2013 Audi S4, what should I know about it?

[BucDan]

35k miles, 2013 manual S4.

What maintenance items should I watch out for, and when?

Only mods were a stassis exhaust with a full cat back (I honestly don't know what this stuff is, I'm just your average driver) , but it was never tuned with the ecu. I dont plan on modding or tuning. I love it as is :)

Any tips or small parts that are worth their weight in gold, to make life easier? I know of the dipstick, but that's it.

Never owned an Audi before, but I did go through the forums for the A4 and am now in the S4 sub forum!

Thanks!

FYI, first thing I read was the sticky for new owners!

[Works2shoot]

The tip that will be worth the most is the search feature. This is a 10 year old platform. There are about 1000 "new owner tell me" threads, as well as "what mods should I get?"

The group will respond positively if you come with actual questions based on research. Welcome to the club and Good luck!

[tar]

Vag com.

Remove the delay valve in clutch line.


And spend a lot of time reading. Cars are pretty reliable I wouldn't be to worried about anything

[BucDan]

The tip that will be worth the most is the search feature. This is a 10 year old platform. There are about 1000 "new owner tell me" threads, as well as "what mods should I get?"

The group will respond positively if you come with actual questions based on research. Welcome to the club and Good luck!

Good point totally forgot about the search.

[QS4]

BucDan, what you should know is you have fallen into one of the best cars for the money! You probably won't need to take advantage of bad-weather-Quattro in your area so just be mindful of your tires and driving conditions. Works2shoot said it right with the search function in these forums! I'm sure most questions have been asked - after searching and reading responses, just reply to bring it back to life! These are ongoing conversations!

Some of us are beyond our first Audi and hanging out here just shows our love for the brand - sometimes it's not all love...

[MagillaGorilla]

2013s are known to very rarely have the mechatronics issue, but it is rare enough that it really isn't worth worrying about. These cars are suspiciously reliable. Like damn near Toyota reliable.

[rvcahawaii808]

BucDan, what you should know is you have fallen into one of the best cars for the money!

great way to put it. exactly how i felt

[BucDan]

Let me spice it up a bit. $30k for this car (haven't sealed the deal yet), adult owned, only serviced at the Audi dealer. I know the search is there, found some hits, but some have been fairly old and I'm just looking for an updated insight. You guys think Audi care is worth it? I'm 50/50 on the extended warranty (if I can get it) from fd-warranty, but like many would say, better to save that money for "just in case".

I read that the thermostat might be the first to go because it is plastic, and I'm currently reviewing the DIY.

You guys prefer vagcom over obdeleven?

[MrFunk]

The 13's had a lot of electric steering issues... This was the 1st of the facelift models which came with lots of issues. I'd personally stay away from MY13 cars.

[BucDan]

The 13's had a lot of electric steering issues... This was the 1st of the facelift models which came with lots of issues. I'd personally stay away from MY13 cars.

Wasn't it also resolved with software updates? Or would the whole thing need to be replaced?

[JSpot]

I have a MY2013 with around 72 000Kms. No issues except two blown B&O subwoofers replaced under warranty. Has DSG service done once and new spark plugs with new SC belt at last service. Has been very reliable.
No mechatronics, sport diff or electric steering issues.

[BucDan]

I need a review from the more seasoned Audi pros, does this flag any red flags? Specifically for CA smog purposes.

I'm a rookie when it comes to after market stuff that can affect smog. The exhaust and full cat on it.

All else looks a-okay to me.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...561447602.html

[doughboy17]

Wasn't it also resolved with software updates? Or would the whole thing need to be replaced?

Way to use the search, man! If you can get a CPO car, go for it. You can contact Audi of America and they can provide you the original window sticker and advise whether it has any AudiCare remaining on it (it follows the car). I bought both of my Audis used and both had AudiCare remaining on them.

If you are now a gearhead, OBDeleven is reasonably priced and works well.

As long as everything is working properly, the Stasis exhaust should be CA compliant. Best wishes. This B8 B8.5 platform is amazing.

[kgariba]

I have a 2013 S4 manual w/o sport diff with 63k miles. I am also an average driver and have no mods on the car except a RocEuro CAI. No problems with the car whatsoever EXCEPT the coolant pump/system failure right after 50k. Thankfully, Audi still agreed to replace it no questions asked with me paying a fraction even though it was just after the warranty expired. Otherwise, the car has been absolutely great and it's perfect for me in every way. Wish I had a beefier exhaust though. Enjoy it!

[SDBolts]

I need a review from the more seasoned Audi pros, does this flag any red flags? Specifically for CA smog purposes.

I'm a rookie when it comes to after market stuff that can affect smog. The exhaust and full cat on it.

All else looks a-okay to me.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...561447602.html

Stasis cat back is an exhaust that starts after the catalytic converters, so it has no impact on smog checks. I have one as well.

Side note - I've seen this car around town... Can't remember when or where, but that Naval Aviation plate frame is familiar.

You may want to join the San Diego Audi Club on Facebook and ask there if anyone knows whose car it is. We have around 1200 members so there's a chance that someone in the group knows the seller or history.

[SDBolts]

BTW, if you decide you don't like the Alcantara seats, I'd trade my Napa Leather for them!

[BucDan]

Stasis cat back is an exhaust that starts after the catalytic converters, so it has no impact on smog checks. I have one as well.

Side note - I've seen this car around town... Can't remember when or where, but that Naval Aviation plate frame is familiar.

You may want to join the San Diego Audi Club on Facebook and ask there if anyone knows whose car it is. We have around 1200 members so there's a chance that someone in the group knows the seller or history.

I met the owner. Real cool guy that barely drove it, bought it from his friend, and wants to sell it to someone who will enjoy it. So technically, I'll be the 3rd owner.

I don't have facebook anymore, it's been a while.

I think I'll keep the alcantara :)

As for every else, the tips on the exhaust and smog are great. I understand cars and basic-intermediate mechanic skills, but I just know nothing about aftermarket modding parts.

You guys think purchasing Audi care for this car is worth it? What about extended warranty, if possible?

[SDBolts]

Car looks good IMHO. However, I would still take it to be checked at an independent shop before purchase. Here in San Diego, that would likely be Pure Motorsports. Talk to Mike and set up a pre-purchase check of the car. If you happen to be in North County, you can use TAG Motorsports instead.

I didn't see the sports differential on my read through of the Craigslist ad - could be an omission. You can check this via car systems in the MMI and Set Individual. Personally, no sports differential was a deal breaker when I was shopping for my S4.

In regards to extended warranty, I'm not sure. My car is still under the CPO warranty, so I haven't had to make any decision on an aftermarket warranty yet. I can say that I've only had one trip to the dealer for anything other than service and that was a sporadically operating backup camera. The cable was replaced under warranty and haven't had a problem since.

[BucDan]

Car looks good IMHO. However, I would still take it to be checked at an independent shop before purchase. Here in San Diego, that would likely be Pure Motorsports. Talk to Mike and set up a pre-purchase check of the car. If you happen to be in North County, you can use TAG Motorsports instead.

I didn't see the sports differential on my read through of the Craigslist ad - could be an omission. You can check this via car systems in the MMI and Set Individual. Personally, no sports differential was a deal breaker when I was shopping for my S4.

In regards to extended warranty, I'm not sure. My car is still under the CPO warranty, so I haven't had to make any decision on an aftermarket warranty yet. I can say that I've only had one trip to the dealer for anything other than service and that was a sporadically operating backup camera. The cable was replaced under warranty and haven't had a problem since.

I was going to ask you that question next, what independent shop you would recommend. I'm grateful that they're off of Miramar. I commute to the area daily.

As for the sports differential, I think I'm pretty impartial as I don't really plan on cruising around Otay Lake or to Julian with the winding roads.

You think 30k is a bit much for the car? Carfax comes in at 30,500. KBB says it's over-valued, but that doesn't really put into account the market in Socal for a manual S4, either.

[sacandagaD]

I was going to ask you that question next, what independent shop you would recommend. I'm grateful that they're off of Miramar. I commute to the area daily.

As for the sports differential, I think I'm pretty impartial as I don't really plan on cruising around Otay Lake or to Julian with the winding roads.

You think 30k is a bit much for the car? Carfax comes in at 30,500. KBdpB says it's over-valued, but that doesn't really put into account the market in Socal for a manual S4, either.

If you really like the car, don't let any of us stop you, definitely low mileage for the year, and you seem to trust the history, but it is at the top of the price range for the car without any warranty. For me personally, at that price, it is missing a few of the things that I really like, such as carbon fiber inserts, B & O stereo and the much debated Sport diff. Just MHO.

[SDBolts]

If it's pretty clean I personally think it's a reasonable price. I paid about $36k for my '13 with 32k miles getting close to 2 years ago, but it was CPO. So by that measure, they are asking a little on the high side. But manuals are hard to come by and will always have a bit more demand in the enthusiast market. That being said, unless the seller said they're totally firm on the price, try a little negotiation.

BTW, you really need to reevaluate doing stuff like a Julian run. Cars like these were built to enjoy and trust me, there's very little chance to do that commuting around town on a regular basis.

[hilmar2k]

I was going to ask you that question next, what independent shop you would recommend. I'm grateful that they're off of Miramar. I commute to the area daily.

As for the sports differential, I think I'm pretty impartial as I don't really plan on cruising around Otay Lake or to Julian with the winding roads.

You think 30k is a bit much for the car? Carfax comes in at 30,500. KBB says it's over-valued, but that doesn't really put into account the market in Socal for a manual S4, either.

I just paid $30k for a 2014 Premium Plus with 42k miles on it, for comparison. It is pretty well loaded, and looks brand new.

[BucDan]

If you really like the car, don't let any of us stop you, definitely low mileage for the year, and you seem to trust the history, but it is at the top of the price range for the car without any warranty. For me personally, at that price, it is missing a few of the things that I really like, such as carbon fiber inserts, B & O stereo and the much debated Sport diff. Just MHO.

I understand. Just wanted to make sure it's ball-parked in terms of pricing. The carfax pulled looks great. Just need to see his service logs and the independent inspection. I reached out to fd-warranty for a quote, too.

EDIT: Looks like FD-Warranty can't do anything for the car either in terms of extended warranty. But from the looks of it, I would be better off saving that money for the actual repair itself if it were to come.

If it's pretty clean I personally think it's a reasonable price. I paid about $36k for my '13 with 32k miles getting close to 2 years ago, but it was CPO. So by that measure, they are asking a little on the high side. But manuals are hard to come by and will always have a bit more demand in the enthusiast market. That being said, unless the seller said they're totally firm on the price, try a little negotiation.

BTW, you really need to reevaluate doing stuff like a Julian run. Cars like these were built to enjoy and trust me, there's very little chance to do that commuting around town on a regular basis.

It's very clean for what it is. I felt that 36k was the going ballpark for the car from a dealership, so I kept that in mind. He listed at 31.5, got him down to 30k, but I think the independent shop will be the kicker for me.

I guess I gotta take the time to go get some Double yolk eggs and Julian Pie this summer.