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...

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[Hoddo]

I am off to see another one this coming week, B6 this time.

The car in question has a full Audi service history but has been on the long life schedule so only 5 stamps in the book since 2004.

Should I be concerned or should I just make sure everything stacks up and if I am to buy it, book it in for a full service and oil change ASAP.

[Hoddo]

Here is a Link to the car in question. What do we think? I'm still not well educated in this market, how does the price look?

[Hoddo]

Adrian E said:

Longlife isn't ideal over such a long period, particularly as it's unlikely the car will have gone 2 years without bleating for an oil service if the annual mileage has been that low - you usually only get the maximum time interval under very specific usage not suited to low miles. Either way I'd be checking the stamps for intervals in terms of time and mileage. I'd imagine 14-18 month intervals on longlife are more likely. It's probably due another now, I suspect.

Not ideal therefore avoid or not ideal but give it an oil change and switch to an annual plan and you'll be in a better place?

Apparently there are 5 stamps in the book. Therefore an average of 1 stamp for every 23 months. Car showing next service due in March 2015.....no way I'd wait that long.

[Hoddo]

At 77k and 5 stamps one would assume it has been serviced approx every 15k. The car is a long distance away, however I happen to be that area this weekend so I will pop by to take a look.

I have read around the tensioner issue so much I have gotten the 'internet horror story fear' about S4's and it is annoying me. The value they represent is fantastic and I need to get over it.

How many people do we actually know who's tensioners have actually broken?

Can anyone point me in the direction of a reliable YouTube clip that clearly demonstrates the engine start rattle?