Avoid this S4 Avant for sale: CK53 ZSY

Hi all,

Audi S4 Avant - black with silver leather - CK53 ZSY currently for sale at an Audi specialist in Weybridge, Surrey.

Top and bottom of it, don't buy this car if you don't want grief. I bought this car from the Audi Specialist and had grief from the first 2 miles. After a few issues that they resolved, further issues came to light which meant me asking a VAG specialist (that I trust) to take a proper look. I asked him to investigate a knocking from the front nearside suspension - but was least of my worries. There is a bad oil leak coming from the back of the engine at the cam chain cover... 2 independant inspections were quoting 35-40 hours labour - engine out job! Equating to £4000. Oh - and it still clunks at the front end.

After a couple of solicitors letters (as they would accept that I had rejected the car), they took the car back and gave me my old A4 TDi back and the difference in ££££.

Within 24 hours, this car is back up on their website for sale at the same price. They are aware of a long list of the issues with the car from the VAG master technician... be aware.

It looks a lovely car, drives OK, reasonable spec, reasonable price, the garage do a good warranty, the people are reasonable... but the car will/may be troublesome.

Just a warning.

All in all, the experience wasn't great.

Firstly, the 4.2 V8 is nothing compared with the B5 2.7 Biturbo. Yes it's fast, but feels dull as hell - massive anticlimax. My old B5 was mental - was hoping the B6 was going to be the same... very much not.

Then the problems made it a "done decision" to give it back - albeit via a few hundred quid to a solicitor.

Immediately fell back in love with my old 2003 remapped 1.9TDi Sport... I think I love torque!!

I agree 100%. I love the torque. I have more fun in my A4 1.9TDi and my missus' A3 2.0TDi Quattro (awesome fun and handling) than in that V8. It shouldn't be.

Saying that, the B6 S4 is definately a nicer place to be and sounds awesome. That's about it. Biggest anticlimax ever. I should've bought a B5 RS4 for the same money - but more to go wrong...

For the minute, my old 120k mile old rattly B6 TDi that does 55mpg even after an AMD remap is fine for me!

Yup - that's what the graphs say.

Apparently, the 1.9TDI 130s are nearer 140 most of the time, and the 2.0TDI 140 is also 140...

Mine took the 185bhp no problem and made a world of difference. Although the only downside was a knackered flywheel & clutch (due to my hard driving one day - ok, doing a stupid rolling burnout with the ESP off - for no good reason apart from me being a complete tool showing off!).

The max torque was at 2100rpm too, hence why I change gear at about 2500rpm as the surge is relentless. Oh, and still gives me 50mpg. Result all around.

Uh oh! Someone has unfortunately bought the S4 in question... I just hope that they pick up on the issues and don't take any crap. I have the V5 and spare keys... so hopefully someone will be asking for them shortly and I can fill them in!

Oh yeah, the petrol was a shocker for me too. My B5 S4 was bad (I thought) at 20mpg, but the B6 S4 did shock. Best I saw was 18mpg.

I think I made the right decision. My 1.9TDI has just done 350 miles and has another 370 miles in the tank...! Oh, the joy!