S4 buying/Reliability?!?!

[nikb]

Hi Newbie here

I currently have an S3 and want to get an S4.
Now my one and only concern is the reliability of turbos
I have heard that if they go it is an engine out job?
I will be looking at a 80/90,000 mile example, and as with all my cars will end up re-mapping it!!

So any advice on this or other points plz help.

Thanks

Nick

[maxxximus]

Your not alone- prob the biggest worry of all S4 owners and yes its engine out.
Its a gamble - you might get lucky. Plenty of peeps still on original turbos over 100k mark and beyond. Chippin it will stack the deck against you but again there are many that will tell you theyve been runnin chipped for 50kplus and still on originals.

Go on live life on the edge

[KayGee]

Buy one that has been cared for, talk to the owner about oil changes and maintenance. Make sure the oil in the car is clean.

If the turbos do go pop, see it as a chance to put bigger turbos on.

[nikb]

MMmmmmmmmm was hoping for a different response but never mind!!!
Is the job about 2K or can you get it cheaper?

Anyone know how a standard S4 would compare against my re-mapped S3?

Thanks again
Nick

[sitas3]

Anyone know how a standard S4 would compare against my re-mapped S3?

Thanks again
Nick

I do - very similar performance (S4 on stock turbos picks up a little faster low down) but S4 doesn't feel as nimble handling-wise. S4 is smoother engine wise (addictive!), has worse brakes IMO and wallows on standard suspension. Also factor in the S4 being heavier both weight wise and on fuel usage.

Some good advice already given - how the car has been owned is more of an indicator - spend lots of time checking the car out (current and previous owners)

[Dippy]

If you're going to buy a 80-90K S4 and want to remap, then IMO you should PLAN to replace the turbos. Maybe not straight away, but if you can get a good deal on a car whose turbos may be about to die, then the money you save would finance the work, or part of it.

A full K04 upgrade from a reputable (i.e. expensive) tuner is going to be around 5K incl VAT. You can get it done for less depending on how much you do yourself. There's around 20 manhours required for a basic engine-out turbo swap, and then the tuning is extra. The smaller tuners are going to be more flexible than the bigger, more established ones.

[lucas123]

Or - You could save yourself an absolute fortune & buy one that's already had the mods done (ie Mine cos it's still for sale), but if you do decide to get a tuner to do it - make sure they make it very clear exactly what the warranty will include.

[vw_nutta2]

i'm also selling mine soon, been well loved 85k 99 silver s4 saloon full service history, blue alcantara interior and bose concert stereo, climate control, heated seats, ski bag, mint alloy wheels. I live in Dunstable, Bedfordshire if you're interested.

[nikb]

pm's sent.

Nick b