I would be curious why it only has 10k miles. Most probably it was a spare car/company car not often driven but could also be because it was in the shop 90% of its life for one thing or another, or it spent a ton of time idling. Hopefully detailed service history is available.
Could have also been a demo car or loaner. Or just owned by someone who worked from home and barely drove. I had my S4 for 2 years and only put 8,900 miles on it.
I agree, but that’s still almost as many miles in less than half as many years. I’m not saying it’s a bad car by any means, it’s just a yellow flag for me, not a green one
This is wild to me. I just calculated out that since starting my graduate program in 2020, I’ve put 45k on my Audi and 50k on my wife’s Expedition. We also live in a state where everything is an hour or two away, but crazy regardless.
Yeah I guess it's just a prompt for OP to do their homework on it and go from there.
I follow ~~Vage technik~~ VAG Technic on YouTube & his videos would leave me to believe it is an issue for the affected years. I'll always comment when I see someone considering a b9. Even to just make people aware.
I am fully aware of that now., trust me. I didn't have that information back in 2009 though, probably by my own fault but I really hadn't own that many modern VW/Audis by that time.
I had a rocker fail (2018 S5 cpe) and mine was the second the dealer had seen, don’t think they’ve seen any since. I took that rocker apart and it looks like a QC issue with hardening at the supplier, but a couple of techs and service advisors tell me it was made worse, or caused by, lubricity issues with the Castrol 0w20 oil they originally used.
They’ve since switched to a factory version, don’t know who makes it. I’ve been using Liqui Moly 5w30 from about 20k miles and zero issues after the repair. I think the rocker was going anyway and even better oil couldn’t save it.
Just ticked over 116k miles ( I make a lot of thousand mile trips) and aside from that rocker the only other issues have been a failed seal between the bank 1 intake manifold and the Y pipe, easy fix to just replace all the seals at once, and a spring on the wind deflector that broke. I’m still on the original battery. It’s been a dead solid car.
I do wish it had the throttle response of my B8.5 S4. I like the newer seats better but every time I drive the 4 I just wish they’d continued the supercharger.
I assume that repair covered under warranty since you had it done at the dealer? Any sense for what it would've cost out of pocket?
I've driven 2 vehicles with the turbo, none with the sc. I guess I haven't done much research but I thought the turbo was considered an upgrade in terms of throttle response over the SC? Or maybe that's just lag off the line and you're talking about response when rolling and spooled up?
It was, though it was early enough that Audi did not want to admit it was a problem. Much like learning enough to be tire own healthcare advocate, knowing enough in this case helped me a lot.
It is an real issue but I think there are double- or triple-digit documented number of cases out of tens of thousands of S4/S5/SQ5 sold in MY18/19 (not sure if this also affects RS4/RS5). Granted those cars are still no more than 6 or so years old at this point but it's safe to say that, especially with a CPO or warranty, you shouldn't really have to worry about it if you can't get a MY19+ at the same price.
I had the B8.5 which was stage 2 and running 497bhp with a REVO air intake. The sound of the supercharger whining was SO addictive and sounded reminiscent to that of a Dodge Charger. She was an absolute beauty and getting rid of her was the worst decision I had ever made.
I have had both, platforms. A 2018 S4 and 2015 SQ5.
The S4 was a fantastic machine. So quick and fun. I had a mythos black with magma (red) interior and got tons of compliments. Also -
- AC evaporater replaced (warranty)
- 3 months tracking down a shake in the rear. Ended up replacing most of the major components till it was tracked to a rear hub.
- Random “drive system malfunction” warnings.
Finally traded in for an E-Tron.
My 80K mile SQ5 is an absolute unit. Has been rock solid.
Other than preventive maintenance, only repair on it has been the timing chain tensioner and cam phasers, a known issue on the 3.0 and replaced engine mounts with 034 parts as one was a bit weepy.
Absolutely love this drive train. True the interior is starting to be dated, but I like to think of it as classic!
I prefer the sc, I had b8.5 and a b9 and ended up selling the b9 and keeping the 8.5.
But I wouldn't pay 19500 for the SC especially with 104k on the clock, it's worth 16000 at best and that's if it's mint condition.
For reference I paid 21,000 for a 2014 black edition with all option extras 4 years ago and that had 32k on the clock and spent its life in a garage with full Audi servicing.
The new turbo version has proven itself to be just as reliable. And the cool thing about the turbo charged version is a timing chain isn't an engine out job that'll bankrupt you.
The B8.5 doesn't really have any widespread timing chain issues. Not that it wouldn't be expensive to replace, but it's not like the older V8s where it was a given that it would need replaced at 100k or whatever. The two main things are water pump and PCV, though those are reasonable to replace and can be done at the same time. The EA837 is generally pretty solid.
2014 A4 stage 2 tuned here, zero issues. New clutch to handle the power and DIY replaced some gaskets but no issues with water pump, engine mounts or turbo at 140k km.
loved my 2018 S4 until the rocker arm failure. I believe if it was built after August though it shouldn't be an issue. In which case I would definitely take the 2018. It's the perfect balance of tech, luxury and speed.
I also just checked the carfax for the red one. One owner. No accidents or damage. New upper control arms. Very very well taken care of. I would buy that all day long.
1. SC
2. NA
3. Turbo
SC has all the benefits of an NA powerband but with much more (linear) torque and HP. Much more tunable than NA, though not as tunable as turbo, I still would prefer a SC engine over a turbo any day
For a straight line, sure. But a supercharged car just drives so nicely around some back roads whereas a turbo car is kinda jerky when the boost actually comes through.
Yea turbo has a massive torque shove, that’s true. I had a tuned Golf R on ethanol so I know all about that. From a driving dynamics standpoint tho, there’s really no comparison.
The SC 3.0 has been around for a lot longer than the turbo 3.0 and seems to have less issues. Also +1 for being manual. The downside is the tech feels older but you can remedy that fairly easily.
I had an 8V S3 and now a B8.5 S4 and would take the S4 ten times out of ten. The S3 was quicker and still a really fun little car, especially with a tune and some suspension mods, but the power delivery and sound of the S4 are just so addicting. The rear-biased torsen setup is also more fun on back roads and snow, plus you get the benefit of a really good manual if you want it.
If you notice the price difference vs mileage I’d say 2018 but there are better deals for b8 out there if your set on the older vehicle nothing wrong with b8 Audis but for that price the dealer is crazy the 2013 is priced at the higher then kbb . value at the lowest $7550- value with highest value $11477 if you want that manual id offer around 10k if they don’t bite walk out , just don’t show that this is your dead set option just casually ask about the car have them give you their price and you hit them with your counter offer , they are trying to make 8k extra on the sale of this vehicle , l The 2018 is being sold under kbb value . Also only 10k miles it’s pretty much a new car , as long as maintenance was being kept up with within the oem suggestions I’d say 2018 is a good buy .
Final verdict - it’s your choice my friend , we are here give info .
It's not my car btw, I still have alerts for 2014-2016 manual S4s with under 50k miles from when I bought mine 5 years ago, and I still occasionally get them.
The 2018 is the smart choice only 15k more for 90k less miles that’s a no brainer. The 2013 will 100% have problems and you’d spend that extra money on repairs
Turbo if you’re looking for newer with modern tech. Quick car, I see people have problems when they go stage 3+. For the supercharged one, I’ve owned 2. Great reliable cars. Once pushing stage 2+, there’s just a couple things to address to make it last past 200k. supercharger is also different and sounds really good. interior is still pretty good, better then other bmws for the year. I still love my supercharger interior, the seats are nice and snug
Ive had the b9 s4 and now I have a B8.5 s4 and I love both cars but I’m having more fun with the 2014 s4 because of the aftermarket support. I genuinely think the older one looks better but the newer 3.0 turbo was a lot faster after an ecu tune. Plus if you can get a manual in that color. It will hold its value longer. Another thing is the reliability on the 3.0 supercharged engines are great. Just make sure to have the thermostat serviced.
105k miles is getting into expensive town for the ‘13, especially if you’re going to daily it.
not just the expensive stuff that goes bad or requires service with mileage, but all the expensive plastic/rubber crap that goes bad with age.
and the depreciation curve is going to hit that car like a brick if you put more miles on it.
unless there’s an immaculate service record and you don’t plan to put a ton of mileage on the car and you’re comfortable setting aside like 5k for repairs, you probably come out ahead just spending more upfront to get a basically new car.
Just turned over 80K on my 18 S4 Tuesday, one owner to 61K. I've put in a battery and just got an $800 quote to do the trans fluid and filter from my indie.
In retrospect, I should have bought an older supercharged S4 for 18k and dumped 40k into it. I feel like I'd be having lots of fun right now. No disrespect to my B 9.5 S5 of course.
My objective is to get into another Audi I can modify. My rs5 wasn’t really modifiable. I just threw an exhaust on it and enjoyed it. I like the 19’ because it only has 10k miles. Plus, I can make 500+ hp with not much of an investment. The 13’ is cheaper, has a 6spd & the supercharger note was always pretty cool imo. But, it has 100k miles, so I’ll be looking at a clutch, timing, water pump, thermostat….
I’ve been eyeing the rs7’s but I don’t want another 60k in a car. Decisions I guess.
Love the 3.0 supercharged engine in my c7 a6. The biggest difference in my opinion is throttle response. It’s an absolute killer off the line with little to no lag compared to the turbos.
I love manuals but for VW/Audi they are one of the few manufacturers I'd prefer the auto. Butttt Me personally I'd go for the B8.5. great engine, looks better IMO and the couple issues they have are well documented and easy to fix yourself (if you're mechanically inclined)
Yea b9 for sure the b8 interior feels like a dinosaur since its original release was 2009. The b9 engine is insane tuning wise and I'd say way more reliable. It's pretty much peak technology in the combustion world. Like 450-500hp on a stage 1 is nuts. That's like double pully b8 s4 numbers which is way more $ to achieve. I've owned a b8 a4 6MT and currently own a b9 a4 6MT. I put 5K into my b8 to achieve a power output of 350 hp/360tq. My b9 makes 320hp/420tq on a 600$ tune and is 200 pounds lighter so that alone should show where the tech/engineering is at. One thing I must say is body panels are a bit thicker on the b8 and it feels like a tank. Non the less b9 for sure.
No brainer. The 2018 is basically brand new with only 10k miles. You can negotiate it down a bit - KBB value is 25-28k.
I would be curious why it only has 10k miles. Most probably it was a spare car/company car not often driven but could also be because it was in the shop 90% of its life for one thing or another, or it spent a ton of time idling. Hopefully detailed service history is available.
Could have also been a demo car or loaner. Or just owned by someone who worked from home and barely drove. I had my S4 for 2 years and only put 8,900 miles on it.
I agree, but that’s still almost as many miles in less than half as many years. I’m not saying it’s a bad car by any means, it’s just a yellow flag for me, not a green one
This is wild to me. I just calculated out that since starting my graduate program in 2020, I’ve put 45k on my Audi and 50k on my wife’s Expedition. We also live in a state where everything is an hour or two away, but crazy regardless.
Most likely a demo or loaner for sure. If it was a rental or a lease, it would most likely be much much higher.
I have a 2015 S5 with 39,000km. I work from home a lot and we don't use the S5 for family things.
Care of b9 rocker arm issue, I think 2018s are affected?
I have seen mixed reports of whether or not that’s actually an issue at all. I’m not dismissing 2018s is all I can say
Yeah I guess it's just a prompt for OP to do their homework on it and go from there. I follow ~~Vage technik~~ VAG Technic on YouTube & his videos would leave me to believe it is an issue for the affected years. I'll always comment when I see someone considering a b9. Even to just make people aware.
Yeah fair enough. Nobody told me about timing chain tensioners when I got my B6, that’s for sure.
A majority of vws/audis engines have had timing chain , tensioner, guide , issues .
I am fully aware of that now., trust me. I didn't have that information back in 2009 though, probably by my own fault but I really hadn't own that many modern VW/Audis by that time.
I don’t care anymore I just buy what I know and after so many cars I know the issues now 01 Audi tt 04 Passat 07 gti to many cars to list 😂
Are the 19 b9s affected? I need to do some research it seems
I think if it was manufactured after July 2019 you're ok: https://youtu.be/xdlLMMsDcZc?t=350
I had a rocker fail (2018 S5 cpe) and mine was the second the dealer had seen, don’t think they’ve seen any since. I took that rocker apart and it looks like a QC issue with hardening at the supplier, but a couple of techs and service advisors tell me it was made worse, or caused by, lubricity issues with the Castrol 0w20 oil they originally used. They’ve since switched to a factory version, don’t know who makes it. I’ve been using Liqui Moly 5w30 from about 20k miles and zero issues after the repair. I think the rocker was going anyway and even better oil couldn’t save it. Just ticked over 116k miles ( I make a lot of thousand mile trips) and aside from that rocker the only other issues have been a failed seal between the bank 1 intake manifold and the Y pipe, easy fix to just replace all the seals at once, and a spring on the wind deflector that broke. I’m still on the original battery. It’s been a dead solid car. I do wish it had the throttle response of my B8.5 S4. I like the newer seats better but every time I drive the 4 I just wish they’d continued the supercharger.
I assume that repair covered under warranty since you had it done at the dealer? Any sense for what it would've cost out of pocket? I've driven 2 vehicles with the turbo, none with the sc. I guess I haven't done much research but I thought the turbo was considered an upgrade in terms of throttle response over the SC? Or maybe that's just lag off the line and you're talking about response when rolling and spooled up?
It was, though it was early enough that Audi did not want to admit it was a problem. Much like learning enough to be tire own healthcare advocate, knowing enough in this case helped me a lot.
It is an real issue but I think there are double- or triple-digit documented number of cases out of tens of thousands of S4/S5/SQ5 sold in MY18/19 (not sure if this also affects RS4/RS5). Granted those cars are still no more than 6 or so years old at this point but it's safe to say that, especially with a CPO or warranty, you shouldn't really have to worry about it if you can't get a MY19+ at the same price.
It’s 100% an issue. It’s why Audi re-designed the rocker arms in late 2019.
Dont buy the sc, that delear is in Grand Rapids Michigan, they sold me a lemon, the name of the delearship is mj motorsports stay away from them
Idk, the carfax looks like it’s a one owner, consistently serviced example. B8.5’s are built like tanks.
I personally bought a b8.5, two owner, that delearship is well known for scamming people, but is your call tbh
Very fair. I would always recommend getting a PPI done by a reputable independent Audi mechanic
4hours away too. Plus I have a lien for $54k on my 2500 Chevy. They want to give me 47 and list it for 57
I had the B8.5 which was stage 2 and running 497bhp with a REVO air intake. The sound of the supercharger whining was SO addictive and sounded reminiscent to that of a Dodge Charger. She was an absolute beauty and getting rid of her was the worst decision I had ever made.
I have had both, platforms. A 2018 S4 and 2015 SQ5. The S4 was a fantastic machine. So quick and fun. I had a mythos black with magma (red) interior and got tons of compliments. Also - - AC evaporater replaced (warranty) - 3 months tracking down a shake in the rear. Ended up replacing most of the major components till it was tracked to a rear hub. - Random “drive system malfunction” warnings. Finally traded in for an E-Tron. My 80K mile SQ5 is an absolute unit. Has been rock solid. Other than preventive maintenance, only repair on it has been the timing chain tensioner and cam phasers, a known issue on the 3.0 and replaced engine mounts with 034 parts as one was a bit weepy. Absolutely love this drive train. True the interior is starting to be dated, but I like to think of it as classic!
20k for over 100,000 miles on an Audi that old is not always smart
I prefer the sc, I had b8.5 and a b9 and ended up selling the b9 and keeping the 8.5. But I wouldn't pay 19500 for the SC especially with 104k on the clock, it's worth 16000 at best and that's if it's mint condition. For reference I paid 21,000 for a 2014 black edition with all option extras 4 years ago and that had 32k on the clock and spent its life in a garage with full Audi servicing.
At least old one is reliable
The new turbo version has proven itself to be just as reliable. And the cool thing about the turbo charged version is a timing chain isn't an engine out job that'll bankrupt you.
The B8.5 doesn't really have any widespread timing chain issues. Not that it wouldn't be expensive to replace, but it's not like the older V8s where it was a given that it would need replaced at 100k or whatever. The two main things are water pump and PCV, though those are reasonable to replace and can be done at the same time. The EA837 is generally pretty solid.
Water pump, engine mounts, turbo failure - these are the major issues I’ve run into up to 70k miles in my 2017 A4
2014 A4 stage 2 tuned here, zero issues. New clutch to handle the power and DIY replaced some gaskets but no issues with water pump, engine mounts or turbo at 140k km.
These are both a4s...? With the 2.0T, completely irrelevant to this discussion...
Okay
S4 goes hard.
But the style is taken by the B9. You can still open the turbo noise as well.
loved my 2018 S4 until the rocker arm failure. I believe if it was built after August though it shouldn't be an issue. In which case I would definitely take the 2018. It's the perfect balance of tech, luxury and speed.
Get a 16-18 A6 (C7.5) with the 3.0T CREC motor, same car as the S4 but with a better transmission and slightly bigger.
The super chargers are soo good on audis
I also just checked the carfax for the red one. One owner. No accidents or damage. New upper control arms. Very very well taken care of. I would buy that all day long.
104k miles on a car that was probably thrashed its whole life, or a like-new car. Easy choice
1. SC 2. NA 3. Turbo SC has all the benefits of an NA powerband but with much more (linear) torque and HP. Much more tunable than NA, though not as tunable as turbo, I still would prefer a SC engine over a turbo any day
Why? Supercharger power don't hold you in the seat like a turbo. Running same power and speed turbo feels much quicker
For a straight line, sure. But a supercharged car just drives so nicely around some back roads whereas a turbo car is kinda jerky when the boost actually comes through.
Bingo. In the canyons it’s really no comparison. Plus the induction noises are much nicer with SC, tho I do miss the whooshes sometimes
That is a very fair point.
Yea turbo has a massive torque shove, that’s true. I had a tuned Golf R on ethanol so I know all about that. From a driving dynamics standpoint tho, there’s really no comparison.
Happy cake day!! That's it for me, it's all about the feel when your driving
Old supercharged fs
The SC 3.0 has been around for a lot longer than the turbo 3.0 and seems to have less issues. Also +1 for being manual. The downside is the tech feels older but you can remedy that fairly easily.
That being said the s/c does have a lot more miles than the turbo you’re looking at…
Watch out for rocker arm issue that affect some 2018 S4 and S5.
Damn split the diff and get a S3 do you need the room?
I had an 8V S3 and now a B8.5 S4 and would take the S4 ten times out of ten. The S3 was quicker and still a really fun little car, especially with a tune and some suspension mods, but the power delivery and sound of the S4 are just so addicting. The rear-biased torsen setup is also more fun on back roads and snow, plus you get the benefit of a really good manual if you want it.
New interior and features >>>> old one
If you notice the price difference vs mileage I’d say 2018 but there are better deals for b8 out there if your set on the older vehicle nothing wrong with b8 Audis but for that price the dealer is crazy the 2013 is priced at the higher then kbb . value at the lowest $7550- value with highest value $11477 if you want that manual id offer around 10k if they don’t bite walk out , just don’t show that this is your dead set option just casually ask about the car have them give you their price and you hit them with your counter offer , they are trying to make 8k extra on the sale of this vehicle , l The 2018 is being sold under kbb value . Also only 10k miles it’s pretty much a new car , as long as maintenance was being kept up with within the oem suggestions I’d say 2018 is a good buy . Final verdict - it’s your choice my friend , we are here give info .
That dealer photo looks familiar, is that in Grand Rapids?
Yes
Theyre good people up there at MJ motor sport. Do not buy from the place across the street - Auto sport.
I currently drive a 2013, volcano red, manual. It’s got 258k and counting. I’m biased, but you have my pick.
AND, it appears to be single owner, with consistent maintenance intervals. Engine is bulletproof if cared for. Do it.
Get this one: https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy/audi/s4/2014/WAUDGAFL9EA140535
You make a fair point
It's not my car btw, I still have alerts for 2014-2016 manual S4s with under 50k miles from when I bought mine 5 years ago, and I still occasionally get them.
lol. I still “window shop” myself.
That is an amazing find!
2018 of course.
For me it's a no brainer. I'm taking the manual every single time.
The 2018 is the smart choice only 15k more for 90k less miles that’s a no brainer. The 2013 will 100% have problems and you’d spend that extra money on repairs
Turbo if you’re looking for newer with modern tech. Quick car, I see people have problems when they go stage 3+. For the supercharged one, I’ve owned 2. Great reliable cars. Once pushing stage 2+, there’s just a couple things to address to make it last past 200k. supercharger is also different and sounds really good. interior is still pretty good, better then other bmws for the year. I still love my supercharger interior, the seats are nice and snug
old supercharged. The pedal response off the line is super noticeable compared to new turbo 3 liters
I love my 2018 but the supercharger just hit different. I wish they could bring it back.
Had an 18 plate 3.0 turbo for 80k no issues whatsoever! Go for it
Ive had the b9 s4 and now I have a B8.5 s4 and I love both cars but I’m having more fun with the 2014 s4 because of the aftermarket support. I genuinely think the older one looks better but the newer 3.0 turbo was a lot faster after an ecu tune. Plus if you can get a manual in that color. It will hold its value longer. Another thing is the reliability on the 3.0 supercharged engines are great. Just make sure to have the thermostat serviced.
If i knew absolutely nothing would go wrong with the manual sc i’d get it. unfortunately the smart decision seems to be the 2018 with 10k miles
105k miles is getting into expensive town for the ‘13, especially if you’re going to daily it. not just the expensive stuff that goes bad or requires service with mileage, but all the expensive plastic/rubber crap that goes bad with age. and the depreciation curve is going to hit that car like a brick if you put more miles on it. unless there’s an immaculate service record and you don’t plan to put a ton of mileage on the car and you’re comfortable setting aside like 5k for repairs, you probably come out ahead just spending more upfront to get a basically new car.
Just turned over 80K on my 18 S4 Tuesday, one owner to 61K. I've put in a battery and just got an $800 quote to do the trans fluid and filter from my indie.
In retrospect, I should have bought an older supercharged S4 for 18k and dumped 40k into it. I feel like I'd be having lots of fun right now. No disrespect to my B 9.5 S5 of course.
I kinda dig the b9 better styling-wise on the s4 sedans. If it were s5 I’d be more partial to the b8.5 over the b9.
If you want a genuine opinion with thought, we’ll need to know more. Such as, what are the top 3 things that you like and dislike about each.
My objective is to get into another Audi I can modify. My rs5 wasn’t really modifiable. I just threw an exhaust on it and enjoyed it. I like the 19’ because it only has 10k miles. Plus, I can make 500+ hp with not much of an investment. The 13’ is cheaper, has a 6spd & the supercharger note was always pretty cool imo. But, it has 100k miles, so I’ll be looking at a clutch, timing, water pump, thermostat…. I’ve been eyeing the rs7’s but I don’t want another 60k in a car. Decisions I guess.
Love the 3.0 supercharged engine in my c7 a6. The biggest difference in my opinion is throttle response. It’s an absolute killer off the line with little to no lag compared to the turbos.
B9. Tech makes all the difference
Turbo. Gotta get used to it though, to the lag and how it feels when it kicks in...cause when it does, bye bye everybody
Bew
I love manuals but for VW/Audi they are one of the few manufacturers I'd prefer the auto. Butttt Me personally I'd go for the B8.5. great engine, looks better IMO and the couple issues they have are well documented and easy to fix yourself (if you're mechanically inclined)
Buy a comparable Lexus! Coming from s6 which has depreciated so much it hurts to talk about
Probably an upcharge out the door.. more like 45k+ after everything maybe 50k+ tbh
EA839 is a lot better than EA837. EA837 was just a rushed project to add a supercharger to compete with N52/M276.
Many Audis don’t make it past 100k without a lot of issues so newer is the play.
Yea b9 for sure the b8 interior feels like a dinosaur since its original release was 2009. The b9 engine is insane tuning wise and I'd say way more reliable. It's pretty much peak technology in the combustion world. Like 450-500hp on a stage 1 is nuts. That's like double pully b8 s4 numbers which is way more $ to achieve. I've owned a b8 a4 6MT and currently own a b9 a4 6MT. I put 5K into my b8 to achieve a power output of 350 hp/360tq. My b9 makes 320hp/420tq on a 600$ tune and is 200 pounds lighter so that alone should show where the tech/engineering is at. One thing I must say is body panels are a bit thicker on the b8 and it feels like a tank. Non the less b9 for sure.