AUDI S4 (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 263 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4163cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4163cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 20 years old, 78% of AUDI S4s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 263 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,513 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,513
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 AUDI S4 has 110,513 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
AUDI S4 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2006 AUDI S4
The 2006 AUDI S4 is a premium performance with a 4163cc petrol engine. 263 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 110,513 miles at 20 years old, AUDI S4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 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 2006 AUDI S4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2006 AUDI S4
At 20 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 AUDI S4's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 20 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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
Watch outWith an average of 111k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2006 AUDI S4 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI S4(2006) | 78% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| JAGUAR XF(2008) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2006) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| PORSCHE 911(2006) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£810 |
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.
AUDI A3
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AUDI A4
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JAGUAR XF
2008 · 4196cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
2006 · 4197cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2005 · 4394cc Petrol
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