S4 buying tips?

[ammwhite]

Hi All,

I'm new here and will soon be in the market for a 2nd hand S4 - probably an Avant. I currently drive an Impreza Turbo.

Anyway, my main question concerns the mid-99 facelift that the S4 had. What were the changes, and what is the easiest way to spot a facelifted model? Also, are the changes major enough to make it a top priority to get a post facelift car?

Finally, any other useful buying tips would be much appreciated.

cheers,
Andy

[Bushy]

Main differences are

Different door handles
Different centre console, heated seats switches move from high up to low down, also AC controls different

I think the exhaust manifold was modified and a few other bits and bobs

Is this when CAN BUS was introduced

Where is my mate Dippy, he is a mine of information on these things

[jeffw]

Andy

Glad you could make it over from Scoobynet.....

As I was saying on Scoobynet the calipers definatley changed as well.

I like the newer dash but it wouldn't put me off a earlier car.

Cheers

[toasty]

The newer S4s have KKK04 turbos too don't they, mine (an older 1998 model) has KKK03 I think.

Also you'll find that the wing mirrors and door bump strips are different (the mirrors are more angular and the bump strips smaller on the newer S4s)

Also the boot S4 badge is lower down whereas on the older S4s it is in line with the Audi badge.

Different steering wheel too.

Hope this helps.
-Dan

[toasty]

Oh yeah, forgot to add, they sorted some of the engine problems out on the newer S4s too, i.e problems with the throttle body boot and F pipe.

That said, I've had an older model S4 for about 9 months now, it's been great.

.....and for what it's worth, I prefer the older interior [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

There is a nice buyers guide available on the internet, you'll find it at S4 Buyers guide

[Nige_RS4]

Anyone got any pics showing the differences between the centre console in pre/post 99.5 S4s. TIA

[wazza]

Here is a 2000 S4 interior.

And yes, I forgot to put the gearlever cover back down after cleaning.

btw. my S4 may be on the market very soon , but I see you want an Avant.

[Joshie]

I have a pre facelift S4 and I must admit that the post facelift is far more appealing. The badges can be sorted quite easily and I actually installed a post facelift fascia (aircon unit and fascia from a breakers) which went in really well although I couldn't have done it without Toasty's valuable help [img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img] in building a switchbox / relay for the lights and HRW.

Brakes were upgraded on later models and of course the exterior trim details already mentioned in this thread.

Bottom line is that you should go for the facelifted S4 unless you want a highly modified 400 BHP version in which case you can have mine for a reasonable price [img]images/graemlins/jump.gif[/img]

[DuncS3]

I always thought the S4 had the 03 turbos - so is that right that the newer ones have the 04s?

Not doubting you Dan - just asking!

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[DuncS3]

...and S3s [img]images/graemlins/clap.gif[/img]

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[Nige_RS4]

This is a pic of a dash on a US 2001 S4 - also fitted as std to RS4's. Anyone seen one of these on a late model UK S4 ? Anyone got a pic of the earlier dash ?

[ammwhite]

Paul,

Thanks for the offer. I'd prefer an Avant, but I'm not ruling out a saloon. When are you planning to sell and how much would you be after?

I have test driven an Avant at a garage in Fife:

AUDI S4 AVANT QUATTRO 00
W metallic silver, full black leather, 17 alloys, Xenon lights, CD, climate control, superb £19995

It had 51K miles on it, which is a bit high for my liking, but I like the colour and it appeared to be in good condition, apart from the alloys which were a bit scraped.

Does this seem like a good price? Are there any problems with higher mileage S4s?

Also, saw this one on the Audi site:

'99 'V' S4 Avant, 36K miles, Black with Black leather interior, Bose, 6CD, electric Recaros, sunroof...

Not sure about the black/black colour combo?
Plus, it's at the other end of the country?
But, it's a better spec, and the mileage is better. Will a 99 'V' definitely be a facelift model?

Any other tips lads?

cheers,
Andy