S4 8 or 8.5 what to buy

[justintime1991]

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting my first Audi S4. I'm looking at two different local dealers. One has a 2012 Audi S4 Prestige http://www.centennialchryslerjeeponl...fd72268e44.htm and the other is a 2013 Premium Plus http://www.prestigeimports.net/inven...bgafl9da096963

I called the dealer with the 2013 S4. I test drove an A4 at this shop with this guy and was impressed with him knowledge when testing the A4 last week. He was mentioning the main difference would be the 2012 (Prestige) would have push to start and an upgraded sound system (And one other thing I forget now) vs their 2013 Premium package (That has some packages added like heated seats, Nav, and Backup Cam). He also mentioned there are some cosmetic changes between 2012 (8.0) and 2013 (8.5). Most importantly, he was mentioning some reliability improvements in the engine in the 2013 model like crown center differential and there were also some minor improvement in the AWD system in the 2013 model.

I got a good feeling from this guy that he knows what he was talking about and was honest which I liked a lot.

I just wanted to see what the community thinks between the 2012 and 2013 S4 and any differences and recommendations you may have on what one to get?

Thanks!

[DontHait]

Flat bottom steering wheel is only 2013+

That was a defining moment for me.

[weaselp1]

Flat bottom steering wheel is only 2013+

That was a defining moment for me.

You can always retrofit a wheel on a B8 if you want to do so. I have a 2013, so I would not know, but the B8.5 has electric steering and some who have driven the B8 and B8.5 say the B8 steering feel is better.

[scottycs]

b8.5 for both the interior and exterior enhancements! Also the DSG cars have a better trans and center diff I believe.

[DontHait]

You can always retrofit a wheel on a B8 if you want to do so. I have a 2013, so I would not know, but the B8.5 has electric steering and some who have driven the B8 and B8.5 say the B8 steering feel is better.

That's $699 for a steering wheel + cost of the airbag. Even if you find a used one, it's pretty expensive to go with a 2012 and retrofit the steering wheel.

Apart from that, you'll find different headlights, more aggressive styling, and I believe 2013+ only come with blind spot assist, and audi connect.

[weaselp1]

Yes it is pricy to do a retrofit - but it can be done. I personally would go with a B8.5 over a B8 - thats what I did and never looked back!

[doug97gxe]

it will come down to which one visually looks better to you

[justintime1991]

Likely will go with the 2013 model. They have all the service records for maintenance and the car was originally bought by them and traded for a newer model.

[DontHait]

Likely will go with the 2013 model. They have all the service records for maintenance and the car was originally bought by them and traded for a newer model.

Good decision

[Dirt]

Good decision

Agreed

.

[chaos2984]

8.5 ft. hands down exp if DSG

[bayonet14]

Had both 2013 B8 - then 2015 B8.5

Get the 8.5 if you can ;)

[KnewJack]

Had both 2013 B8 - then 2015 B8.5

Get the 8.5 if you can ;)

2013 = B8.5.

[sigaddict]

2013 = B8.5.

Lol...I was going to say, 2012 was the last year for the B8. Might not want to listen to that one

[Matthew_VA]

I wanted to get a B8.5 and actually looked at several but came across a lower priced 2012 B8 that had 20 months left on a CPO extended warranty. So I went with the extra piece of mind. I definitely miss a few things the B8.5 has that the B8 doesn't but thoroughly enjoy driving my B8. I can also retrofit a few of the interior enhancements and still come out ahead pricewise. I was set to buy one B8.5 but it didn't drive as nice as the b8 I ended up buying--didn't feel as firm or responsive--it was definitely that particular car because the other B8.5 I drove was impressive but unfortunately had some minor body damage and +75K miles...

[nick71692]

I don't think you can go wrong with either...most will come down to looks. From what I understand 2012 is the most reliable year...all the issues were worked out.