Common problems (s4 avant 1998-67k)

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Hi Guys,

I'm new here so play nice [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I'm looking at buying an S4 avant, 1998 with 67k on the clock. I've been reading through the posts here & there seem to be a handful of common problems eg exhaust manifold\heat shield, various hoses etc.

Does anyone have a complete list? Also are any of these a recall item? I've just spoken to Audi about the car I'm after & according the their 'computer' there are no outstanding calls for this car.

Oh & anyone has any imput on an extended warrenty - let me know, I've posted another post about that - audi want £1080 a year for theirs & it doesn't cover stuff like calipers & exhaust manifolds...

Cheers,
Alex

[Bushy]

Hi and welcome here

I dont know about a comprehensive list of faults, maybe for recalls, for which the heat shield/ exhaust manifold mod was a recall

There are other extended warranty companies out there for less money but in my experience the £1000 you have to pay to find the item you are claiming for isnt covered is better off being put in the bank to pay for the £500 repair any way

Good luck with your new purchase [img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

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Cheers Bushy..

I wish I hadn't found this site now.. just look at all of the things I can modify [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] oh dear.. lol

[Bushy]

I know what you mean, I had a standard S4, wished I could afford and RS4, managed it then found that bottom end it was slower than my S4, started modding, then the bug caught

OMG, now look, skint!!!!!

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I do fancy a few little mods, chip, quick shift, diff cradle (Drive line Stabaliser?), & some decent pads oohh & that boost guage behind the tacho. That should do me for the moment. [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] but first I've got to make sure it's healthy & won't go pop. It's been well maintained, with FASH etc as I'm buying it from my brother but don't like these storys of woe wrt torn pipes etc.

Mmmm RS4 - that's what my brother's looking to trade up to when I part him with his S4 [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

A

[Carps]

I have fairly recently bought my S4 nad had similar questions. Ultimately I went with the Audi warranty that covered the majority of components, which is £765 for a 2.7l car. You should check back with Audi about why they are quoting you £1000+ - the only reason I can think is if it is over 5 years old, but then I believe it becomes cheaper as it does not cover so much.
Anyhow, my car is currently at the dealers having new rear diff seals, new powersteering pump, new centre rear seat belt, and a gearbox repair/rebuild all courtesy of the Audi warranty. It only really went in for a seatbelt and the other items were all noted by the service department. Hence I am more than satisfied with the Audi warranty. I have heard some horror stories about other warranty compaines that won't authorise work until something fails completely, and then if you already told them about it they won't do it because it was a known problem !

I'd say be very careful if you chose non-Audi, ensure the warranty you go for covers the critcial and v.expensive things (turbos, gearbox).
Have the car thoroughly checked, preferably by a company that offers compensation if they miss something that then fails.
Get a complete history of the prospective car from Audi - they should be able to give you details of every job that was done to it.
Make sure you have a drive in a similar model that is know to perform fine as this will be a good gauge for you to see if yours seems OK.
Find out if the car has ever been chipped (even if it is now removed) as this may have overstressed the turbos/inlet system.

Good luck

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Does anyone have any experience with "warrenty direct"?

They seem to give pretty good cover & 1/3rd the price of the audi warrenty. Plus they cover calipers & manifolds, which is a good thing [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

A

[DavidT]

£765 for a 2.7l car. You should check back with Audi about why they are quoting you £1000+

I don't know the exact price, but it is over £ 1000 now for the S4 (and RS4). Audi review the extended warranty prices every six months and I am sure they will keep moving upwards because the cars are getting to an age where claims are being made.


I have the Audi extended warranty on my car (purchased for £ 765) and will buy it again next year, regardless of the cost because I think it is good value compared to the costs of repairs on this car.

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Cheers guys, I'm going to have another word with the dealer at the weekend, my main concern is that they say calipers & manifolds aren't covered by the warrenty which sounds a bit ominous..

A

[Joshie]

Cheers guys, I'm going to have another word with the dealer at the weekend, my main concern is that they say calipers & manifolds aren't covered by the warrenty which sounds a bit ominous..

I wouldn't worry too much about the cost of the S4 brakes because frankly they aren't worth a great deal [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I noticed that you were talking about mods earlier make that first mod a new set of Porsche 993 TT front brakes.

I remember reading, I think on this forum, that many have expreineced major headaches and warranty refusals from some of the cheaper providers. Be careful there - Get the warranty from Audi because you'll probably need to claim [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] and if it's something serious like manifolds or turbos then the bill will be rather steep and the other warranties may not be willing to readily cough up come claim time. [img]images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]