zyklonbee

I'm wondering what you guys experience with these in this mileage range. The only reason I am considering this one (even though the local VW dealers have non-certified cars with 15k less miles for the same price) is because of how well it's taken care of. The guy is an Audi enthusiast, is selling his 2001.5 to help pay for the 2004 S4 that he already in his garage.

This car is silver/black, it has had Navigation Plus installed aftermarket. 6 speed transmission, and I can't find a single thing wrong with this car. The car has documentation of everything ever done back to 12,000 miles, with all receipts.

Is his asking price of $20,500 too much? It seems like a lot for a car with 65k.

Realistically, how long will this thing run? I know about all the issues these can have. (I've been lurking on these forums for years, S4 has always been my dream car) I'm wondering specifically about the longevity of the transmission (I know they can get expensive) and the engine itself (not the turbos).

Marc911

cash in the savings account if money would be an issue in the event of a major problem.

zyklonbee

powertrain warranty for $2,075. I am 100% sure I'm going to buy an aftermarket warranty. How much would a pre-purchase inspection cost at my local dealer?

RKA

unless you know them personally, there's no telling how lazy they will be when they look the car over. Too many cars get certified, and then their owners end up here asking why this or that wasn't caught in the certification process. Even things as simple as low brake pad life slipped through. If you know a good independent mechanic near you that specializes in German cars, or Audi's specifically, talk to them and see if they'll do a PPI for you. If it's a reputable shop, they'll see this as an opportunity to gain a customer, and they'll be thorough. Of course, if they are less than reputable, it could go the other way as well.

The price of the car is VERY reasonable imho. The only major expense you will probably have coming is a timing belt and water pump service ($900-1200). Look through the receipts and see if he did it already. Also look over the brakes so see how much pad life is left (you can peek through the spokes). Pads and rotors all around will get pretty expensive ($800 at an independent mech, and over $1K at a dealer). My guess is the owner priced the car to take this stuff into account. I would expect this car to run $23,500 or so.

davenew

Powershifting to second gear often will wear the synchros out and you'll get grinding going into gear. The strong tranny mechanicals and drivetrain are the main reasons I bought my S4.

That car sounds pretty good. I bought mine in March for $22k, with 47k miles on it, stock (no NAV). For reference, my local dealer has a certified pre-owned silver '01 that looks just like mine for $25k. It has 43k on it.<ul><li><a href="http://audi.checkeredflag.com/index.cfm?action=InventorySearch&amp;subaction=Sea rchDetail&amp;Vehicle=L25503A&amp;vehicleid=412782 &amp;ListBack=1&amp;VehicleOwnerFranchiseID=1110"> silver '01 s4</a></li></ul>

Marc911

I agree, use a good independent mechanic if you can

zyklonbee

By 'powershifting' 2nd, do you mean a shift to second with no clutch? Or a rev-matching upshift to second gear to decelerate from a high speed?

davenew

like when you're racing someone. My father calls it powershifting in his old mopars when he shifted without the clutch. I guess those old cars had straight dog gears.

daves4

2001.5 74K miles, looking to sell for around the $20.5K range to feed my need for the '04. However, mine is a Tip, so I know that lowers the desirability of it. But the car's in GREAT shape, AND I just did the timing belt 1500 miles ago, APR with Anti-Theft, and iPod through CD-Changer thing installed.

So, I would say that's a good price since that's what I'd like to see.

zyklonbee

Update: Still contemplating this car and whether or not its going to run for a good 5 years