Should I Buy? B8/B8.5 (2010-2016) Audi S4 // The Reliable Audi

The B8/B8.5 Audi S4 is one of the best all around cars of the 21st Century. It's a great performer (yes on the road...this isn't a track car), it's nice to look at and sit in, and it's actually a reliable. The only downside is the maintenance and parts are a bit expensive. So Should you buy? Yeah, its amazing, but also don't because I want to be able to afford one..

We hope you enjoy our deep dive on the B8 Audi S4.

0:00 - Intro

1:31 - Is it Reliable?

4:57 - What is it like to work on? Maintenance Costs.

8:25 - Driving Impressions - The Noise and Acceleration Reactions

11:19 - Driving Impressions - Comfort and Performance

13:39 - Conclusion/Final Thoughts

[jimmykoran]

the smiles and giggles in the driving impressions segment sold me on getting one of these

[wezeyp]

Audi’s 3.0 supercharged is a decent motor reliability wise and with good performance. Starting to see some high mileage ones hitting 200k

[Hopelessthugg]

I got mine at 80k miles 6 speed sport diff. One owner, old man. Bone stock. I pretty quickly had to do water pump, thermostat, pcv, and coolant pipes cause one broke. I fixed it myslef, huge pain in the butt and totally doable with acess to variety of tools. I made it stage 2 and dont regret buying it even tho ive already experienced "audi b8 problems". Dont buy a cheap one or a tuned one. Pay top dollar when a 6 speed low miles shows up, and just plug away at the maintenance.

[henryp]

Can confirm, mine broke at 198k. Piston rings gave from clogged cats. In the process of dropping a 96k mile engine in it in the next few weeks. Going with the whole overhaul. I do envy the stick ones mine is Auto. Can praise the how reliable they are, highly recommend they are super balanced platform and my favorite car to drive.

[ZemzyOseris]

I bought one about a year ago (2011). Within the first 2 days of owning it the Mechatronic went bad. Luckily the dealership replaced it for free, as they should. Since then, nothing has gone wrong with the car that wasn't aftermarket. Definitly harder and way more expensive to work on than my old 2012 Mazda 3, but the joy of driving it is worth it. Everytime I hear that supercharger whine, I am filled with bliss.

Also highly recommend getting a DeWalt 90 degree drill adapter. Helps getting in the hard to reach spots.

[AudiCluvr]

I own a 2012 Audi 3.0t with around 185k miles. Excellent car, very reliable. Had to replace the water pump, coolant crossover pipe, and pcv; which for a car of that mileage is really just maintenance; but it never left me stranded.

[mprobins]

The resonated awe touring exhaust is a mandatory upgrade on these cars for enthusiasts.

[AveenB]

Pretty accurate. Have a 2013 B8.5 S4 based in South Africa. Had DSG mechatronic failure and thermostat issues and had them both fixed. That’s it, still love this car!

[markjohnson]

Whenever you have the blower off - spend a few extra dollars on whatever else is in the valley.... PCV goes... change PCV, thermostat, and y-pipe. Thermostat goes... change thermostat, pcv, and ypipe... etc

[BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thoroughly enjoyed that one. Excellent info you don’t see anywhere else. Those yellow brake calipers! Nice.

[FriedPlacentaBurger]

After owning a 2010 DSG for around 5 years and 60k miles, i've seemingly had all the issues you can run into. The cats especially are an issue with heat breaking them apart and blowing out the back.

Buy as new as you can, and have at least a few thousand put away in a repair fund. The car itself was wonderful to drive. Passing was never an issue, and tunnels are an experience with an open box intake.

[mohammadkamran]

I love my B8 S4 so much, picked up a few months ago.
I owned a Supercharged Mini Cooper, but with a new Baby wanted 4 doors and comfort. At the same time I could not own a car without the Supercharger noise anymore, it's just an addicting noise.
So I finally found my 'Attainable' dream car. :)

[caseycappoen]

I bought my first Audi January of last year from auction. 2014 s4.
Had 168k. Bad plugs and bad rack.
Replaced all plugs and rack. It runs great, looks great.
Came with Exhaust and upper pully. Quite sure it's tuned but cannot find out by who. No vin records.
Almost to 180k now, timing chain clacks a little on startup but nothing im worried about yet.

[naxja]

I had a 2012, absolutely loved it. The lower rad hose started blowing off so I got rid of it. I still miss it, never figured out the problem

[ivancliff]

I had a 2010 for 8 years. I put 72000kms on it during that time. It was a stage 1 car from factory (Stasis package) and between maintenance and broken things it cost me thousands. I would do it again in a heartbeat. That car was amazing and winter driving bliss. They are expensive and the older ones have known issues. If you know what you’re getting into go ahead and get one. Pricey but if you can afford it they’re great!

[beefyonyt]

I have a 2012 base model audi a4 b8.5 and so far it's holding up really well. Now it's time to start modding! Just wanted to make sure it was a good car before doing anything to it. So far so good

[primaltone]

Bought a 2011 6spd model brand new and still have it. Has Stage II APR, Eurocode Sway Bars, billet aluminum steering stabilizer, strut bar, and factory sport diff. It is fast and handles way better than it should. I love it and intend to part with it never. This was the last of the breed. Is it a proper "sports car"? By definition, me thinks not, but it gives up very little in return for more seats, a decent trunk, and fantastic AWD.

[MyzteryMedia]

Recently bought one a 6MT as well and I’m obsessed with it. Have my fare shaper of euro cars and I love them

[Dragunov]

Would you trust a 2012-2018 A7 as a weekend car? It’s the same engine and trans as the B8 s4

[BocaAtractivo]

Personally, I prefer my 4m Q7 CREC motor that have 2x the injectors that eliminates carbon build up and carbon cleaning, bolt on pulley instead of the pressed ones - no need for 'service mode' for the bumper and lots of space to work with. I just drop the ride height w/stage 1 = merging/passing is effortless & instantaneous