Kyle's Corner (FYI) Audi S4 (CPO): A Pre-owned Price with New a New Car Warranty

The Audi S4 has rally race car heritage, all-wheel drive, and over 300 hp. When new, this car is pricey at over $50,000. However, pre-owned S4s are available along with the manufacturer's warranty protection.

The third-generation S4 came on the automotive scene for the 2004 model year. It was available as a sedan, wagon (called the Avant), and convertible
(called the cabriolet). All were equipped with a 4.2-liter 40 valve V8 pumping out 340 hp and 302 lb.-ft. of torque. Late in 2005, the A4's styling was updated but the S4 remained relatively unchanged. Thus, the 2004 to 2008 S4s are the focus of this article.

The S4 has a curb weight of about 3800 lbs. and the 0-60 time is about 5 seconds flat. Combined with this performance is an all-wheel drive system that provides good handling and all-weather capability. Furthermore, with the S4 you get the V8 sound and a high level of comfort for four adults.

Audi's CPO (certified pre-owned program) will allow you to buy an S4 with a new Audi warranty but for a used car price. Audi does not specify how much the CPO program adds to the car's price however, it has been confirmed that Audi is asking about the same money for the CPO cars as what private owners are selling them for!

Audis that become part of the CPO program go through a long list of checks. These include a clean Car Fax report, limited service stops excepts for regular maintenance, no aftermarket modifications, and matching VIN numbers (to confirm no accidents) on the frame, windshield, and the B pillar. Additionally, the S4 must be no older than 5 years old and have less than 60,000 miles on the odometer.

A new S4 comes with a four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. CPO S4s receive an additional two-years and 50,000 miles for a total of up to six-years and 100,000 miles. Warranty work on CPO S4s have an $85 deductable per each visit however, more than one item can be fixed during the visit with the owner
incurring one $85 fee.

The S4 is a low volume model and thus the number of used cars are limited. With CPO S4s selling for about the same price as privately own S4s for sale, the CPO program may well be the place to go for availability and protection.

In 2004, a new Audi S4 cost just under $50,000 and in 2008 a new sedan or wagon were a bit over $50,000. A new convertible was about $9,000 extra!

You can get a 2007 CPO S4 for about $40,000 and the equivalent new S4 warranty. This is about the price of a new Mitsubishi Lancer or Subaru Impreza WRX STI both of which are well regarded rally type cars. The S4 offers similar big thrill driving dynamics with high-end luxury car status that its Japanese counterparts cannot match.

The Audi CPO S4 offers protection you can bank on!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com.