B8 S4 with rebuilt title?

[Audi_Andrew19]

Hey guys,

I'm new here so please don't bash me too much but I am contemplating purchasing a B8 S4. There is a white on white one that is local to me and it has all the options I want and then some (Sport Diff, Manual, etc.).

However, the car has a rebuilt title because the previous owner (or one before him) apparently drove through a puddle and the engine sucked up massive amounts of water and became hydrolocked. The current owner of the car bought it as a total loss but he has a quote from Audi to replace the engine.

The new owner then sourced a new engine and had the work done professionally and even did preventative maintenance such as gaskets, various seals, fluids, spark plugs, etc), claims over 12k spent, he even did mods such as a new clutch, software, etc. . Electronics are claimed to be in good order as well and no water apparently got into the cabin.

What would you guys say? Obviously I would get a pre-purchase inspection but I'm really hesitant about the idea of a new engine in a car like this.

Thanks a ton and I'm happy to be a new member,
Andrew

[RudyH]

tbh, I would steer clear of it...for the few extra thousand you might spend on a clean S4, might save you thousands in repairs and gremlins from this one.

The biggest being electrical, and though everything might appear working during even a test drive, I have read of people having issues of things not functioning properly if there was a simple change in weather for example

Do you know if the cabin had a lot of water in it? 'generally' unless it was a custom CAI, you shouldn't be getting water in the engine unless the water was more or less a foot from the top of the hood, meaning a good chance the cabin got water too

[Audi_Andrew19]

Yeah, thank you for reassuring my conscience. I've already been in contact with the owner and while he seems confident with the car and has been driving it for a while now with these parts, a car with a new engine will never be the same as a clean title. Plus I believe it is more difficult to get insurance sorted out regarding the rebuilt title as well. I haven't seen the car in person yet and I'm kind of glad I haven't because it could be a waste of time. I think there are a good amount of manual B8's out there and this isn't the only option. Thanks again!

[sacandagaD]

"....apparently drove through a puddle..." What was the puddle's name, the Potomac???

As RudyH says, if the water got that high, how did it not get into the cabin? So tread carefully ( sorry, no pun intended ) and think about moisture hiding in nooks and crannies allowing mold to grow, along with oxidation and corrosion. God forbid if it was ever salt water, then it is toast.

[scottycs]

What is the price?

[mr shickadance]

"....apparently drove through a puddle..." What was the puddle's name, the Potomac???

As RudyH says, if the water got that high, how did it not get into the cabin? So tread carefully ( sorry, no pun intended ) and think about moisture hiding in nooks and crannies allowing mold to grow, along with oxidation and corrosion. God forbid if it was ever salt water, then it is toast.

this for sure.

The S4's air intake is just below the hood, so the water from a puddle must have been at least >2.5 feet, and def higher than the door jams.

With the electronics in modern cars I would imagine you are going to have gremlins that will plague the car. You also gotta wonder why someone would put $12k of labor into the car and walk away.

[Audi_Andrew19]

this for sure.

The S4's air intake is just below the hood, so the water from a puddle must have been at least >2.5 feet, and def higher than the door jams.

With the electronics in modern cars I would imagine you are going to have gremlins that will plague the car. You also gotta wonder why someone would put $12k of labor into the car and walk away.

Exactly, the owner wants 26k for it and I also think that is a fair bit ridiculous as well. I'm sure I could argue the price but now I definitely don't think it's worth it. Apparently wants to get rid of it for real estate reasons, wants to buy a house..doesn't everyone when they are selling the car; seems kinda fishy. Didn't even think about it being salt water although highly unlikely but without even looking at the car I think there could very well be corrosion and rust starting to form.

[DannyDeez]

$26k!!?? Lmfaooo stay away from that. You can get clean title B8 S4's for that or less.

[grovlet]

YUP - 26K is way out of line..... Engines are one of the most solid points on these cars.... So you don't need one with zero miles.

Run away - and don't look back!

[mmm def]

That's about 10k too much. No way man

[nate.the.great]

lol, the puddle's name was Hurricane Sandy.

I'd buy the high mileage 6 speed for 15k, and save 10k for maintenance/repairs.

[pkny]

Oh i saw that car during my search!
Not sure if its good or bad, but he is asking clean title price on a non-clean title car. His post is detailed and he does list all the repairs. May or may not be a good buy, but there is a car selling for around the same price out in alexandria.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...802632632.html

[bhvrdr]

I agree with others. Why would a car be a total loss if all that was wrong was a locked up engine? Wait until a few years down the road when the turn signals start going on by themselves or the radio mysteriously starts playing Barry Manilow after the car has been parked for an hour. Theres miles of wires in the car that may have taken a dunk too that can retain moisture literally for years. Could be a nightmare. That price is crazy.

Mike

[VenturiRS]

I agree with others. Why would a car be a total loss if all that was wrong was a locked up engine? Wait until a few years down the road when the turn signals start going on by themselves or the radio mysteriously starts playing Barry Manilow after the car has been parked for an hour. Theres miles of wires in the car that may have taken a dunk too that can retain moisture literally for years. Could be a nightmare. That price is crazy.

Mike

Free XM Radio sounds like a plus to me...

[Audi_Andrew19]

Oh i saw that car during my search!
Not sure it its good or bad, but he is asking clean title price on a non-clean title. His post is detailed and he does list all the repairs. May or may not be a good buy, but there is a a car for selling for around the same price out in alexandria.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...802632632.html

Yeah I've been looking around our area too, I'm willing to travel around a bit if the car is right...

[Audi_Andrew19]

Exactly Mike, thanks a ton. These cars are very complicated and I even get worried when my phone gets wet I can't imagine an entire car. I think he's asking a bit too much for the price and even if it was cheaper I think I would always hold that thought that it was drowned essentially at some point in the back of my head.

Thanks to everyone on the help, really appreciate the kindness to a new member and I'm happy to be a part of it!
Andrew

[S4UCE]

Wow 26k for salvage? Seriously, don't buy a salvage car to rebuild if you ever plan on selling it. Ever. No matter how thoroughly it's rebuilt/repaired, there's always that risk factor to the next owner.

[jays2ktl]

Hey Everyone,

As the seller I just wanted to chime in.

I understand everyones point on a rebuilt car and usually follow that moto. But to me it wasnt like any other s4 I saw and gave me the opportunity to get it to where its at now (and it took many months).
I will say I have documentation of all repairs totaling well over the sale price. Its my own fault for that but I only wanted to do whats right. Thus why I spent what I did to fix it right. As for the reason for the rebuilt title its the Audi dealer who quoted close to 25k to replace the engine and so insurance just totaled it.

Reason for the sale now is I very much like the car just not what I need at this time.

Frankly Ill probably end up keeping it and enjoy it. As for price I said in my listing its best offer. With that and what I have done to the car I think its safe to say I have gone above and beyond with a fine tooth comb. I want somebody to enjoy it like I planned.

Again I just wanted to chime in so people know I am an honest guy and not just a "used car sales person". Best with the search Andrew and nice talking to you! May I get to meet any locals in the future!

[pkny]

Hey Everyone,

As the seller I just wanted to chime in.

I understand everyones point on a rebuilt car and usually follow that moto. But to me it wasnt like any other s4 I saw and gave me the opportunity to get it to where its at now (and it took many months).
I will say I have documentation of all repairs totaling well over the sale price. Its my own fault for that but I only wanted to do whats right. Thus why I spent what I did to fix it right. As for the reason for the rebuilt title its the Audi dealer who quoted close to 25k to replace the engine and so insurance just totaled it.

Reason for the sale now is I very much like the car just not what I need at this time.

Frankly Ill probably end up keeping it and enjoy it. As for price I said in my listing its best offer. With that and what I have done to the car I think its safe to say I have gone above and beyond with a fine tooth comb. I want somebody to enjoy it like I planned.

Again I just wanted to chime in so people know I am an honest guy and not just a "used car sales person". Best with the search Andrew and nice talking to you! May I get to meet any locals in the future!

Ah cool! Thanks for chiming in. Your CL post was very detailed and I can say i was very tempted. Since your price was higher then what i wanted to pay for a rebuilt title i didn't want to offend you with a low ball offer.
I wish i can say i buy cars to keep forever so the rebuilt title shouldn't be a bother, but who am i kidding. I owned 5 cars since i moved to this area in 2007 because i am a financial idiot

[jays2ktl]

Ah cool! Thanks for chiming in. Your CL post was very detailed and I can say i was very tempted. Since your price was higher then what i wanted to pay for a rebuilt title i didn't want to offend you with a low ball offer.
I wish i can say i buy cars to keep forever so the rebuilt title shouldn't be a bother, but who am i kidding. I owned 5 cars since i moved to this area in 2007 because i am a financial idiot

My pleasure. And thanks for the kind words! I can understand all that. Well we could always talk ..Haha.

I usually do! I even have my first car still. But who doesnt like options and to mix it up with what we drive in the DMV! haha.

[HeymyAudi]

Clean car but dont know about the price..

[simbat]

I personally owned 4 cars with salvage titles.This was back when I was on a tight budget. 3 were due to accident. One was flooded (fresh water). No problem whatsoever with any of these cars related to the salvage title - all these cars I bought when they were 1-2 years old with less than 10K miles on them. Paid cash. So if I was on the market for a used S4 I wouldn't worry about salvage title too much. As with any other used car the key is inspection by someone who knows what to look for. In fact when I was shopping for a car I came across a salvage monsoon grey 13' S4 with brown/black panda interior in Philadelphia . I loved that car, but here was a vibration coming from the engine compartment at idle and I was not familiar enough with these cars at that time so I skipped it. But shortly after someone else bought it. I have no concerns with salvage title car if the car is brought back to manufacturing specs and everything is working the way it should be. The money you save when buying salvage comparing to clean title you can put aside in a bank account or even better - invest them in stocks or buy 1 OZ gold coins to create your own warranty fund. No warranty comes for free. We all pay for it. Better is to have things in your hands and this is especially sweet if the price of the car is affordable enough and you are at that level already , that you don't need a loan and can pay for the car outright. This is exactly what I did with my previous several cars - I bought 1-2 year old clean salvage title cars . Paid cash . After few years sold them for same money or even made a profit on some.

What I'm saying is that salvage car should not scare you - look at it as opportunity . Clean title used car can have so many hidden , unreported things happened to them in the past you have no idea. All it matter is current conditions - if car is clean , no vibrations, no codes, no rust above pedals ( no corrosion protection there you can basically see what the water level was by the rust. If no rust- no water was high enough). Drain a little of the transmission and rear diff oil and see - if it's clear than water didn't get high enough to get inside trough the vent ports). Most people here have no experience with owning a salvage cars and even don't know what salvage title means and when the insurance company decides to total a car..I don't want to get any deeper , but for example if you buy a car in Germany and the car was totaled after repairing and inspection you will not find this information in the title or anywhere online like we have Crafax etc. If the car passes TUV is good to go back on the road. Opposite thing - I have seen cars here with "clean titles" and no accident reported to Carfax with the whole car paint peeling off. Used car is a used car. Most components are designed to be replaced if needed. It's a machine after all.

[Lord_Shenk]

I'm up in Baltimore. 2012 b8 ibis white, black optics, lunar silver alcantara seats, sports diff, B&O my car may be for sale within the next few weeks. PM me for more details or check out my instagram @lord_shenk for pictures. You're not far so even if you just wanted to meet to check out the car and let me know

[mr shickadance]

I personally owned 4 cars with salvage titles.This was back when I was on a tight budget. 3 were due to accident. One was flooded (fresh water). No problem whatsoever with any of these cars related to the salvage title - all these cars I bought when they were 1-2 years old with less than 10K miles on them. Paid cash. So if I was on the market for a used S4 I wouldn't worry about salvage title too much. As with any other used car the key is inspection by someone who knows what to look for. In fact when I was shopping for a car I came across a salvage monsoon grey 13' S4 with brown/black panda interior in Philadelphia . I loved that car, but here was a vibration coming from the engine compartment at idle and I was not familiar enough with these cars at that time so I skipped it. But shortly after someone else bought it. I have no concerns with salvage title car if the car is brought back to manufacturing specs and everything is working the way it should be. The money you save when buying salvage comparing to clean title you can put aside in a bank account or even better - invest them in stocks or buy 1 OZ gold coins to create your own warranty fund. No warranty comes for free. We all pay for it. Better is to have things in your hands and this is especially sweet if the price of the car is affordable enough and you are at that level already , that you don't need a loan and can pay for the car outright. This is exactly what I did with my previous several cars - I bought 1-2 year old clean salvage title cars . Paid cash . After few years sold them for same money or even made a profit on some.

What I'm saying is that salvage car should not scare you - look at it as opportunity . Clean title used car can have so many hidden , unreported things happened to them in the past you have no idea. All it matter is current conditions - if car is clean , no vibrations, no codes, no rust above pedals ( no corrosion protection there you can basically see what the water level was by the rust. If no rust- no water was high enough). Drain a little of the transmission and rear diff oil and see - if it's clear than water didn't get high enough to get inside trough the vent ports). Most people here have no experience with owning a salvage cars and even don't know what salvage title means and when the insurance company decides to total a car..I don't want to get any deeper , but for example if you buy a car in Germany and the car was totaled after repairing and inspection you will not find this information in the title or anywhere online like we have Crafax etc. If the car passes TUV is good to go back on the road. Opposite thing - I have seen cars here with "clean titles" and no accident reported to Carfax with the whole car paint peeling off. Used car is a used car. Most components are designed to be replaced if needed. It's a machine after all.

at the same time, if you can get a car with no rebuilt title for the same price, why wouldn't you? you may end up selling the car down the line, i mean who can predict the future. Selling a car with a rebuilt title against cars with a clean title are always going to be with a huge discount.

meticulous restoration or not, you only have the seller's word, and personally I would always be wary of someone's word when they have a financial gain at hand.

if the price was 7-10k less, and you corroborated the service with the shop that did it, i would say maybe. But this price, and based on only the info in this post, I would not touch it.

[Kirk M]

I bought my rebuilt 2013 S4 with 10,000 miles for $22,500. It's great so far 5,000 miles later, and I don't regret it one bit! It was in a collision though, not in water.

[sacandagaD]

I bought my rebuilt 2013 S4 with 10,000 miles for $22,500. It's great so far 5,000 miles later, and I don't regret it one bit! It was in a collision though, not in water.

IMHO- Water damage is the most problematic of all, due to possible unknown long term effects, at least with a crash you can usually just replace parts.

[jygesq]

any car with water damage is not worth buying at any price RUN AWAY!!

[Ze_Nardo6]

I would not be afraid of a salvaged car if it was simply in an accident and you could check for frame damage and other VISIBLE aspects of damage.

I would never buy a salvaged water damaged vehicle...just too much you can't see..