Thoughts on this B6 Avant

[Hodge]

Been for sale for months now, any particular reason

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-AUDI-S4- ... 27d6e14ffa

Cheers

[cobraBLACK]

I expect primarily because it's a 4.2 V8 but the fact it's been on longlife service for over 100k miles doesn't help.

It might be okay though.

[Hodge]

Can you bring me up to speed on LongLife service versus normal service

Cheers

[cobraBLACK]

Quite simple: Audi/VAG have two services schedules; fixed annual or variable (dependent upon usage). The latter can mean service intervals of a couple of years and nearly 20k miles so it's completely unsuitable for the V8 engine which needs an oil change every 5-6k miles.

As you'll find out if you buy one, Audi often treat their performance models the same as the rest of the range for things like servicing and even universal parts. An example of the latter is the engine mounts which they used across the range. Does that mean they're suitable for the V8 and overkill for the smaller engines? No it does not.

Unfortunately because the Audi dealers are ignorant they would also put new S4s on the longlife service and the owners would generally know no better. That means 90% of second hand S4s spent their whole life on it. Not so bad if it's done 60k miles but it might be a concern for something over 100k miles.

That being said, you can get a specialist to check for cylinder wall scoring with a borescope, do a leak-down test, etc. That could reveal no problems and you'd be good.

The ad also says 'HIGH SPECIFICATION' then goes on to list mostly standard features. Judging by the fact it has a sh1t3 radio, not even an RNS-D, it's probably a lower spec model. The seat bolsters look pretty worn too. If it's nearby you can always go and have a look.

There are a few issues you need to check for before buying a B6/B7 S4 like excessive cold-start chain rattle, manifold gasket leakage, auxiliary radiator leakage, etc. All the common issues can be found with a quick search on here, AudiSRS and Audizine (predominantly Americans but most of the issues are relevant and it's more active than the UK sites - just be aware that when they talk about their 93 octane gas, it's equivalent to our 97-98 RON petrol).

You can also get general B6/B7 help from Audi-Sport - this will mostly be related to trim, interior and styling though since the 1.8Ts and the diesels don't share many issue relating to the engine, tranmission, drivetrain, suspension, etc. There are a few S4 owners on there but it's mostly A4 owners so it's more active than the (R)S4 forums.

[Hodge]

Marvellous comprehensive answer, thank you for that. My suspicions were right Ive owned 6 Audis in the past 6 yrs all new from the dealer and all had LL services with me, my wife's TTs all DSG and 3.2 of which she is on her 3rd has been serviced each year as per the service indicator, and this equates to every 8k so that seems fair, my 2 Q7s that I have had were almost every 2 yrs which equates to about 18k but that's diesel I suppose. But I fully support your under 10k rule for V8s it seems to be all over the forums that you have mentioned but curiously not something Audi think important, perhaps they feel that by the time a mileage fault occurs the car will be out of warranty and out of mind. I am looking for a Sunday car to fit between my Q7 and TT so the ongoing mileage would be slim, but that said the previuos mileage servicing is all important, FSH is all very well but it Reciepts, Reciepts, Reciepts that i like, Thanks again for your help

Cheers

[goose]

High spec indeed... no satnav, no heated seats, no sunroof, no armrest, no phone prep, no parking sensors, no comfort pack, no storage pack, no MFSW (although im not sure they were available for B6s?!?), and it lists cruise control but i cant see the small CC stalk on the left side of the steering wheel.. or is it on the right on a B6?

it should have actually said "Base S4 spec.."

goose

[Ian_C]

Agreed - its a completely bog standard car with full black leather

[cobraBLACK]

I know heated seats, phone prep, etc. aren't for everyone but I just can't understand why someone would spend over £40k on a built-to-order car like an S4 and not spend a few thousand extra to spec it up a bit.

[HYFR]

Dealer spec

I know heated seats, phone prep, etc. aren't for everyone but I just can't understand why someone would spend over £40k on a built-to-order car like an S4 and not spend a few thousand extra to spec it up a bit.

[Hodge]

Probably answers my thoughts as to why it's sat on the forecourt for months

Cheers

[Batfinnk]

My own personal opinion but might be worth holding out for a B7. I think they look so much better shape and styling wise and they are not much more money wise. I was lucky and found mine loaded with loads of options except for heated seats, solar roof but has normal one and swivelling lights and paid £8,500 for it with full history too.

[cobraBLACK]

Agreed - the B7 came with fixes for some of the minor issues as well as a 60/40 split rear diff, RS4-sized RARB and some of the exterior styling parts are interchangeable with RS4 parts (front grill?) and I believe the rear valance is two-part - and it has quad tailpipes.

Many small things but they'd probably tip it over the edge if you weren't sure which to go for.