Hi guys, I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on an 07 S4 6MT with the 4.2. Anyone have experience with these engines? I was looking at A4 wagons but this is such a good deal its going to be hard to resist if the engine is somewhat reliable. I haven't researched the 4.2 engine much yet... Car is from the original owner with full service history.
Purchased new, '06 6 spd S4 Avant, 67K, faultless to date, still love it. There is an ecu somewhere in the dash that is often an issue, ours still OK. Same 4.2 in our R8, miles too low to say much. Previously an A8, same motor, ran perfectly to 101K, then traded for the S4. Will soon trade to an RS5 coupe. I think the 4.2 is essentially bullet-proof; it's usually all the electro-bits around it that create the Audi haters!
We have an 07 S4 Avant 6MT, bought new. It's been absolutely bulletproof, zero electrical issues. I bought an extended warranty 2 years ago when the factory warranty expired, and it's been a complete waste of money! No claims. We're considering trading it on an S7 in the fall, if we don't then I'll replace the shocks and front a-arm bushings. Love the car, it's a nearly unique combination of real performance and utility and fun. Nobody sells anything close to it any more, not even Audi (in North America). http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachments/silver-subscribed-private-forum/1331343d1306375105-post-picture-your-ladys-ride-monterey_20070823_0736.jpg
Mine's not actually legal to register in the US as it is - the Canadian spec cars come with a speedo that only shows kilometres per hour, no secondary scale for mph!
Oh that is interesting! Thank you guys for the feedback. In doing my research I became a little nervous about the timing chain guides failing but it appears to have been more of an issue with the 04 and 05 B6 cars. Most people with B7 cars say they have been very reliable and amazing to drive. Evidently only 351 manual S4 wagons were imported to the US in 07! What kind of gas mileage and oil consumption do you guys experience? I'm seeing the car tonight, anything else I should take note of?
No oil consumption at all. Gas mileage.....probably <18 mpg (if I cared, which I don't). Still, it's cool to look at the readout on deceleration/coasting: from 16 mpg on the pedal, to suddenly +85 to +000! If you are lucky to have a "cold start" opportunity; that's when to listen for the timing chain issue: listen for excessive 'rattle' as the engine comes up to idle speed. Colors? Options? Carbon/Alcantara interior? Bose? Wheels?
Do yourself a favor and find a BMW E61. Twin turbo engine which can safely and easily be tuned to 400hp for less than 1k. I love mine. I usually swap my DDs every 1.5-2 years, and just can't let this one go. (Not my photo, but my car is identical. Same wheels, stance and options) Image Unavailable, Please Login
I test drove on Friday and loved it! Really an excellent car. It did have two unexpected issues. First, the left front turn signal bulb is out but you need to partially remove the bumper to do this? Second, and moe importantly, it was stated that the valve cover gaskets and may need to be done again. On the test drive I smelled no oil burning but under the hood there was some evidence of oil on the top of the passenger side bank of cylinders back near the fire wall. There appeared to be some hose on the back of the block that had oil residue covering it. I think I'm just going to get it and will post pictures/ details when I can. Thanks for all the valuable help!
Valve cover gaskets are a common issue... No big deal. As you said, timing chain issues often arise after 100K miles, but that was much more common on the B6s. Post pictures if you buy it!
Looks like this is a done deal. We shook on a price and my bank came through with a killer rate of 3.24%! The seller sent the center display out to have it refurbished and I should be able to pick up the car next Tuesday. Car is Deep Sea Blue Pearl with silver interior. Nav, birch wood accents, multifunction steering wheel, parking sensors, rear heated seats, sun shade, tinted windows, audio package, convenience package and Bluetooth. I only have this crappy picture so far... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for the update, I was curious how it was going. The car is gorgeous! Ours is the brighter Sprint Blue, but otherwise sounds identical on the inside. I love the silver interior, the dark birch wood trim suits perfectly. Congrats! Please post more pics when you get it home.
Check with PenFed before you go with your bank. 1.49% is their standard rate. Quick and easy to join, and it only cost $15.
Thanks for that info. Looks like I will qualify for an account at the end of June when I work at the DC Veterans Affairs medical center (only for a few months next year, though). Should be able to use that rate to get a nice deal on a Subaru in a few months.
So turns out Key bank is the WORST. Finally got this done, I had to call a friend who is a managing director to light a fire under them just to look at the file! They requested a copy of the title/registration 4 times! Needless to say I won't be using them when it comes time to get a mortgage... Anyway, I pick the car up Monday night.
Sorry, never followed up with a better pic. This car is epic. It drinks some oil, but I really don't care. Still a crappy pic but I'll get it waxed and get a few better shots. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Wagons are SEXY!!! I am leaning towards a Wagon for my next DD, they are so "Under the radar" until they eat your lunch.
I'm amazed at the reactions people give this thing. I was parked on the street waiting for a friend and a cop walked by, tapped on the window and asked if it really was a V8 under the hood. Then he warned me about the tint... I can't understand how wagons aren't more popular; there is still a stigma about them. Everyone at work said "nice soccer mom car". Sigh...
Exactly! Have they been to a kids soccer game or school drop off point lately? The soccer moms haven't been driving wagons in 30 years; they switched to minivans in the 80s, then SUVs in the 90s, now it's SUVs, trucks, and CUVs. It's a lot of fun to say "Soccer moms don't drive wagons, they ALL drive SUVs and CUVs these days. Wait, what do you drive again?" (90% chance that it will be an SUV or CUV)
Nice! Hey I drive a Miata which was/is deemed as a chicks car, go figure. That cop was certainly a car person and then started thinking how much time they have left until they can draw a full pension and afford a car like yours!
Just be prepared for the high cost of maintenance. They are very labor intensive because of the very poor overall packaging of the car. They drive nice however.. Enjoy it.
