I am looking at buying an S4 and I had some questions to what I should do. I am looking at a silver 2000 6sp s4 with 87k miles on it for 13k. I have read that some advise to get a 2001 and up. What do you guys think. I know I should have patients and look for a deal, but I think I really found one. The owner says that the oil was changed every 3-4k miles and that it was serviced when it needed it.

when I buy an s4, I plan on modding it so it can match close to my previous car, RX7. If I mod an s4 with that many miles, will I do more harm than good? What I take the proper percautions by keeping the turbos cool, changing oil, so on and so forth?

I really want to hear what you guys have to say about this car and any advice you have for me when I go and look at the car. Thanks to all who help and I will keep you posted on what S4 I plan on purchasing.

 

I don't think you'll have a whole mess of problems, the turbos and timing belt are the first thing I would look into. Then just get the usuall TBB, DV's, Turbo Timer, make your car reliable. Other than that I wouldn't see a whole problem with it if it's in good shape, and it sounds to be in great condition. The 2.7 engine is rediculously reliable, unless you are just a complete *** to your car. But I've seen guys SCCA racing fully stripped S4's pumping 450 to the wheels with the stock internals and never had ANY problems, which is remarkable for a "race" engine. If you're planning on modding, K04's would be a nice investment right away, even without the fuelling kit, just to get some reliability and get that whole mess of turbos out of the way. But I dunno, 86k isn't too bad, could be better. Just depends on how you will treat the car and how much you're willing to put into her.

 

thanks for the advice- so how much would the KO4 turbos be?

 

Turbo kit with all pipings, gaskets... are selling for 2500-2800 $
If you're a do it yourselfer you'll save a lot $$$. The engine as to be
out of the bay to change turbo's, so you can imagine how long it will take.
A good VW/Audi shop can probably do it in 12-15 hours range
Good luck

 

so say i get this car down to $12K(for kicks)-I ll have bout 3.5K to spend on it. What should I do? I want the usual power and performance with the reliability. I know to get the DV and TBB and something else for reliability. How should I spend the money? Get it chipped and put the rest towards the exhaust or get the KO4's? what do you guys think?

 

Does it have the Timing Belt done? If not, $1k at least. Then, update any maintenance items needing attention. Then, chip and supporting pieces. Then, enjoy the car. It's plenty fast with and even without a chip.

 

the owner did say that it has been changed twice, but I am not sure how long ago it was done. so i should just chip it and do some other small things?

 

DV's and TBB

Iwould stray from the chip only because it may affect your higher milage turbos and decrease the life dramatically. Turbo timer is another great investment along with a boost gauge to moniter your car better. All you can get for less than a grand depending on the product.

 

The TB has been changed twice? That doesn't sound right, there suppose to be good for 100,000mi.
most people change them out between 65kmi & 100kmi.

$3k will get you a good STGII, first thing after maintenance
CHIP
Cat back
then downpipes.

As said the motors are strong, so far no one I know has had any internal problems, most of the time it's
either boost leaks, trans & K03's going south.

 

what do you think it would be if the timing belt has been changed twice before 100K miles? if it anything too drastic, I might have to reconsider a new car. Also, what if I just got rid of the stock turbos and did the ko4's, then I wouldnt have to worry bout a chip destroying the turbos.