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AUDI S4 AVANT (2005)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4172cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4172cc21 years old32 tests137k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4172cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4172cc

£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

84% 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 21 years old, 84% of AUDI S4 AVANTs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,700 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars96th of 526(top 18%)
Rank among AUDI models912th of 1,079(top 85%)
vs national average+2%(82% avg)
vs 2005 cars average+12%(72% avg)
vs AUDI average-6%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,700

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 AUDI S4 AVANT has 136,700 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2005 sits between the two at 84%.

AUDI S4 AVANT by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201296%5096,854 mi
2011100%5494,508 mi
201085%88101,537 mi
200989%92100,885 mi
200793%30122,020 mi
200670%64113,870 mi
200584%32136,700 mi
200488%76117,351 mi
200379%42130,012 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2005 AUDI S4 AVANT

The 2005 AUDI S4 AVANT is a premium performance with a 4172cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2005 cars for reliability.

With an average of 136,700 miles at 21 years old, AUDI S4 AVANT owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 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 2005 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 84% 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 2005 AUDI S4 AVANT

At 21 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 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2005 AUDI S4 AVANT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 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

Watch out

With an average of 137k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 2005 AUDI S4 AVANT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
AUDI S4 AVANT(2005)84%£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.

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