S4 with modified rear braking system
Check for brake squeal, and vibration on the steering
under braking.
Be wary of cars with a spongy pedal feel and
improperly fitted aftermarket brakes.
Electrical
When you are happy that you’ve established a good feel
for the car, switch on the radio, check the CD player
and tape – tune in radio stations, set the air conditioning
to both cold and warm positions, verify the full travel of
all windows, mirrors and all the electrical equipment
that you can lay your hands on.
If the car is fitted with a self-dipping mirror, check its
operation by covering with your finger the forward
facing hole on the right hand side. If it is operational,
you’ll see the mirror darken.
Pay attention to all the switchgear –
especially illumination and cruise control.
With the engine running and the headlights switched on,
close the doors and windows and activate the
windshield washers. From below the bonnet – check
that the “robot” washers push up from the front bumper
and fire at the headlamps.
Get out of the car leaving the windows open – check the
operation of the “closure” system – operating the alarm
and holding down the “arm” button will automatically
close the windows.
The Audi S4 comes highly specced even in
basic form, meaning that it could accrue
potential electrical gremlins.
Remember, anything that doesn’t work and that’s not
covered under warranty will doubtless cost you to
repair.
Engine
The engine is one of Audi’s most modern and advanced
power plants, and as such, you’ll be hard pushed to find
a bad one that smokes and splutters. If you do, walk
away!
From cold, check the oil and water levels. If you find
the oil to be dirty or the anti-freeze to be weak or off
colour (usually a pinky red or greeny blue colour if all
is in order), then insist it is changed prior to purchase.
Start the engine and check for signs of leaks, unusual
noise and fumes.
Ensure that the cosmetics under the bonnet are all
present and undamaged. Look for ring clips that have
been over tightened or have damaged screw heads.
Don’t necessarily be suspicious of a very clean engine
bay, as these cars seem to keep clean of their own
accord.
After the test drive and the engine has warmed up,
check again for leaks, fumes and noises.
Check that there are no severe vibrations in the cabin –
this may suggest signs of worn engine mountings, or
poorly fitted exhausts in the case of modified cars.
Interior
With the exception of the Leather Alcantara
combination, the interior of all S4s is durable.
Alcantara although a strong man-made fabric, is prone
to staining and marking, and requires a great deal of
discipline to keep it clean and looking good.
All cars are fitted with a three-spoke leather steering
wheel and leather gear knob.
Sound system is in the shape of Audi badged
Symphony, Concert or Full Navigation systems
featuring a TFT screen.
Later vehicles were offered with the option
of electrically adjustable front seats and
recaros.
The S4 in base form is well equipped
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