ToddUng19

Hello! We are thinking of purchasing a 2012/2013 S4 as one of our daily drivers (I drive about 40km/day round trip). This will be our first experience with German engineering (we are basically a Honda/Acura family). I am curious if anyone could share with us the "actual cost of ownership" for a 2012/2013 S4? We are really interested in what servicing will cost on an annual basis and are there any "major issues" with S4's we should be aware of (I really don't trust the dealers and/or seller to be completely honest with me . . . they are trying to sell the car)?
All vehicles require repairs at some point . . . are the S4's prone to a particular type of repair?

I have read some articles/forums on timing chain failures. Is this something we would need to be concerned about with a 2012/2013 model? Most vehicles I have quickly looked at range in the 40000km-60000km range.

The fact that the S4 is a performance orientated vehicle is not totally lost on us. Specialized vehicle means specialized parts = higher cost of ownership.

I just would like to know what we might be getting ourselves into before we start seriously shopping.

Any feedback/info/thoughts you are willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Todd

DrGP

First of all, there are some significant differences between the 2012 and older models VS the 2013 and newer models. I have had 3 B8 S4s. a 2010,2014, and I am currently drive a 2011. Basically they all have the same engine and drivetrains. Differences come with a new grille, flat bottom steering wheel, wifi and google maps in the 2013 and newer models. The water pumps have all failed in the 2010 and 2011 models by now and replaced under warranty. The thermostats will pretty much all fail eventually if they have not done so already. Some have had issues with the DSG trans so it is important to have a warranty if you get the DSG. Many have complained about the steering on the 2013 models, but Audi came up with a fix for that that seems to improve the issues. OEM clutch is not as hardy as most would like. But really, the cars have been very reliable . BTW, these are great cars.

QS4

I believe we are somewhat biased towards the four rings on this forum. My household has enjoyed 1998 A4 1.8T, 2000 S4, 2002 A6 2.7T, and a 2013 S4. ALL of these cars have been favorites over our others: 2005 Ford 500 (company car), 2006 Range Rover Sport, 2013 Mercedes C300 4matic Sport. I have a friend that is a Honda/Acura guy - great vehicles but just a little too bland for me. I have been sold on AWD since I had a 1991 Eagle Talon turbo that I'm almost embarrassed to mention - pure fun! If you have up to 3 passengers, then you are definitely heading in the right direction.

When you decide on an S model you are accepting a bit more 'oomph' and 'aahh' to your Audi's style, performance, and features! Of course this comes with a little more 'ouch' at repair time, but I have to say I still fall deeper in love every time I take one of these sweethearts out!

Add dedicated summer tires when it's hot, snows for winter and you'll find out what the unfair Quattro advantage truly means when you push that pedal on the far right!

If you cannot/do not trust your dealership, look for a garage that knows these cars to save some money, but I'd say you've got to know your vehicle AND your repair shop.

We are here to help and info such as what DrGP provided is why we spend time sharing and learning here when we're not enjoying those S's!

jyges

Any Audi is expensive to fix or maintain at a dealer. I doubt much difference between costs for A4 or S4. But S4 is well worth the price of admission and repair costs.

PhilNotHill

2014 S4 with manual transmission, sport differential and fully loaded.

We have 27k miles. No problems. Every time l drive her l am amazed at how great this car is. My wife has a Porsche and since we got the S4 she drives the S4 90% of the time.

Don't think you will regret the S4.

safetywork

I have a '13 with 95k miles. I don't have much to report in terms of repairs (yet). My water pump leaked (repaired under warranty). That's it so far. I believe my clutch is about to go. Keep in mind that I did Stage 1 software upgrade with Revo at 50k miles. The stage 1 increases hp from 333 to around 410 and torque from 325 to around 390, so that could be the reason why my clutch maybe needing a replacement soon

Oil changes from my independent shop costs about $200 every 10k miles. I know, I know...I should perform the oil change around 5k but I drive mostly highway and frankly if I did it every 5k, my car will see my mechanic more than I see my family. I've replaced my front and rear brake rotors and pads once (around 50k miles). Replaced not due to wear but the squealing when the weather turns cold. I replaced my brakes with stock rotors but with aftermarket pads (no more squealing), I'm about due for another rotor/pad replacement on the front axle.

Tires....I'm on my 3rd set. 1st set, Continentals that came with the car lasted 48k miles! I think I've got the record on that (with 1 track day). The other 2 sets were the Michellin Pilot Sports. 2nd set looks good, should last another 20k miles? Hopefully more.

I've experienced a couple of glitches from the Infotainment System. I hope this doesn't get worse but it does seem to be getting more frequent.

Other than that....I think that's about it. Sorry for the long post but I figured you probably wanted to know from someone who's driven a '13 from day 1. I plan on keeping my s4 for quite a bit longer....I enjoy driving and since Audi no longer offers the S4 in a traditional manual transmission, this looks like the end for me and Audi. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. Thus far, it's been a terrific ride. No squeaks or rattles to speak of....Oh the suspension appears to be getting a bit "soft". Looks like another upgrade for the future. Good luck on your decision.

TitaniumS4

I purchased a 2012 S4 a few years ago and they are special cars. I've owned BMWs, Acura and other brands and so far the S4 is my favorite. The repair costs from the dealer can shock you, but realize this is a high performance car. I had to replace the front pads/rotors at 25k and just had the thermostat replaced at 45k. My suggestion would be to find one that has a CPO warranty that covers engine and transmission repairs for 2 years or 50k. I've had good luck with Japanese cars that needed little repair, so this has been an adjustment. My wife is a diehard Honda person and was unhappy when I bought the Audi, but now she's always driving the S4.

xziler8

https://www.change.org/p/audi-of-ame...etition_target

dwelcel

I'd say you should definitely go for it and purchase an Audi. I'm currently on a 2014 S4 that I just purchased a few weeks ago. But in the past I've had an 07 A4 and 2010 A5 (I know these weren't S cars but still an Audi).

My A4 and A5 did have a CPO warranty and I would highly recommend it. While I never had any major issues it was a great piece of mind to have. All I had to do was keep up with wear and tear maintenance such as changing oil, breaks, etc.) Both my wife and I love the brand and will continue buying Audi's.

I also don't think that repair costs will be that much more. Go find a local independent Audi specialist and you will be fine.

the_duke

I don't own an S car but I am on my second A8. I do my own maintenance and Audi parts are definitely more expensive than other brands. If you don't plan to do your own maintenance then I would suggest find a good Audi/VW specific indie mechanic to do the regularly scheduled maintenance. Dealerships charge way too much to do these simple things. I would also recommend spending a little extra to get a CPO car. If something does fail all your in for is an $85 deductible.