Serious Question: Why are people parting out their B8's?

[gfro1234]

Hey all, I'm a former b5 s4 owner who is considering getting back into an Audi, specifically a manual b8/b8.5 s4 (lightly used, can't afford new right now). I know how the mod bug can bite, but based on some of the trouble I had as my b5 went up in miles and how I need a reliable car for work, my plan would be to just do a nice catback and minor aesthetic mods.

Now on to my question - I can handle spending money to keep this car running, but I want to minimize the risk of something going wrong that'll cost more than a couple thousand to fix (especially drivetrain related). So when I see people parting out their cars that are only a couple years old I'm wondering if most folks parting out because something catastrophic has gone wrong, or because they crashed, etc?

Thanks in advance for any insights you guys can provide.

[bayonet14]

Could be a lease
Could be they are cash strapped
Could be APRs 'soon' to be release of a TB
But never should it feel awkward to ask the seller straight out...why they are selling a particular mod you may be in the market for ;)

[silverf0x]

A few reasons that comes to mind:
1) Car sold/returned (lease), went back to stock
2) Totaled car, scattered mods
3) Want another look
4) Mods caused to much problem with the authorities
5) Mods not doint their intent purposes or owner not satisfied with the mod
6) Need money
7) S/O or peer pressure (see number 3)

[hodrosS42001]

Hey all, I'm a former b5 s4 owner who is considering getting back into an Audi, specifically a manual b8/b8.5 s4 (lightly used, can't afford new right now). I know how the mod bug can bite, but based on some of the trouble I had as my b5 went up in miles and how I need a reliable car for work, my plan would be to just do a nice catback and minor aesthetic mods.

Now on to my question - I can handle spending money to keep this car running, but I want to minimize the risk of something going wrong that'll cost more than a couple thousand to fix (especially drivetrain related). So when I see people parting out their cars that are only a couple years old I'm wondering if most folks parting out because something catastrophic has gone wrong, or because they crashed, etc?

Thanks in advance for any insights you guys can provide.

The simple answer is, people are parting them because they are moving onto bigger and better things.. and the return in selling a highly modified car v stock is not there.. people are getting more money back parting their aftermarket modifications then leaving them on the car. In fact, many modified cars are selling at the same if not lower price points than stock vehicles at the same mileage and options. So financially it makes sense to part.

[bayonet14]

All good points -

There is a strong secondary market for parts - as stated above ^ if you trade at a dealer they want the car back to OEM as much as possible -vs- a potential buyer in the used market look for a stage I/II/whatever S3/S4/S5 etc... there is just a better return on initial investment if they part it out... even if they go the route of a private sale of a vehicle w/mods and say try to sell the car out-right w/whatever mods included...unless they get a buyer that understands what has been done to the vehicle - even then still wont get a 'good' return what the initial owner paid for said mod(s)

If your a bargain hunter - do your homework
Look at what the market can bare in your area and out say 50/100/150/200 miles - secondary market sales/pricing - and of course here on the classified section and other boards - reviews/feedback -
The only stupid question is the one you 'don't' ask

[gfro1234]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! I think I was jumping to the worst case scenario and forgetting about some of the more common reasons mentioned above

[GRUMPY-S4]

Most B8's are getting up there in miles. Maint. Costs go up exponentially after a few years of usage.


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[The Fat Kid]

I recently traded my 18-month-old S4 in on a 911, and parted out all my S4 accessories (e.g. winter setup, intake, etc.); nothing was "wrong" with the S4.

[Ze_Nardo6]

If the sale of my car falls through (to a friend), I'll be parting my car out as well to another friend. Just makes sense to sell the parts to actually get something in return. As stated above, you don't get shit for your aftermarket parts when selling your vehicle as is. Sometimes, it even loses you some value.

[Frinkferta]

Some people change mods like clothes around here too, especially when it comes to wheels!


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[RudyH]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! I think I was jumping to the worst case scenario and forgetting about some of the more common reasons mentioned above

TBH, coming from a Stage III B5 S4, to now a Stage II B8 S4 - the B8 is WAY more reliable then the B5.

Waterpump / thermostat - all Audi / VW problem

The B5 S4 was a landslide of problems. Went GIAC and supporting mods, then one of the K03's went. Upgraded the K04's, then sensors (O2 and constant EGT) and valves (diverter and PCV) started going. Then the clutch went resulting in flywheel. When the steering rack needed to be replaced, I got rid of it.

The B8 S4 I haven't had a problem beyond the waterpump / thermostat. The mech unit needed a $400 part replacement (third party warranty) but still way cheaper then a clutch and flywheel (wouldn't have been covered regardless under warranty).

It's a solid car, not just driving on the road, but mechanically *knock on wood*. I think I had the B5 ~ 2003-2004 to 2010, then the B8 from ~2011 to now so pretty close to the same period of time. Must say the S4 has been my love of cars I have owned over the years so I might spend a bit more on extra maintenance.

[JonS4]

I'd agree the parting out is all economics with newer model vehicles and not reliability related. It's just time for a new toy and no one pays much for already installed mods.
Different story on older vehicles, I sold my modded 98.5 A4 at 11 years and made absolutely no effort to unbolt the GIAC tune, the K04, the Bilsteins or the exhaust. In fact, it was a big selling feature at that price point.

[jimrobbington]

A lot of people in the B8 section were early adopters also. Meaning they bought mods that were discontinued, or something better eventually came out. Seems like the average b8 user has quite a bit more money than I do as well, so I feel like they grow bored easily and move on to an M5 or GTR or S6 or something.

There is nothing wrong with the platform that is causing this, rest assured.

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[shadycrew31]

This is normal for a 6 year old car. In another 4 years you will start seeing actual part out threads, which is what I am really excited for. I need so many random trim pieces its insane.

[Vogz]

As a general rule, if I'm trading in a car I'll return it completely back to stock. This assumes that my time to removing a mod is worth less than I can sell it for.

If I'm selling private party, I'll leave it modified as I've seen that a tastefully modified CLEAN vehicle will pull a premium if you wait for the right buyer.

I sold my modified 350Z for double book value last year. It still didn't come close to the money I put into it but I also got to enjoy it for over a decade.


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[stereojorge]

I took my B8 S4 and transferred every single mod from it to my newer B8.5 S4, only having to sell and repurchase the Alu-Kreuz. I was early adopter with a 2010, and wanted DSG, newer look and different color, but had I gone to different car, I would've fully parted it out.


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[cspcrx]

I see people parting out 8.5s. I am amazed at how many people modify a leased vehicles.