40k mile area. I've seen them pop up in that price, they usually sell really fast.

I figured with the $27,000 price, with me off setting the mileage as I would put 8-10k miles a year max on the car. In two years it would only have 82k on it, on a 2012. See I just offset the mileage to a average of 14k a year which is the norm :)

But I get what you are saying, I'd like all opinions to help make my decision if I should take a peak at the 2012 B8 or hold off for now.

If I end up holding off for now, I'll use that downpayment money towards the set off OEM RS5 rotor wheels and keep my S5 for another year. And wait and see how the B9 lowers the B8/B8.5 next year. And I'll recover some of that when I sell the wheels next year when Im ready to potentially trade my S5 in & out the stock 19's back on. So some return on investment.

I dunno looking for one feels more like a headache & not fun. I need to go back to Florida for a week and just have uber drive me around. Less headaches, ;)


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[Dr GP]

I purchased my 2011 6Mt with 49k miles almost 2 yrs ago. Purchased an extended warranty just in case something major went boom. Now, I have 63k . I have yet to use the warranty. In fact the only things I have needed to replace are normal wear and tear items. Tires, brakes, rotors and battery.

[DannyDeez]

I don't see any issues with that 11, from the pictures it looks clean. At 62k it's been really only driven maybe 12k a year which is good IMO. I'd at least go check it out. The only issues with the early cars was the T-Stat and water pumps...I think Audi has an open recall on at least the T-stat.

This is one of the reasons I say the carfax will play an important role in the decision. On my cars carfax it showed everything that was replaced by the dealer (including the thermostat). Its not so much for accident purposes anymore as it is for service history.

[Vanimal]

I purchased my 2011 6Mt with 49k miles almost 2 yrs ago. Purchased an extended warranty just in case something major went boom. Now, I have 63k . I have yet to use the warranty. In fact the only things I have needed to replace are normal wear and tear items. Tires, brakes, rotors and battery.

Awesome! I see a lot more of your case compared to things that go boom.


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[MrFunk]

Ill be in FLL next thurs and fri for work... Im sick of this crap midwest spring weather. Headed to SFO today actually too... looks like rain tomorrow though, but at least warm.

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[Vanimal]

Ill be in FLL next thurs and fri for work... Im sick of this crap midwest spring weather. Headed to SFO today actually too... looks like rain tomorrow though, but at least warm.

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When I came back to PA first few days it was actually warmer than normal. High 60's low 70. Now it's 32 degrees and calling for snow tomorrow in April! GTFO lol. Was really nice while in FLA, perfect beach weather. As usual lol....


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