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I have been reading through the forums regarding what people think of the S4 1998 -2001, and what I can gather its a pretty awsome car.

I want to get one, any tips on what I should becareful with? ie buying privately or from a dealer?

Dealer prices seem to bit a bit more expensive than private sales.
The only thing im worried privately is what the condition of the car is like?, are people that advertise privately willing for their car to go through some sort of AA test to check road worthyness before accepting an offer?
Obviously I would get an hpi check done, but need to think about the internals of the car.

I read that the pre 1999 S4 used an early version of the K03 turbo charger and were fitted with less resilient intercooler hoses, should I be worried about this (seemingly they were recalled to have different ones fitted) or anything similar when looking for a good S4?


Is the S4 a gas guzzler ? how much would one expect to pay for insurance for this car? I was quoted £811 , I have 5+ years no bonus claims, does that sound right?

Sorry if this is all been covered in previous posts, I havent read them all!.
And as you can probaly tell im new on here ...

Would be interested to here from someone why I shouldnt get one.

Thanks.

I think the new turbos actually came in the 2001 model. There is also a heatshield problem on early cars. If you can afford a later model I would advise it. Repairs can be expensive, so getting warranty from a dealer does make a difference. It's all about risk and peace of mind.

Typical mpg is between 20-25mpg depending on circumstances. I don't think many S4 owners here pay much less than £800, and many pay a lot more. I have protected NCB and am still the right side of 40. I pay £1500 which covers my mods and business cover. However I did write off an Impreza turbo a few years back...

Hi Waiareka,

Firstly I wouldnt worry about the earlier versions of the S4, mine is a 98/99 model, I have owned it for 1&1/2 years with no problems engine wise. Mine had the recal work done, and you can check this when your looking at a particular model if the work was done with Audi.

Buying from a dealer will give you a minimum of a years warranty, so though you may pay more then say buying from a private seller it may worth it for peace of mind. I have heard Fontain are a very good independant Audi specialist dealer and maybe worth a call.

My Insurance is through Bell Direct at £630 Fully comp and my wife is insured on the car as well, Shop around as I have found every year there is a deal out there somewhere.

As for sevicing and costs of up keep, yes it can be expensive, but I have found a ocal garage who will do most of the work at very competetive rates and QST in Haywards Heath who are great for any of the specialist stuff that needs doing. A typical service can cost about £100 (at QST), other normal wear and tear like brakes pads, should cost to much depending on what type of pads you want. As for MPG I get around 21mpg around town.

If I had to start again and with hindsight looking for an S4, I would have still bought the car I own, but just got the mods done sooner!

Best thing IMO for you to do is go and test drive as many as you can until you find the one you like, it's all down to your own taste and of course budget!

Good Luck!

tombs wrote:If I had to start again and with hindsight looking for an S4, I would have still bought the car I own, but just got the mods done sooner!

When I was first after an S4 about 3 years ago, I wanted to buy used, however I couldn't find one that was 'nice' enough. I couldn't afford a brand new UK one so I imported a new one instead.

In hindsight I should have bought a cheap used one and just replaced the worn parts, with a complete engine rebuild (with K04's of course).

Hi,

Just thought'd I mention that you should always get a full HPI check done, also make sure you do this against the VIN not the registration (£40). I dropped 5 or 6 S4s due to murky background checks, mostly due to mileage issues but more than one had been cat rated, which affects its value and insurance premiums.

I got my car checked via the local Audi garage of the seller. Approx £150 for an inspection and report. RAC are v. good also since they do a full HPI and will also give you a valuation. I think it costs about £300. Also phone the Audi garages that have serviced the car they are generally very helpfull, especially if it has been serviced there reguarly.

Lastly check out the for sale forum.

Good hunting.

K

I have mine for sale, it is in the for sale category titled Ebony Black S4.

Let me know if you want any further info