Unique example with 3,700 miles
Some cars are special because of their rarity. Others become icons because they offered a combination of performance and practicality that no longer exists. The 2008 Audi S4 Avant falls squarely into the second category, combining a naturally aspirated V8, a six-speed manual transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive in one elegant wagon.
The single-owner example pictured here has covered only 3,700 miles (5,955 km) since new, but before anyone starts dreaming of taking it home, there is one very expensive detail that every potential buyer must realize.
Currently, the Ibis White wagon is listed for auction on Bring a Trailer. It is as close to factory condition as possible for a nearly 20-year-old sports car. It was purchased new in Colorado and still remains with its first owner. Since then, it has been driven approximately 205 miles per year.
Powertrain and its “but”
Under the hood sits a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 340 hp (254 kW) and 302 lb-ft (409 Nm) of torque. These figures are sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual and Quattro all-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential. This is exactly the kind of analog sport wagon enthusiasts continue to search for. Of course, there is also the “elephant in the room.”
The timing chain factor
The B6 and B7 generation S4 earned a reputation for one notorious maintenance issue: the timing chain system. Unlike many engines, Audi placed the chains and their plastic guides at the rear of the V8, near the firewall. This design means that replacing worn guides, chains, or tensioners typically requires removing the engine from the car. What would normally be a major service turns into an extremely labor-intensive job involving engine removal.
The complication is that this is not just a high-mileage problem. Age can be just as important as mileage, as plastic guides become brittle over time. While many owners drive these cars for years without issues, experienced enthusiasts often view a timing chain overhaul as an inevitable cost of ownership rather than an unexpected repair. Depending on where the work is done and how comprehensive the repair is, the bill can easily reach five figures.
In 2024, one Reddit user reported that an Audi dealer billed them $16,000, which included $5,000 for parts and approximately 55 hours of labor. While this may be an extreme case, over the years we have heard many stories of people paying between $5,000 and $10,000 for this job at independent shops.
Is it worth it?
This does not mean that buyers should run away. On the contrary. The B7 S4 Avant remains one of the last great V8 sport wagons sold in the United States, and such clean examples almost never appear. For a true enthusiast, timing chain maintenance is just part of the ownership equation, even if it is a very expensive part. See if you have the courage on Bring a Trailer.
So, is it worth investing in such a car? On one hand, this S4 Avant is a true collector’s find: nearly zero mileage, original condition, one owner. On the other hand, a potential timing chain repair could cost more than the car itself on the secondary market. But these are precisely the kinds of cars that are becoming investments now: they are no longer produced, and demand for “analog” wagons with a manual and a naturally aspirated V8 is only growing. If the buyer is willing to spend on preventive maintenance, this S4 may not only retain but even increase its value over the years.
