Best/Least Problem Prone s4 Avant?

[mydreamcar]

I know this question probably has been posed 1,344 times, but I can't find it.

In the market for a used s4 avant. I have loved my 2001 s4 Avant for 10 years, but there's too many problems with it.

What is the best s4 Avant in your opinion and why? I am staying away from the earlier v8's due to their engine issues.
Cheers!

[d.p]

You only have two choices, B5 or B6/B7 and both come with their own sets of problems. All of the 4.2 V8s suffer the same chain and oil consumption issues.

[Slow4]

Also consider the old Allroads with the 2.7 or 4.2...otherwise there are no other S4 Avants in the **US** market.

BHF 4.2s are hit or miss but do your homework on them before purchase; inquire about leak-down and compression test, get borescope if possible, ask if tensioner/guides were completed (at what mileage)

Good luck


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[darrenho]

I know this question probably has been posed 1,344 times, but I can't find it.

In the market for a used s4 avant. I have loved my 2001 s4 Avant for 10 years, but there's too many problems with it.

What is the best s4 Avant in your opinion and why? I am staying away from the earlier v8's due to their engine issues.
Cheers!

Thinking of selling your B5?

[88ninety9]

I'd stick to the b5. Obviously I'm biased, but as mentioned i wouldn't want to deal with the v8 problems. They do have a nice growl though!

[4rings2turbos]

If you don't mind going slightly bigger, the C5 S6 is a pretty stout car. Still 340hp V8, but belt driven. Trans can be a weak point but you'll want a 6-speed swap anyway so it's almost just a good excuse. The refinement is a couple steps beyond the A/S4 platform too in terms of ride/noise comfort and also potential gadgets and roominess. It does sacrifice some nimbleness for these qualities though.

[Axel-]

You only have two choices, B5 or B6/B7 and both come with their own sets of problems. All of the 4.2 V8s suffer the same chain and oil consumption issues.

Not entirely accurate. The chain issue sure (it's actually a guide issue and the B7 has a marginally better guides than the B6 but they can break as well so not discounting that statement). However, the oil consumption issue is either the PCV valve/gasket/valve stem seals (annoying but can be fixed) or scored cylinders. It's the scored cylinders you really have to worry about. A leak down test and boroscope is best. Not all S4 V8s have scored cylinders but many do. The consensus (although difficult to prove) is that most owners don't wait long enough for the oil to reach operating temps prior to revving above 3k RPMs. Some have used the coolant temp as their gauge because only the B7 RS4 came with an oil temp in the cluster display (whereas the B6/7 S4 did not) but unfortunately, it's misleading as the coolant reaches operating temp earlier than the oil. Others have just revved the engine over 3k rpms while the car was still cold.

So to answer your question, I would stick with a 2006 to 2008 MY and do compression and leak down tests and a boroscope prior to purchase.