So I found a used s4 avant, 6speed 100,000 miles. The guy will take $10,500 for it which seems like a great deal. My only concern is that it has had an MTM Chip since 15,000 miles.

What are your thoughts on the MTM chip being on there for so long?

Still has stock exhaust and not sure about diverter valves....

 

Anyone?

 

That's a pretty hard questions to answer. Honestly, it's possible for the turbos (being chipped) to go the life of the vehicle if driven conservatively. On the flip side, they could go out after 25k miles if the car is driven aggressively.

Basically, it just depends on how the car was driven. I would be more concerned with things like routine oil changes, oil change intervals, what kind of oil was used (synthetic, blend, etc...). Has the timing belt service been done...stuff like that. If I were buying the car, I would be more interested in getting those questions answered. Also, nonchalantly ask how far his commute to work is everyday. If those 100k miles are highway, then the turbos will most certainly be in better shape. It is definitely more stressful for a turbo to go through significant amounts of RPM variance (stop and go driving) then it is for it to sit at a sustained RPM (ie. highway driving).

 

I went through all these types of questions a year and a half ago when I bought my s4 sedan. I know the timing belt has not been done, he used synthetic oil, he has all the service records.....

My biggest concern was the car being chipped since 15k. But the MTM is less aggressive than other chips, or so I have heard. I guess turbos could go at anytime, regardless of being chipped. No matter what you ask the seller the response will probably be the same....

I babied this car
Religoulsy warmed up / cooled down the car
Never tracked / Never beat on

I guess it all really comes down to a judge of character and condition of the car.