A rare 2008 Audi S4 Avant with a naturally aspirated V8 and six-speed manual transmission is up for auction, but potential buyers must consider an expensive timing chain service.
The one-owner wagon, finished in Ibis White, has covered only 3,700 miles (5,955 km) since new.
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It was purchased in Colorado and remains with its original owner, averaging roughly 205 miles per year.
Under the hood lies Audi's 4.2-liter V8 producing 340 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual and Quattro all-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential.
This combination makes it a highly desirable analog performance wagon.
The Timing Chain Reckoning
The B6 and B7-generation S4 are infamous for their timing chain system.
The chains and plastic guides are mounted at the rear of the engine, against the firewall, meaning replacement requires removing the engine from the car.
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Age can be as critical as mileage because the plastic guides become brittle over time. Enthusiasts often view a timing chain overhaul as an inevitable cost of ownership.
The repair bill can easily reach five figures.
In 2024, a Reddit user reported a $16,000 quote from an Audi dealer, including $5,000 in parts and about 55 hours of labor.
Independent shops typically charge between $5,000 and $10,000 for the job.
Despite this, the B7 S4 Avant remains one of the last great V8 sport wagons sold in the US, and examples this clean are rare.
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For the right enthusiast, the timing chain service is part of the ownership equation.
