[s-cars] Sports Wagons? Replacement for '95.5 S6: S4 Avant V8?

[Cody Forbes]

It's close to $2000 in parts and the engine has to come out. I've seen them fail at 50k miles.

Everything you didn't want to know is here:
http://www.euroaddiction.net/forum/b6-b7-platform/5527-b6-b7-s4-timing-chain-faq-information-discussion-thread.html

-Cody Forbes (mobile)

On May 4, 2013, at 11:05 AM, Keith Franchetti <skidfranc at gmail.com> wrote:

> Darin- V8 has 114k miles. When does that timing chain tend to come due? And would you think it's approx. a 2-3 thousand job at stealership? Just for conversation's sake. 
> 
> On May 4, 2013, at 9:38 AM, Darin Nederhoff <scarsgo at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> I love how people have a child and assume an avant is suddenly too
>> small. Is he buying a bus as a replacement?  ;-)
>> 
>> I'm guessing head gasket = valve cover gasket which isn't uncommon on
>> these cars.
>> 
>> How many miles?  Listen for any chatter upon start up for signs of
>> timing chain tensioner/guide failure. That is likely the scariest
>> thing about these engines and it is a real pain when they fail because
>> the engine has to come out. I've also seen some leaks from the aux
>> radiators in the front corners. Finally make sure the cowl tray drains
>> don't get plugged. We have had more than a few cars with serious
>> electrical issues as a result... one was even totaled out!
>> 
>> Aside from that, I'd still own an Audi hands down over any BMW. My
>> role as a service manager at German Auto Works here in Minneapolis has
>> cured me of any desire to own a BMW... especially in cold climates. I
>> could write a book about the BMW pitfalls I've seen. ;-)
>> 
>> Just my .02. Glad you made it out of the accident unscathed!
>> 
>> Darin Nederhoff
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 612.293.6575
>> 
>> 
>> On May 4, 2013, at 7:57 AM, Keith Franchetti <skidfranc at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> Hi Again-
>>> 
>>> So now I need to figure out what to drive.  I've been dreading this day,
>>> since there are precious few true sports wagons out there.  Actually, I'd
>>> settle for a decent pretender--forget about "true."
>>> 
>>> First, I'm going to look at a 2004 S4 Avant V8 today.  Guy wants $14.5k.
>>> 
>>> http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/3761742307.html
>>> 
>>> He's the 3rd owner.  Says "head gaskets might need to be replaced" because
>>> they are "leaking." But he says the dealership's estimate for the repair is
>>> $450.  Can anyone translate that to something that makes sense?  And
>>> assuming that alone isn't a huge red flag, does anyone know what else I
>>> should be considering or worrying about with this car?
>>> 
>>> Specifications for replacement car for '95 S6 Avant:
>>> 
>>> Deal-breakers: manual transmission (with a clutch -- not paddles); wagon;
>>> roof rack
>>> 
>>> Wants:  big enough to be family vacation car (just one daughter); kick in
>>> the pants to drive, but with creature comforts too.
>>> 
>>> Cars I'm considering:  VW TDI Jetta; Mini Cooper (new AWDs); Audi?; BMW
>>> (wifey has ruled these out, but I haven't)
>>> 
>>> I'd love suggestions.  Thanks in advance.
>>> 
>>> Keith
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