Rust on arches

[cheshire_carper]

Hi all,

I used to have a B7 Avant and have decided to buy an S4 Avant as a daily drive . I have just been to see one (this was a B6 2004 but I have a budget that will stretch to 2010 B8s) and all was ok until I checked the front arches. All rust around the edges and not a just a little, paint bubbled and flaking So I walked away. It seems quite nice (some minor things) but I was happy until I saw the dreaded tinworm.

I expect this is a common problem in older versions of the car. I could always repair or replace arches but that obviously ramps costs up.

What are people's thoughts on this issue?

[Ian_C]

Yep, the front arches are exposed to stone chips, and there is only a certain amount they can withstand before metal is exposed.

My 2003 S4 had lost quite a bit of paint on the arch lips when I sold it at 85000 miles, would have started bubbling at some point

If your budget stretches to a B8 S4, go for it. Buy a manual over an S tronic and you have a very strong reliable car indeed - far fewer issues than the B6 B7

[cheshire_carper]

Thanks for that advice Ian. I am going to see a B8 on Saturday so fingers crossed it is what I seek! I'll keep you posted.