2013 Audi S4 and S5

legion · 01-06-2016, 05:18 AM

I have a friend that is interested in a 2013 S4 or S5. He asked my advice. In trying to appear as smart as possible, I thought I'd toss it out to the group here and get the facts then take credit for them.

He's looking at the dual-clutch models. Are they expensive to maintain? Any known issues?

gatotom · 01-06-2016, 09:12 AM

Motion, I have a 2013 A4 sport model with 6 spd manual, not the 6 cylinder S4 but basically the same. My mileage is 35K at this time and no problems, it is on the maintenance program so no cost only the upfront cost. The last service changed the coils.

In 8 months my lease is up, might be tempted to trade in but I might just drive this one for 10 yrs which is usually my trade in time. This is my third one, typically in the first 130K miles, replacement is the coils, spark plugs, timing belt at 110K.

Knock on wood, I have no issues with Audi's.

This is also my first new one, I usually buy 3-4 yr leased returns. My wife bought a 98 A4 new in 98 and drove it 10 yrs, had the 6 cylinder and was a constant leaker, spent a ton on repairs but the 4 cylinder was easy to work on, that is why I don't drive the S4 but they have improved the 6 design greatly.

Hope this helps your knowledge base.

gatotom · 01-06-2016, 09:13 AM

whoops, ment Legion..

Deschodt · 01-06-2016, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

I have a friend that is interested in a 2013 S4 or S5. He asked my advice. In trying to appear as smart as possible, I thought I'd toss it out to the group here and get the facts then take credit for them.

He's looking at the dual-clutch models. Are they expensive to maintain? Any known issues?

I sold mine recently. CPO was coming to an end. Super quick car, incredibly fast shifting tranny, very strong motor, and when coupled with quattro it takes off like a scalded dog !

Expensive to maintain? Yes, especially with the DSG tranny. Manual removes a lot of big $ issues but somehow on that car is not as fun because the manual is rubbery, the DSG is super crisp and makes the engine fart like a rally car ;-) You don't want one that is not under warranty or CPO, IMO!

The dual clutch tranny itself is known to have issues ($8000 - dealer only), the mechatronics (tranny control unit) is also prone to issues ($4000), the onboard stuff (reverse cam, MMI) can go flaky ($1400), LED tail lights can have one LED die and you must replace the whole thing... the engine itself if pretty strong. The control arms are short lived... The sports diff has issues as well, leaks etc... I had both the mechatronics and MMI and some wheel bearing issue all covered by CPO. I think over the years I had it (2.5 yr give or take) Audi spent $8000 in warranty money on me !

Super car though, I miss it. Nothing is faster from 0-"city speed" (0-40?) without trying very very hard or costing 4 times more. Ultimate Q car. But you must have a warranty.

1990C4S · 01-06-2016, 03:20 PM

DSG dealer service is about $600 every 40,000 miles? And $250 as a DIY project?

Anyone know for sure?

Willem Fick · 01-06-2016, 11:53 PM

A friend recently had to replace the Mechatronics unit from his DSG box, and was quoted the equivalent of US$10k for the repair.

Deschodt · 01-07-2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willem Fick

A friend recently had to replace the Mechatronics unit from his DSG box, and was quoted the equivalent of US$10k for the repair.

Interesting... I am not sure if mine was repaired or replaced then... But my mechatronics bill was $4000. 10K was more like a whole tranny... Anyway, I think we made our point. Warranty !