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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?

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

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.