To buy or not to buy?
07-22-2016, 05:46 PM
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To buy or not to buy?
Hey guys, I'm in the works of picking up a 2005 post facelift S4. I am a big BMW guy and am debating on getting rid of my E46 for the S4. My question is, what are things I should look for while looking at this car? Common issues I can tell off the bat? The car is going for 11k and has just over 91k miles. Any help would be appreciated as I haven't been around Audi too much.
08-08-2016, 03:56 AM
#2
B7 S4 to B9 RS5 Sportback
Hey David...Ironically, my name is also David and I also own a 2005.5 B7...
I've had mine for over 5 years now. Also came out of a 3 series into this...My wife was driving an E91 and before the Audi my daily was an E90 330iSport...So I may be able to lend some perspective for you...
Unless you have the E46 M3, the S4 will be an upgrade in power and speed. Regardless of which BMW you own, the S4 will guzzle gas at a rate you haven't seen.
They only get around 14 or 15 mpg, similar to my wifes Land Rover SUV, but I can live with SUV like mileage as I only drive it about 6000 miles per year, back and forth to work mainly. If you get out on the freeway or interstate on your commute you'll pull around 18 or 20 at high speeds and the car is an absolute blast to drive in this type of setting. Power in every gear is lovely to pull away in traffic and it maneuvers beautifully in all conditions.
The reliability of these vehicles is also quite good. The E46 wasn't a car known for many problems and neither is the B7 Audi. Only thing that's really gone wrong in the years I've owned it was my catalytic converter went out around 60,000. I'm now at 73k... It was like a $500 fix with a $200 core I think, making it only about a $300 or $400 deal...
The clutch is strong, and if you're looking at an autobox, they're known to be strong as well...
91k is pretty decent mileage. Getting access to the cars history would be a bonus...But if it's been well taken care of, I wouldn't hesitate if it's something you like, and can live with the gas mileage.
I've had mine for over 5 years now. Also came out of a 3 series into this...My wife was driving an E91 and before the Audi my daily was an E90 330iSport...So I may be able to lend some perspective for you...
Unless you have the E46 M3, the S4 will be an upgrade in power and speed. Regardless of which BMW you own, the S4 will guzzle gas at a rate you haven't seen.
They only get around 14 or 15 mpg, similar to my wifes Land Rover SUV, but I can live with SUV like mileage as I only drive it about 6000 miles per year, back and forth to work mainly. If you get out on the freeway or interstate on your commute you'll pull around 18 or 20 at high speeds and the car is an absolute blast to drive in this type of setting. Power in every gear is lovely to pull away in traffic and it maneuvers beautifully in all conditions.
The reliability of these vehicles is also quite good. The E46 wasn't a car known for many problems and neither is the B7 Audi. Only thing that's really gone wrong in the years I've owned it was my catalytic converter went out around 60,000. I'm now at 73k... It was like a $500 fix with a $200 core I think, making it only about a $300 or $400 deal...
The clutch is strong, and if you're looking at an autobox, they're known to be strong as well...
91k is pretty decent mileage. Getting access to the cars history would be a bonus...But if it's been well taken care of, I wouldn't hesitate if it's something you like, and can live with the gas mileage.
08-19-2016, 02:09 PM
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Check the usual used car stuff (brakes, pads, CV axle boots, etc.) and pay close attention to the suspension links. Just did the front uppers on my 8L; make sure they are all good. I'm not familiar with the S4 however.
That said, I test drove a 2004 S4 today and it was fun. A V8 AWD compact sedan? I'd love to get it and at 65K it is low miles and very clean, but the timing chain thing worries me. I'm also 6'5" tall and a little cramped in it; I'd have to spend more time looking at it.
Still, I'm not sure where else finds what Audi offers. I Love how my D2 feels and drives. I just don't want to have to replace that engine one day.
Best,
Raz
That said, I test drove a 2004 S4 today and it was fun. A V8 AWD compact sedan? I'd love to get it and at 65K it is low miles and very clean, but the timing chain thing worries me. I'm also 6'5" tall and a little cramped in it; I'd have to spend more time looking at it.
Still, I'm not sure where else finds what Audi offers. I Love how my D2 feels and drives. I just don't want to have to replace that engine one day.
Best,
Raz
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