chides64

Would you guys buy a used 2013 S4 with 24k miles at a Lexus dealer? Obviously its not CPO. My main concern is that the car could have been altered in a way that would void the factory warranty. The car is like $43k and is well equipped. Seems like a good deal. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Bobby Kinstle

I would not buy a used S4. You never know how it's been treated and a good chance it's been driven hard.

doobs41378

I'd be more comfortable buying used from an Audi dealer that can CPO it for me. This one still has warranty for another 26k miles. I also think 24k miles for a 2013 seems high. I have a 2012 that I bought in Feb of 2012 and I have 23k on mine..Just my .02

RickFLS4

I agree with Bobby about avoiding used in general, particularly with no warranty past 50K miles. However, if you do prefer used, I think you can get the car inspected by an independent party and purchase an extended warranty from FD Warranty or an Audi dealer (I think prices ratchet up at 25K miles so check pricing before you buy). Fd-warranty.com sells the same policies as Audi (and Lexus) dealers, which are underwritten by an independent company (not Audi).

For comparison, I have a 2013 with 24K miles and have treated mine very well. It is possible this was owned by a middle aged guy like me who later decided he wanted something bigger, with mostly highway miles (also like me). Modifications are possible but it seems that most (not all) who modify hang onto the car for a long while, as they would be wasting a lot of money to keep the car for 12-18 mos. However, there are exceptions to that as well. You may be able to check the VIN with Stasis, APR and GIAC to see if they have any records of engine tunes. If you get an inspection, be sure they can check for this, as well as accidents or other damage that didn't show up on CarFax.

I will say that price is a little depressing but I don't know what's in it. I'd be several thousand $$$ underwater if I traded my car in for $43K (or less actually if dealer is offering for $43K). What options are in the car? It might be a great deal.

Obsessive Detail

I have a 2013 S4 with only 2,800 miles for sale if anyone is interested. This is still like brand new. Pm me if interested.

Kris Hansen

Why not? I mean, if the car looks clean, and runs well, has appropriate mileage for its age.. Same could be said for any car really, you never know for sure how it was treated.

blinkh2

Do it. I bought a used 2011 S4 stasis that was a year old at the time ~18K miles from an infiniti dealer. No issues at all and factory warranty until 50k - last owner had even bought the audi maintenance package that stayed with the car. You can also buy an extended warranty through autonation for around 2,500 that will last until 100k.

rggale

I think it's okay to buy a ~1yo car with 24,000 miles on it. Chances are those are largely highway miles, as that's a lot of mileage to put on in a year. I do 25k/yr and it's 85% highway.

As far as buying used s-cars off lease, I would stay away from that, just because I know how I am with my car. I drive my car like it was meant to be driven--hard. I don't always let it warm up or cool down, because I know I'll never see any negative effects of this, and a second owner probably wouldn't either unless they buy it to drive it into the ground...which brings me to my next point: what is your long term plan? keep the car forever or just for a few years? If the car passes the test drive for you (i.e, no funny noises, tracks well, cold and hot starts well, no shimmies, etc.) I think you'll be fine for a few years. This is all subjective so giving a definitive answer is tough.

In all honesty, I wouldn't buy an off-lease car because of people like me who don't care as much about them as they would if they own it. I baby the **** out of the cars I own. Top quality gas, warm up, cool down, don't push too hard...when it's a lease, I drive it like it's a rental--because that's what it is. Maybe I'm part of the problem...no, definitely.

Muggsy2006

True, but some cars are more likely to have been abused than others. My first sports sedan was a two-year old E36 M3, with roughly 25K miles that I bought from a BMW dealer. The car was in great cosmetic shape and checked out mechanically, but over the four years I owned it I had to fix all sorts of problems that should not have been occurring based on the age and mileage of the car. The previous owner had it on a two-year lease, and probably drove the crap out of it because he knew he was walking away well before the warranty was up. The "drive it like you stole it" mentality is alive and well.

After that experience, I'd never buy a used S4 unless I knew the person I was buying it from (though even that's no guarantee, I know). If you do go for it, though, I second the recommendation for an extended warranty.

CBRacerX

I'm in the same boat right now - looking for a used 2010- S4. And, like anyone, I'd love a bargain. I do my own work, but certainly prefer having repairs made at the dealer when under warranty! My budget is about $35K so 2010-2011 seems quite doable.