B8.5 S4 Running costs/reliability - MY changes?

[Jakey123]

I keep pondering these on and off but DSG problems are my main offput (Seems to be standard VAG fair that they have numerous reliability issues?)

15 plate models I believe had a mild engine refresh noted by the different engine cover? - Hard to find any info on what exactly this change involved? A
And would be the latest gen gesrbox, but still not problem free?
Any other B8.5 changes between 13-15?

I have realised you can get audi warranty on them upto 8yrs old, which is circa 600-800/Yr depending on excess.

I drove one and it was lovely, nice ones seem to be low £20ks but I'm concerned they are now becoming potential money pits...
Unfortunately a lack of Japanese alternatives exists, as I'm not the biggest believer in 'German reliability'.

My other option was an octavia VRS bit these feel a different class of car and a bit 'cheap'/noisy on comparison (different price point I realise)

Any input appreciated!
I have read the B8 owners thread quite extensively and googled extensively already!

[Hol]

I had a 2014 Black Edition car with DSG from new and moved it on after three years.

I know someone who had a near indentical car, but it was one of the last manuals from 2013 and in my opinion a better car, but it lacked the later dash and other interior styling changes,

[Jakey123]

Better because of the manual? Guess that's a matter of preference.
What made you sell yours?

[catso]

I've got a 2014, Avant Black Edition, been very happy overall.

The only problems I've had were a faulty coilpack (£30 for a new one) and a minor oil leak from the output flange of the gearbox - this was down to insufficient sealant on assembly that 'unfortunately' wasn't picked up by the Audi dealer on a service (whilst in warranty) but then subsequently discovered by the same dealer a couple of months later during the first MOT (just out of warranty).

They wanted £120 to investigate and lord knows how much to fix, in the end I got it done by an independent during the next service for £190, including changing the gearbox oil/filter.

personally I like the DSG/S-Tronic gearbox more than a manual and this is my 2nd DSG, my last one did nearly 90k miles with no issues (stick to the service schedule) in my ownership, that said my S4 is only on 36K so maybe too soon to say?

Otherwise running costs are not bad, servicing including brakes & tyres have been reasonable, road tax not too bad, insurance cheap enough (for an old git), only fly in the ointment is fuel consumption at around 26mpg on Super Unleaded but that's what I've been used to and I don't do many miles any more so not a problem.

Overall, I'd say a great car that suits my needs perfectly; a fast, comfortable, practical estate.

[Hol]

Jakey123 said:

Better because of the manual? Guess that's a matter of preference.
What made you sell yours?

Yeah. The 2014 box never really did it for me as I grew up with manuals and I enjoy fast driving as I like corners (the factory fitted tyres still only lasted 5000 miles).
I did find a great workaround for roundabouts where I would tap the selector back into Sports mode and tap it again when I exited.

I think the box would be very good on track where the corners are fast and smooth but I never took it to a track day as I had other cars and got rid of mine at 35 months old while it was still under warranty.

Don’t let my negativity put you off, as they are a great cars and I still have a fast Audi as part of the family fleet.

Edited by Hol on Saturday 18th December 08:06

[Jakey123]

Thanks for responses!

I've now purchased a 2014 (64 reg) S4 with 33k miles
Latest engine and gen3 box.

We shall see how ownership progresses, hopefully trouble free!

[catso]

You know it makes sense!