buying a used s4 (2011), worth it?

[carmonkey]

Hi all,

I was considering buying an e46 m3 but recently, ive come to check out some audis and I like the brand. I am looking into an audi s4 2011 and have a couple questions. The car:

Audi S4 premium plus quattro 2011
61k miles
manual trans.

being sold for 26.5k

1. Transmission is manual, is that the preferred Transmission for maintenance and reliability?

2. How are these cars to maintain compared to others and do they last? 60k is a good bit of milage, is it worth risking things breaking down, or should I save and wait and try to go new?

3. How are upgrades to get more hp, easy or expensive?

4. Any over all thoughts and opinions about the car and if it is a good buy? What do you guys think, how are these cars im an audi newb so far.

Thanks for the feedback!

[SportVier]

I'd say unless you are going to be using it regularly in snow, then definitely go with an M3.

[carmonkey]

really, whats better about the m3? I know i like the m3 but i just wanna get more takes on it. Also, an m3 is more expensive it seems and has more milage for a comparable model.

[EHesh14]

Go with the s4. In some aspects it's cheaper to make more power, overall better interior styling and maintenance isn't too bad especially if it's a manual. I bought a used 2011 with 30k almost two years ago and just have had thermostat & waterpump replaced, belts replaced, dampner pully replaced. That's pretty much it, but those parts will all eventually fail. Oil, tranny fluid changed often, change spark plugs and filters and the car will last a long time....if you don't drive it really hard constantly. The body styling of the e46 is amazing, but a stage 2 s4 will in most cases murder a bolt on m3

[DannyDeez]

^^Not to mention the horrible rear subframe issue on the E46 M3.

Hi all,

I was considering buying an e46 m3 but recently, ive come to check out some audis and I like the brand. I am looking into an audi s4 2011 and have a couple questions. The car:

Audi S4 premium plus quattro 2011
61k miles
manual trans.

being sold for 26.5k

1. Transmission is manual, is that the preferred Transmission for maintenance and reliability?

2. How are these cars to maintain compared to others and do they last? 60k is a good bit of milage, is it worth risking things breaking down, or should I save and wait and try to go new?

3. How are upgrades to get more hp, easy or expensive?

4. Any over all thoughts and opinions about the car and if it is a good buy? What do you guys think, how are these cars im an audi newb so far.

Thanks for the feedback!

I've been an audi fanboy for the past 12 years so of course I'll recommend the S4. To answer your questions:

1. Yes manual is the preferred transmission for reliability. The DSG especially for the '10 and '11 S4's were more problematic I believe. Plus you give up the fun factor of this car.

2. Being an owner of two B5 S4's and a B7 A4, I can say that the B8 platform is pretty solid when it comes to maintenance. Not much has been going wrong with them.

3. Super easy to get more HP out of this engine. It's already supercharged. A simple ECU flash will boost you to a very fun level of speed. Add a pulley (referred to as stage 2) and you'll have a smile on your face everytime you drive the car all for under $2k.

4. To answer that you should show us the specific car you're looking at. Also if you can get the carfax that would be great as it most likely will show any maintenance that has been performed on it. Then we can give you detailed info from there on whatever has been replaced.

Lemme know if you have any more questions and I hope you go with the Audi!

[LINDW4LL]

really, whats better about the m3? I know i like the m3 but i just wanna get more takes on it. Also, an m3 is more expensive it seems and has more milage for a comparable model.

E46 M3 owner here with good seat time in B8 S4s. Drive both. Both are attractive and have their benefits. The S4 obliterates it in the power potential department*, and interior tech, and being modern. As well as some other things.

But, the M3 is still a great car. Things that are better about the M3

300-400 lbs lighter
Has a much more visceral, naturally-aspirated 8,000RPM Engine (although acceleration between the two is basically even, stock for stock)
Feels more connected
Steering is better
Handling is better

* With the M3, you're basically looking at an additional power potential of 20-25whp with headers and a tune, unless you want to go forced induction ($$). With the S4, you're instantly making 450+hp with a tune (more with pulley) and doing so reliably, and with GOBS of torque in comparison to the M3.

[carmonkey]

good points but now im looking into the newer e92's what do you think about those vs s4?

[carmonkey]

^^Not to mention the horrible rear subframe issue on the E46 M3.




I've been an audi fanboy for the past 12 years so of course I'll recommend the S4. To answer your questions:

1. Yes manual is the preferred transmission for reliability. The DSG especially for the '10 and '11 S4's were more problematic I believe. Plus you give up the fun factor of this car.

2. Being an owner of two B5 S4's and a B7 A4, I can say that the B8 platform is pretty solid when it comes to maintenance. Not much has been going wrong with them.

3. Super easy to get more HP out of this engine. It's already supercharged. A simple ECU flash will boost you to a very fun level of speed. Add a pulley (referred to as stage 2) and you'll have a smile on your face everytime you drive the car all for under $2k.

4. To answer that you should show us the specific car you're looking at. Also if you can get the carfax that would be great as it most likely will show any maintenance that has been performed on it. Then we can give you detailed info from there on whatever has been replaced.

Lemme know if you have any more questions and I hope you go with the Audi!

Thanks for the responses. I don't know what im going to do yet but the car in question is http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...499535012.html
Also, i find e92 m3s for like 30k with 50-70k miles also clean and nice. SO its getting tough. I really love the 2 dr coupe style. But I know the audi has probably better tune potential. I think I will have to test drive both.

lemme know thoughts. Also for that stage 2 under 2k what do you think the hp would be. Also can this keep up with the m3 e92 in canyons and handling? Or is the m3 in a league of it's own like poeple say. Also any idea which one is better and easier to maintain/build quality/ reliablity. Or about equal?

[LINDW4LL]

I don't know what im going to do yet but the car in question is http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...499535012.html

That car is missing the rear sport differential option; pass.

[carmonkey]

Thanks, I wasn't familiar with that option ? Can you elaborate on it and why it's so important?
Also, how can you tell if a car has the rear sport diff option?

[LINDW4LL]

The search function is your friend.

[carmonkey]

So basically, they say you can 'push the car harder' and 'more fun with it'. So how can you tell that it doesnt have it?

[S4ilicious]

So basically, they say you can 'push the car harder' and 'more fun with it'. So how can you tell that it doesnt have it?

Trust me Pass on this S4. If I were you id listen to what people are telling you and buy something you can afford and a newer S4. Its almost always better to buy a couple years into the Generation so that issues are sorted out by Audi.
Also no sport Diff �� .It seems to me you haven't done your research on Audi yet, id suggest using the search function and or Google.

[carmonkey]

Trust me Pass on this S4. If I were you id listen to what people are telling you and buy something you can afford and a newer S4. Its almost always better to buy a couple years into the Generation so that issues are sorted out by Audi.
Also no sport Diff �� .It seems to me you haven't done your research on Audi yet, id suggest using the search function and or Google.

Not sure I understand what your saying. Firstly, I am listening to people, I'm also trying to gather more information and one way to do that is to ask questions. Using search is a tedious and long process of sifting through tons of replies till you find the information you need. It is not ideal.

Secondly, I understand that sport diff is important, however, are you suggesting there are more reasons to pass on this than simply the missing rear sports diff? What year would you suggest if this one is too old? This one is also a few years into the generation as the b9's started in 2009. As for what I can afford, i'd like to stick in the 25k-30k range. And yea, I'll pass on this audi based on your guys' recommendation, but then what should I look for, what would be a better suggestion as they are hard to come by, the m3s actually seem more common/ easier to come by.

[A4SlineWA]

I was too on the same fence deciding between a e92/e90 M3 and and 2011 S4. I have a budget for around $28,000. Considering this I could have only gotten a 2009 M3 vs a newer 2011 s4 which I bought 6 months ago with 55k miles. So +1 for the Audi. I love modding for speed (straightline) and don't really car for spirited driving (curves) so I opted for the s4 due to mod potential. +2 for Audi. You can mod a m3 but to get it up in the 11's 1/4 you'd have to supercharge it and that's like $10 if that.

Handeling, oh handeling lol in the s4. Coming from an STi, Evo, rs6 and GT-R, this car, S4 is the worst. I swear i feel the car wobbles and doesn't feel planted, you'll find this to be true if you search. Even by B6 A4 s-line felt like it can out handle my current car. So with that said you'll have to get suspension mods if this is important to you. +1 for the BMW for I have heard handeling is amazing and you really feel connected to the car. It's trully a driver car. Where as to me an S4 is great in a straight line until you mod the suspension.

I also based my decision on where I live. Being in WA and perhaps the occasional snow fall I wanted something I felt comfortable driving year long. My friend bought a 2010 with around 67k miles and within 3 months he had to replace the thermostat & water pump. Set him back $1000. The previous owner has to change this as well on my 2011. So if you buy a 2010-2011 it might be helpful to see if this has been replaced or ensure there isn't issues with these parts. The next big maintenance is the spark plugs at 60K miles and I believe transmission flush at 75k.

With all that said I'd say if you live in a sunny state (rwd friendly) and don't really car about going low 11's in the 1/4 and just want an overall quick car that you'll feel connected to, go M3. I'd go 2011 M3, because all if not most of the upgrades happened before the f80 came out. If you want a car that's faster than an M3 in a straightline go S4. If you want it to be faster in the turns as well you'll definitely have to upgrade suspension parts. Let me know if you have any other questions. I bought my 2011 a few months ago.

[A4SlineWA]

The search button is your friend. I think people are just tired of having to re explain the same topic over and over again that keeps being brought up, lol.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-no-sport-diff

Search the classified forums for a used s4 here on audizine. That's where I bought mine. And don't be afraid to ship either. I bought mine in CT and I live in WA. When i lived in AK I bought all my cars out of state. If you can find a good deal even with shipping you maybe able to still be under book value. Plus if you buy in the classifieds you can have a good barometer on how the car was maintained and used, sometimes based on the members posts.

[carmonkey]

The search button is your friend. I think people are just tired of having to re explain the same topic over and over again that keeps being brought up, lol.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-no-sport-diff

Search the classified forums for a used s4 here on audizine. That's where I bought mine. And don't be afraid to ship either. I bought mine in CT and I live in WA. When i lived in AK I bought all my cars out of state. If you can find a good deal even with shipping you maybe able to still be under book value. Plus if you buy in the classifieds you can have a good barometer on how the car was maintained and used, sometimes based on the members posts.

Yeah i read that thread already they all say basically it sucks without it . So I get that. I guess it can be hard to tell if the car has it or not though.

[carmonkey]

The search button is your friend. I think people are just tired of having to re explain the same topic over and over again that keeps being brought up, lol.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-no-sport-diff

Search the classified forums for a used s4 here on audizine. That's where I bought mine. And don't be afraid to ship either. I bought mine in CT and I live in WA. When i lived in AK I bought all my cars out of state. If you can find a good deal even with shipping you maybe able to still be under book value. Plus if you buy in the classifieds you can have a good barometer on how the car was maintained and used, sometimes based on the members posts.

seems a little risky since someone could easily lie about a car or pull a a scam with low risk

[DannyDeez]

Thanks for the responses. I don't know what im going to do yet but the car in question is http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...499535012.html
Also, i find e92 m3s for like 30k with 50-70k miles also clean and nice. SO its getting tough. I really love the 2 dr coupe style. But I know the audi has probably better tune potential. I think I will have to test drive both.

lemme know thoughts. Also for that stage 2 under 2k what do you think the hp would be. Also can this keep up with the m3 e92 in canyons and handling? Or is the m3 in a league of it's own like poeple say. Also any idea which one is better and easier to maintain/build quality/ reliablity. Or about equal?

Welcome. It's hard to see much detail about that car. Maybe it's just because im on my phone. But I would keep looking. If that car were priced closer to the low $20's Id day yea consider it. But get the carfax on it. Maybe it'll say that it already had the clutch recently replaced or something that would make it worth while.

You should only be paying low $20's for a 2010-11 S4. For a 2012 expect to pay more. I just paid $32k a couple months ago for mine.

As for the e92 M3, I'm useless when it comes to those cars as I know nothing about them.

For stage 2, HP claims are over 450 crank. I had it on my S5 (same engine) and it was insane. My passengers reactions were always the best.

Again, not sure how it would compare in the canyons. Based on what I've heard, I would say the M3 shits on the S4 there. But I dunno.

Being that this platform has been so solid, I'd say the S4 is a good bet. And like mentioned, check the classifieds here (B8 section) for a nice one owned by an enthusiast.

Oh and to find out about sports diff, ask to see a window sticker, or call audi of America and give them the vin # and they'll pull up the sticker and read all the options to you.

[chaos2984]

Id say go with the M3 if you like more raw power and rwd fun. But if you want the whole package go with the S4. The S4 was a no brainer to me. I like the whole package of the car not just power and exterior styling and handling. I like the balance the interior styling and comfortability as well. The Audi's have a nicer interior by far. Also AWD is fun when putting it into the corners. Also you can chip it and have same or a little more power than the M3. The biggest down fall that I have seen on here is with the clutch with a tune. Seems to eat the clutch a lot faster and you should prep yourself for one. I know it comes down to driving habits but seems like everyone has to do one. Figure about 1500-2K on a clutch job.

Id say go with the S4. But just drive both and see what you feel. I have always had good luck with used Audi's. Now both of my Used S4's were stock when i bought them. The B8.5 was my first S4.

[jsh139]

A sports diff car (2010-2012) will have these buttons in the interior and this customization page on the MMI screen:

[MrFunk]

If you can afford lower miles then get lower. 60k+ on a used S4 (or M3 for that matter) is too high IMO.
Only you can decide which to buy... it's an emotional decision. Nothing on paper or online should matter.

[bknewtype]

cali? e92 m3. so sexyyyy. :]

im no help.

[mr shickadance]

Hi all,

I was considering buying an e46 m3 but recently, ive come to check out some audis and I like the brand. I am looking into an audi s4 2011 and have a couple questions. The car:

Audi S4 premium plus quattro 2011
61k miles
manual trans.

being sold for 26.5k

1. Transmission is manual, is that the preferred Transmission for maintenance and reliability?

both transmissions are pretty solid on the car, and they both have their fair share of monkeys, the manual transmission would be cheaper to fix

2. How are these cars to maintain compared to others and do they last? 60k is a good bit of milage, is it worth risking things breaking down, or should I save and wait and try to go new?

the engine and components are very good for any car, and incredible for audi imo.

3. How are upgrades to get more hp, easy or expensive?

you hit a pretty hard wall after stage 2, which is a chip, pulley upgrade, and intake, the good news is that you are good for around what 380awhp? which is plenty, the bad news is if you want anything more, you are going to be reaching into the high 4 low 5 figure range. Most people will tell you stage 2 is more than enough for the car

4. Any over all thoughts and opinions about the car and if it is a good buy? What do you guys think, how are these cars im an audi newb so far.

in my opinion, the used S4 market is an incredible value, for the money (20-30k) you really will have a hard time finding a car that offers the performance, refinement, 4 doors, and AWD nature of the car.




Thanks for the feedback!

answers in bold

[Woodybangs]

I've had mine for about 4 months. Car is solid but bought a power train warranty just in case. DSG sport diff over 80K here. Check to see if it's flagged and what previous service has been completed.

[The Fat Kid]

I was thinking about an E92 M3s and the main critique is the lack of low-end torque, which is the best thing about the S4. There are aftermarket superchargers for E92s if you want to create a monster.

I would not buy the S4 with 60k miles without having at least $5k set aside for repairs.

[agorich]

hmm, difficult choice. It comes down to how practical you want to be, imo. when it comes to spending money on a car, just like a house, you have to think resale. if even just a little. Most people don't drive until their car is paid off due to many reasons like wanting a new car, needing a new car (due to a family, totaled car, fall in love with a different car), etc. The M3 is a beautiful car to drive and almost anyone will look great driving it. the feeling your car gives you is also a huge factor in picking so be sure to drive both. I've always been a more practical buyer. I had my choice between my favorite car of all time which is a corvette or the s4 which is a car i've wanted for the past 5+ years. However, I knew I wasn't going to pay off my corvette in a year or two and by that time my wife and I plan to start a family. which would have meant getting rid of the corvette anyway. at which point I would go for a sedan or suv. I went for the s4 now because I know I won't have the financial freedom with children on the way as I do now. And I'd be much better off having paid down my s4 and holding onto it vs having to start all over with another car. if i wanted to, I could even refinance the balance on my s4 and decrease my payments if need be. but of course, only if I planned on keeping it otherwise I'd be way underwater come time to trade it in/sell it. anyway..haha.

from my friends w/ the m3s, they love it it...the are fast and enjoy themselves. but they get d-bags trying to race them all the time and they sure do stand out on the highway. the s4 looks like an a4 which does not draw a lot of attention. you still get great performance out of it but w/out people trying to race you all the time. I do get other s4 owners flash or honk and waive at me though. haha. that is fun. I can only imagine other m3 owners wanting to race one another for some reason. that is why my friends used to do.

good luck making a difficult decision! haha

[torinalth]

I don't really think it makes sense to cross shop these two. Reason being is they are very different. the S4 is more practical and stable vehicle that is more luxury and has a nice sport backbone to it. the M3 is the euro version of that time periods mustang. a RWD toss around car. I think the M3 will be more fun (i miss sliding my mustang), but the S4 more useable. I had a similar discussion with a friend of mine between the Lexus IS-F and the S4. He ended up with hte IS-F due to being "more fun". RWD and good weather means you can afford to play around more. AWD really makes it hard to play. you have to flog the crap out of it to make it misbehave. I honestly think i'd be having more fun if I bought the 15 Mustang GT instead, but i think I have a better car in the S4 for what I actually *need*.

why not consider a mustang or camaro? cheaper than the M3, easy and cheap to mod, and simple to fix. dollar to fun ratio is much greater with those than the M3.

[mr shickadance]

I was thinking about an E92 M3s and the main critique is the lack of low-end torque, which is the best thing about the S4. There are aftermarket superchargers for E92s if you want to create a monster.

I would not buy the S4 with 60k miles without having at least $5k set aside for repairs.

for what it's worth, the solution for low end torque is always a downshift away.

agree with your second point, post warranty, you absolutely want to make sure you have a covered car. Its very rare when things go wrong on the b8 platform, but if they do, it does get extremely pricey.

[Vanimal]

BMW's around me are dime a dozen, especially considering every other 335i is dressed up like a M3 clone. I certainly see more E92 M3's compared to B8 S4's oddly. I don't see enough B8 S4/S5's in PA. It's unreal how many compliments I get on my S5 simply because their aren't many S4/S5's scooting around. Even when I see another fellow nicely dressed up S4 I stop and double look lol. Have you considered a similar year C63 Mercedes? I dig those over the year & price you're looking at year/price bracket M3.

Not a big BMW guy but I do dig those new M4's ;) You need to ask are you looking for a car you can get the most power out of so you can race around. Or a nice DD, that the total package. Looks, sound, everyday practicability but can put a smile on your face when you need it.

I simply stay Audi because other than their subtle sexy exteriors are refined interior they are the Swiss Army knife of cars. I live in PA with potential crappy winters may not be the same for you.


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[Vanimal]

If power for your dollar is what you seek... And not a total package European car. Look at the new 2016 Challenger or Charger Scat pack. They are going for like $40k BRAND NEW around me. 6.4L 485hp, 475lbs TQ, they run like a low 12. That's A LOT of car & motor for 40k brand new.

I seen a 2016 all black charger scat pack the other day & it looked & sounded sweet! Interior won't be as nice as the S4/M3 but it's still a ton of car for $40k brand new. Challenger comes in 6spd too if you want manual.

2016 face lift models look a lot better than the previous years IMO.


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[mmm def]

I've owned an e46 m3, e90 m3 and am now on my 2nd b8 s4. All awesome cars but so different. If I had to pick the best drivers car it would be the e46 easy. It's so engaging and raw and awesome. I'd love to get another one but right now not a good time with babies.

E90 m3 is a lot of fun and more engaging to drive vs the s4 but I never really fell in love with it. Sure it's a bit faster than the s4 and handles better but to me the s4 has more to offer as a complete package. A great blend of performance and utility.

[A4SlineWA]

seems a little risky since someone could easily lie about a car or pull a a scam with low risk

I have used used these guys 3 times. http://lemonsquad.com

[The Fat Kid]

If power for your dollar is what you seek... And not a total package European car. Look at the new 2016 Challenger or Charger Scat pack. They are going for like $40k BRAND NEW around me. 6.4L 485hp, 475lbs TQ, they run like a low 12. That's A LOT of car & motor for 40k brand new.

I seen a 2016 all black charger scat pack the other day & it looked & sounded sweet! Interior won't be as nice as the S4/M3 but it's still a ton of car for $40k brand new. Challenger comes in 6spd too if you want manual.

2016 face lift models look a lot better than the previous years IMO.


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An alternate definition of "scat" is "an animal fecal dropping", so the "Shite Pack" is appropriate for a Dodge.

[Vanimal]

An alternate definition of "scat" is "an animal fecal dropping", so the "Shite Pack" is appropriate for a Dodge.

But fast fecal dropping ;) That joke is so 2015 for that car lol. But I get it. "You could always say, it's the -shit-"

I'm not one for the fastest 1/4 time anymore. I'm getting too old for that nonsense, I'm for the more refined total package. I just suggested the scat pack because someone mentioned a Camaro or mustang. I'd take the challenger over either of those.

Personally if we are talking total package & doesn't require AWD. He should take a peak at the 2010-2011 C63. Everyone will be bias & have their own opinion, boils down to what he likes essentially. You just can't beat the total package of the S4.

https://youtu.be/qR0q_pZPZz0

https://youtu.be/sJRVlkNWLHM


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[SportVier]

good points but now im looking into the newer e92's what do you think about those vs s4?

Drive them both and you tell us.

300-400 lbs lighter
Has a much more visceral, naturally-aspirated 8,000RPM Engine (although acceleration between the two is basically even, stock for stock)
Feels more connected
Steering is better
Handling is better

That is a lot of win.

But if all you care about are 1/4 mile times , then I guess the S4 could be a better choice.

[mr shickadance]

seems a little risky since someone could easily lie about a car or pull a a scam with low risk

you gotta do your due diligence, if the owner says it's serviced by audi, they should have records, get the carfax, pull a member from AZ who is regionally bound, buy em a case of beer to check it out.

a decent seller has no issues with any of that shit, and is more than willing to provide the buyer with any and all information possible. a shady seller is going to tip toe around that stuff.

(of course, slightly biased as im trying to move my car)

[The Fat Kid]

But faster than the M3. That joke is so 2015 for that car lol. But I get it. "You could always say, it's the -shit-"

I'm not one for the fastest 1/4 time anymore. I'm getting too old for that nonsense, I'm for the more refined total package. I just suggested the scat pack because someone mentioned a Camaro or mustang. I'd take the challenger over either of those.

Personally if we are talking total package & doesn't require AWD. He should take a peak at the 2010-2011 C63. Everyone will be bias & have their own opinion, boils down to what he likes essentially. You just can't beat the total package of the S4 if you aren't looking to be boy racer at every red light.

https://youtu.be/qR0q_pZPZz0

https://youtu.be/sJRVlkNWLHM


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At least one person is really excited for the Charger's smokey burnouts.

[carmonkey]

I don't really think it makes sense to cross shop these two. Reason being is they are very different. the S4 is more practical and stable vehicle that is more luxury and has a nice sport backbone to it. the M3 is the euro version of that time periods mustang. a RWD toss around car. I think the M3 will be more fun (i miss sliding my mustang), but the S4 more useable. I had a similar discussion with a friend of mine between the Lexus IS-F and the S4. He ended up with hte IS-F due to being "more fun". RWD and good weather means you can afford to play around more. AWD really makes it hard to play. you have to flog the crap out of it to make it misbehave. I honestly think i'd be having more fun if I bought the 15 Mustang GT instead, but i think I have a better car in the S4 for what I actually *need*.

why not consider a mustang or camaro? cheaper than the M3, easy and cheap to mod, and simple to fix. dollar to fun ratio is much greater with those than the M3.

You bring up some interesting points, and in fact, I have been considering a new 2016 camero as well but the only thing is how much I like an all around car that includes nice luxury. Also the price of a nice loaded camero is like 47k with leather interior ect. I feel like a used Audi s4 or m3 is better bang for the buck but I could be wrong.

[carmonkey]

Drive them both and you tell us.



That is a lot of win.

But if all you care about are 1/4 mile times , then I guess the S4 could be a better choice.

Well I definitely care about more than 1/4 mile. If that were the case is probably go with a 16 camero.