AUDI S4 AVANT (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 76 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4172cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4172cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 88% of AUDI S4 AVANTs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 76 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,351 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
117,351
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 AUDI S4 AVANT has 117,351 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 2011 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2004 sits between the two at 88%.
AUDI S4 AVANT by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 AUDI S4 AVANT
The 2004 AUDI S4 AVANT is a premium performance with a 4172cc petrol engine. 76 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 117,351 miles at 22 years old, AUDI S4 AVANT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 AUDI S4 AVANT Fuel Costs
The 4172cc 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 AVANT?
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 88% 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 2004 AUDI S4 AVANT
At 22 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 76 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 AUDI S4 AVANT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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 117k 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 2004 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(2004) | 88% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2006) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| PORSCHE 911(2006) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£660 |
| VOLVO XC90(2006) | 73% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 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.
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