2000 s4 need help!

[Art]

Found a car. Lock this up. Thanks for the suggestions. Not buying an Audi B5 S4.

 

 

 

I am looking at an S4 on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-S4-S4-Sedan-2000-Audi-S4-Low-Miles-Stage-2-StopTech-KK2-Coil-Overs-Custom-Recaro-/251569747590?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3a92b9b686&item=251569747590&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

 

Does anyone know this car?

 

I am somewhat automotive ignorant. I do not know what to look for on these as potential issues.

 

I may be getting a promotion which will have me driving 30 miles one way to work and back.

I want a "reliable" AWD car to get me there and back. Luckily, the route I will take to work and back will have me on Ohio's By-Ways.

 

I am looking into purchasing a B5 S4, a WRX, possibly an R32 VW.

 

Any suggestions, tips, help, etc. is welcome.

Know of a local car? Let me know.

 

Thanks, Art.

Edited July 3, 2014 by Art

[jerrodh]

My girlfriend has the same car all be it in much better color IMO haha. Its an awesome car, comfortable, quick. Handles well. But can be expensive to maintain. Her dad works on it so not a huge issue for us but if your going to take it to the shop be prepared.

[Supplicium]

The r32 will be way more reliable id go that route

[STEVE-O]

Turbo leaks, coolant leaks, oil leaks like most older German cars

[Art]

1) if you're over 60k miles, has the timing belt been changed? Records? Was the water pump done at the same time? Full service records are a huge plus! The Audi dealer might pull factory service records for you if you are friendly.

 

2) coolant should be bright & fresh (and PINK = Audi OEM). Look for any pink sludge accumulated around fittings = signs of leakage. Take off the engine cover & look in the V to check there.

 

3) Battery may be original, probably needs replace. Check whether cells have been topped up. Usually a good sign as to whether the care has had good care. If you twist off the caps, there are little min/max marks, assuming it is an OEM battery

 

4) check the diverter valves. There are two of them (round black about 3" diameter). When you start the car and idle you can put your hand on each one to see if they vibrate or are making funny noises. If you find one vibrating, pinch off the vacuum line to it & see if the noise goes away = valve is bad. Also check for boost leaks -- very common if mods have been done. If you find oil in the intercooler, the turbos may be on their way out. Very expensive repair (but an opportunity to drive the price down & upgrade to K04's or whatever).

 

5) oil leaks. Look around the timing belt cover seals, and along the passenger side and the drivers side of the engine block. timing chain tensioners & valve cover gaskets often leak,

 

6) check for ECU codes. STFA. Misfires could be bad sparkplugs, but you might find bad coil packs or other issues, especially if the engine has mods. O2 sensors fail over time and will also leave codes behind. Boost leaks will also show up on a code reader.

 

7) have a look at the oil cap. Is it bright & shiny? These guys want synthetic oil, and if it has not been used you will see dark accumulations on the cap.

 

8) check to make sure all the warning lights and displays in the guage clusters work. The display panel is notorious for losing pixels, and usually can't be repaired but can only be fixed by a somewhat spendy replacement.

 

9) stereo. Head units often failed. If it's been replaced, it is probably OK. Also if the speakers rattle on low bass they're probably shot.

 

Probably other stuff, but that's top of mind. If the car has had good care it can run reliably on the original turbos past 150,000 miles. Mods (and/or abuse) can have a cascading set of problems, and unless you know a lot about the installer should probably be avoided.

 

 

Found this on Audi World.

I have been on google for the last 3 hours.

So many people say RUN

[6 Speed S4]

I've had 3 B5 S4s. I think they are great cars, just need a little extra care. I dont think I would buy the imola one from ebay. Looks like someone really messed with the interior and other places.