V8 S4 - off to see some

[Hoddo]

I'm off to see a number of B6 and B7 S4 tomorrow. Could not find a buyers guide but have read around the subject as much as possible.

Aside from...
...listening out for a pro-longed chain rattle on startup
...checking for thorough history and regular oil change
...seeing if gearbox oil has been changed

.......what else should I look for?

What do we think of this one? Should the milage be a concern or do they take miles well?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[anonymous-user]

Lots of info on rs246.com

Should give you info on potential problem areas, auxilliary rads can corrode but overall realiable cars.

[Ian_C]

Here's what the engine bay *should* look like.

[Hoddo]

Ian_C said:

Here's what the engine bay *should* look like.

Interesting. A number of missing items compared to the pictures you posted. Starts to make you think.

[CSK423]

I would try and aim for one with MSF, nav and leather. There is black avant with this spec and 58k miles for 10.5k on autotrader.

I know budget can be what dictates sometimes so might be stretching yours but imo I would pay a little more.

A 2007 onwards also gets rid of the fried egg looking headlights.

also regards missing engine trim, ive seen a few like this, unsure if it changed per model year ???

[Hoddo]

CSK423 said:

I would try and aim for one with MSF, nav and leather. There is black avant with this spec and 58k miles for 10.5k on autotrader.

I know budget can be what dictates sometimes so might be stretching yours but imo I would pay a little more.

A 2007 onwards also gets rid of the fried egg looking headlights.

also regards missing engine trim, ive seen a few like this, unsure if it changed per model year ???

Thank you. Had not seen that one.

May need to open my eyes a little. Just seen Ian C's is for sale, a long way from me but looks like a stunning example.

[Ian_C]

Hoddo said:

Just seen Ian C's is for sale, a long way from me but looks like a stunning example.

Thanks.

Few more pics (all August 2014)

[CaptainSensib1e]

I recently bought a B7 S4 because they seem pretty bullet proof if serviced correctly. That's a big if though, many seem to have been run on the extended service schedule, even when they really shouldn't! Good luck with your search.

[Hoddo]

CaptainSensib1e said:

I recently bought a B7 S4 because they seem pretty bullet proof if serviced correctly. That's a big if though, many seem to have been run on the extended service schedule, even when they really shouldn't! Good luck with your search.

The more I read the more I am reassured that a well serviced example will age well.

One of the main considerations I have is that a high tax band + poor mpg car will depreciate hard over coming years. I am therefore trying to balance the purchase price with the inevitable depreciation.

[Fort Jefferson]

Hoddo said:

One of the main considerations I have is that a high tax band

Stick with one registered before 23rd march 2006, only £280 or £500 after that date.

[Ian_C]

Hoddo said:

I'm off to see a number of B6 and B7 S4 tomorrow. Could not find a buyers guide but have read around the subject as much as possible.

How did you get on?

[Hoddo]

Ian_C said:

How did you get on?

First off, what a noise! Love it.

Boot was smaller than anticipated but not a game breaker.

Was a frustrating mix of cars, they either exhibited A) brilliant maintenance (annual servicing, annual oil change, correct oil being used) with terrible condition or B) terrible maintenance and great condition.

I am aware of your car Ian, but for now I am going to pursue a B7. I did however pass the link of your car over to a friend, after viewing a number of cars today he is keen on an S4 and loved the look of yours.

[anonymous-user]

Just be aware the clutch typically last 60k miles and changing it usually involves the flywheel as well. Audi qouted over £2k to replace, maybe £1500 at an indie. If buying one with reasonable miles on it check the clutch has been sorted.

These cars maybe reasonably priced now but were £40-50k cars when new so still have repair bills for £40-50k cars. A good independent can help keeps bills down but they aren't cheap cars to run, you are probably aware of 20mpg, less if you enjoy it and chewing a set of premium tyres in10-15k miles is normal.

[Alucidnation]

I believe the engine covers where not fitted on late B6's and the B7's.

Penny pinching i think the term is.

[Hoddo]

gottans said:

These cars maybe reasonably priced now but were £40-50k cars when new so still have repair bills for £40-50k cars. A good independent can help keeps bills down but they aren't cheap cars to run, you are probably aware of 20mpg, less if you enjoy it and chewing a set of premium tyres in10-15k miles is normal.

Eyes are wide open, however running costs are not an issue; use to run an Elise + Panda 100HP so V8 S4 running costs should be inline with that, if not less.

Alucidnation said:

I believe the engine covers where not fitted on late B6's and the B7's.
Penny pinching i think the term is.

Thank you for clarifying

[Tame Technician]

What to look for on V8 S4?

THis



And the corresponding third pedal.

If the car doesnt have these items, walk away.

[Dr G]

I can vouch for Ian's car; he bought a really good one and made it even better.

[Fort Jefferson]

Don't rule out main dealers, mine has never been anywhere else, and I've never thought they were overly expensive. Another benefit is, you get any re-calls going. I had all new coil packs free when it was 7 years old, and I've never even had a problem with them, (ran a lot better after too)

[lilwashu]

I thought the auto box suited my old B7 S4 pretty well for what it's worth.

[Alucidnation]

The auto boxes can get a bot of getting used to, but i also thought they were well suited, and are certainly up to the job.