I am looking at a 2010 S4 at a private dealership. The carfax list lists a number of repairs (mechanical) and I wanted to get a sense whether these are typical for a car w/36K miles on it or are these red flags for a poorly maintained vehicle.

Should I run away or do these seem reasonable?

• Water pump replaced (at 11K miles)
• Thermostat replaced (16K miles)
• A/C refrigerant recharged (21K miles)
• Engine/powertrain computer replaced (21K miles)
• Front brake rotors & pads replaced (21K miles)
• Radio repaired (27K miles)

Thanks
Chris

 

Chris....I would run as far as possible. You can read a thread I started https://www.audiforums.com/forum/b8-...ts-cvt-193858/

I'm sure I pissed a few people off along the way....my journey....but buying this 2012 A4 was a costly mistake for me. I hadn't experienced any of the problems/repair issues on that car. Since I didn't want to ever go through the nightmares....I have since traded out of the Audi back to a Lexus. The Audi was fun to drive, fast, nimble, crazy stupid CVT took a lot of getting use to....but a car of this quality should not spend that much time at the shop.

There were more reasons thou. The A4/S4 was too small for me. Difficult to get in and out. The Trunk can't hold a set of golf clubs without dropping the rear seat. The quality of the interior was not there.....I'm sorry it took me a year to figure it out. Hope you find a good fit, just be very cautious on this one.

 

OK Chris I would not run.. The S4 doesn't use a CVT trans and one person's remorse is no need to lash out.. The S4 is a very reliable and fun vehicle. The transmission is a S-Tronic style transmission which is essentially a manual transmission with dual clutches controlled by the computer so it is pretty stout. The repairs are mostly due to RVU (required vehicle updtates) that Audi realized a part may fail and proactivilely replaced the parts for free at any dealership (the water pump for a leaking weeble hole, and the thermostat for a failed wax pellet expansion valve). The ECM is the only abnormal repair. The radio could be anything but isn't a repair I would worry about. and the rotors were most likely replaced due to a TSB (technical service bulletin) for brake noise.. The S4's are great cars and awesome to drive. I would say go look at it, drive it, and see if it's a good fit. Being a factory Audi Tech non of those repairs would make me have a second thought at buying the car.. I love my S4 and plan on keeping it for years to come.

 

SinCityAudi...

thanks for the feedback. I will the check the S4 out.. although after driving the 2012 A6... I am not sure which way I am leaning..

The A6 was not as sporty as the S4, but it was a very, very nice car.. more luxury, size..., but more expensive...decisions, decisions (although neither is a good financial decision...wife is an accountant..so i am screwed with either car)

 

Lol.. The A6 is a great car as well.. You won't go wrong with either

 

Just pulled the trigger and bought my first Audi S4 Prestige (2010). Has every option. Got for it 39,700 w/34K miles. Not sure its the best deal, but all the dealers are holding firm on their prices now that summer is coming.