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AUDI S4 (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 202 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4163cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4163cc22 years old202 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4163cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4163cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.

At 22 years old, 81% of AUDI S4s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 202 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,762 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars114th of 491(top 23%)
Rank among AUDI models955th of 1,079(top 89%)
vs national average-1%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average+9%(72% avg)
vs AUDI average-9%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,762

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 AUDI S4 has 99,762 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2004 sits between the two at 81%.

AUDI S4 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201794%6957,456 mi
201592%3965,685 mi
201486%17083,424 mi
201394%18990,972 mi
201292%7882,804 mi
201187%27794,642 mi
201090%277101,140 mi
200991%21692,422 mi
200782%12683,877 mi
200678%263110,513 mi
200580%16999,307 mi
200481%20299,762 mi
200085%59152,811 mi
199985%142161,691 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2004 AUDI S4

The 2004 AUDI S4 is a premium performance with a 4163cc petrol engine. 202 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2004 cars for reliability.

With an average of 99,762 miles at 22 years old, AUDI S4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 AUDI S4 Fuel Costs

The 4163cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 AUDI S4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

AUDI S4 Reliability Trend

Newer AUDI S4s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 AUDI S4

At 22 years old, the AUDI S4 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 AUDI S4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 100k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 AUDI S4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
AUDI S4(2004)81%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2006)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005)82%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
PORSCHE 911(2006)90%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2097-£660
VOLVO XC90(2006)73%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Audi Models

Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Audi S4.

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