As I have nothing better to do at work here, I did a search to make sure I am not asking the question of the day over here in the S line forum, but I didn't find everything I was looking for.

I am in the market for an 01-02 S4 and I really want to make sure I get what I am paying for.

From what I have gathered major issues to be watching for on an S4 are :

1. turbos - since I am looking in the 75k+ mileage range there is a godo chance they are on the way out
2. throttle body boot (whatever the hell that is lol) it cracks? and needs to be replaced
3. usual tie rod ends and whatnot of AUDIs of this time frame
4. I've heard of some issues with the leather seats of this time frame, although that might have been from the pleather on the A4s
5. timing belt (should be number 1 on the list) I did it on my A4, and God help me if I have to do that pita again

So basicaly I am looking for imput on what else I should take a peek at.


p.s. Sooks is a little girl, I went to high school with him!

 

So maybe this is only on my car but here it goes. 83k miles and ive replaced:

1. ALL TURBO BOOTS ($450 SAMCO)
2. ALL COILS ($320.00 STOCK)
3. ALL INJECTORS ($650.00 STOCK)
4. FUEL LEVEL UNIT ($125.00 STOCK)
5. DEVERTER VALVES ($300.00 BAILEY'S)
5. TUNED AND REWORKED TURBOS (BEARINGS/TORQUE/ADJUSTMENTS)
6. DRAINED ALL LUBRICANTS ($250.00 OEM)
7. FUEL FILTER ($50.00 STOCK)
8. AIR FLOW ($75.00 STOCK)
9. O2 SENSORS ($550.00 STOCK 4)

AT 100,000 MILES I WILL BE REPLACING THE:

*WATER PUMP
*TIMMING BELTS
*FUEL PUMP
(ABOUT AN $1100.00-SERVICE I HOPE)


The previous owner did nothing other than oil and tire changes. The car looks great and drives hard now. My only advice is to get a PPI (PRE PURCHASE INSPECION) and ask loads of questions (what conditions does the car see everyday). I have heard mixed reviews of AUDI's service so get yourself a AUDI MECHANIC/ TUNER that is trustworthy. Hope this helps....

 

Well i've been doing all my own work on my A4, so I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty so to speak, I just want to make sure I know exaclty what I am getting when I buy my new car.

 

Timing belt on the S4 is, well a little more involved then the 1.8.
The job is about $400 in parts, & most shops are in the $1000+ range for the job.

EVERYTHING on you list is sounds, except the seats, what's up with that?
I have no seen or read anything about seat failure, except the plastic
seat bushings that are $5 & 15min to fix.

Just do a little search we talk about S4 problems all the time for newbies.

Basically, if you can't drop $1000 into the car at any given time, you should
not own one. Everything will be MORE $$ then your A4.

 

I'd have to disagree, once the front end is off its cake, just like a 2.8 passat.


Just trust yourself to work on it...its just a car

 

That's part of my point, you have to remove the front end, that's almost as much work as the belt it's self.

Yes, it's almost the same as any VAG V6 (parts wise), but it's still more work then the 1.8t

I'm doing mine next week, just waiting for my intercoolers.

Yea, it's just a car, but if you mess up the TB, it's going to be new motor time!

 

On another note, whats up with 2003? no S4s that year or what?

 

i do the s4 timing belt service for 500 bucks labor. its not hard, but you need some tools to do it right. Just got off the phone with a guy asking for a price quote on valve replacement, he's a doityourselfer with a 110pc craftsman tool set. get the pin and cam bar and you cant screw up. trust me on this one, knowing there is no chance you are gonna bend valves when you start it, priceless.

 

also removing the front end isnt that hard, really its only 14 bolts i think..., takes about 15 minutes with waiting for the radiator to drain. i can give the step by step if you guys want.