S4 buying advice

[DerbyRob]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a fast Estate in the new year and have narrowed the choice down to an S4 Avant. Looking at websites and forums the main issues seem to be timing chain guides?. I guess i am probably looking at 100k+ miles, manual and a budget of about £6k - what sort of mileage to guides last?.
Any advice what to look for when buying?. I'm probably only looking to do about 4k miles a year. Also, does anyone have experience of getting guides replaced under an aftermarket warranty?.
Thanks in advance - I used to have an mx5 for 13 years (pre family!) And know th e wealth of knowledge and expertise that is on these sort of forums so any info gratefully received.
Cheers rob

[spartacus 68]

This thread has been covered numerous times, so read this, as it it covers a lot of what your're asking, even although it's an America forum. S4 Timing Chain Tensioner @100,000?

At the end of the day the S4 B6 guise (4.2 litre V8) was a performance car, and the initial purchase price reflected that. Fast-forward 11 years and as you suggest you can pick one up from around £6k. Most have done over 100,000 miles. The timing rattle on start-up is because the nylon chain guides are worn. It's an engine out job, and while it's out, replace the guides, tensioners, etc. Personally, If I was buying a £6k car, then just run it. The other option is to increase your budget and buy something with lower miles. There are no alternatives, unfortunately.

At this age I'd save your money for full suspension overhaul including new dampers using Meyle HD or Lemforder kit, respray wings (plenty examples with corrosion), new battery, etc.

[zollaf]

6k and you are in the bottom of the b6 v8's. or, you could be in the top end of the v6 b5 bi turbo's. a lot more bang for your buck, no chains to worry about and an easy 500 bhp car that will out accelerate even the most expensive of cars. i know i enjoy mine... not many about at the moment, but theres usuall a good choice for 3-5k. get one already fitted with k04 turbos and you are half way there. mine is on standard k03' , just mapped ..

1998 AUDI S4 AVANT 2.7 V6 BI-TURBO QUATTRO | eBay