AUDI S4 AVANT (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 42 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4163cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.
Check a specific AUDI S4 AVANT
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
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.
Get an insurance quote for this AUDI S4 AVANT
Compare quotes and find the best deal
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 23 years old, 79% of AUDI S4 AVANTs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 130,012 miles.
Got a AUDI S4 AVANT you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
130,012
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT has 130,012 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific AUDI S4 AVANT?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2011 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 sits between the two at 79%.
AUDI S4 AVANT by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Audi S4 avant
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT
The 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT is a premium performance with a 4163cc petrol engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 130,012 miles at 23 years old, AUDI S4 AVANT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 AUDI S4 AVANT 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 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT?
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 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI S4 AVANT Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI S4 AVANTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT
At 23 years old, the AUDI S4 AVANT 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 23 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 130k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2003 AUDI S4 AVANT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI S4 AVANT(2003) | 79% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| PORSCHE 911(2005) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£810 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2003) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| ROVER 75(2004) | 69% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2597-£310 |
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
2015 · 1598cc Diesel
AUDI A1
2016 · 1395cc Petrol
AUDI A4
2017 · 1968cc Diesel
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2005 · 4394cc Petrol
PORSCHE 911
2005 · 3824cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
2003 · 3950cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Audi S4 avant.
Cars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Buying GuideIs an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? UK Guide for 2026
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific AUDI S4 AVANT
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a AUDI S4 AVANT? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data