Issues selling my S4

darius6745

darius6745

Registered User
Joined
Jan 18, 2014
Messages
39
Reaction score
10
Points
8
Location
North Yorkshire
Hi guys,

Ive been trying to sell my car since may and I'm really struggling and i can't figure out why I've had no takers. Ive lowered the price and still no bites. It is now the cheapest S4 Avant I've seen for the milage/age etc. Ive listed it on eBay twice and got 40 plus watchers and over 2000 views each time. Listed on piston heads and now I've bit the bullet and put it on Auto trader and there has been 550 views in 4 days. All this advertising you would expect a decent response but i have had 1 phone call....yes 1! I just don't understand why.

Im only selling the car as i ordered my new car back in may and there is a 12 week waiting listing which was great as it gave me plenty of time to sell mine. And now I'm shitting it that I'm going to end up with 2 cars at this rate which i cannot afford as much i would love to keep it :)

There really is nothing wrong with it at all. Full history, fantastic condition etc. So i thought i would post on here and ask you guy why you think I've had so many views on listings but only 1 phone call.

Please not I'm not trying to sell my car on here with this post but to get help with selling. Put a link to auto trader as i can't seem to add pic to this post at the moment.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046486122

Any comments really appreciated.
 
The car looks good, and l don't see any issues that would jump out and put people off.

There are however a few possibilities why it's not moving:

1. It's a manual transmission. Not nessecarily a show stopper, but may put some people off.

2. Does it have satnav or any other options that you've not listed?

3. Your asking price may be too high for the market. Have you compared your asking price to others S4s on the market? (Webuyanycar, while ridiculed by many are actually a good indicator, usually within £1k or so. Also, search on EBay and Autotrader and see the advertised pricing of the competition)

4. Have you advertised it in the Forum classifieds section?

GLWS.

RAF_S7
 
cheers for the reply. it is the cheapest on auto trader and eBay for milage and year etc. The only downside i can think of it that it has no options at all. Now i think of it that if you want an S4 then you want it coz its fast and powerful not because it has loads of options. If that is what you want then they are more money. But thats just me and could be a reason why i guess.
 
Options are a big selling point with Audi I have found
 
I'm selling mine soon and I'm worried, there seems to be a lot hanging around at the moment. Also, as of last night there are ****** 5 red ones on Autotrader and mine's red. I've NEVER seen a red B8 S4 and now there's 5 for sale!

I read an article a few months ago on autoexpress and it said that options are where it's at. I've read so many "Looking for an S4" threads on here and they are invariably asking for help comparing the options. Arguably, people looking on here are a bit more clued up, but I think the S4 is kind of a specialist car too and with several other cars within £1-2k of your asking price with options like MMI Sat Nav, Drive Select and a sunroof, you might be in for the long game.
 
yeah hear what your saying. Sounds like thats what the issue is then. I guess i just need to find someone like me to buy it then lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: xpoweruk
OP: What struck me straight away, and I know it`s a small point, was in the pics themselves (which could be better IMHO) - there`s quite a lot of bits on the carpets in both footwells, and to me, as a buyer, I would be wondering how well it has been looked after...
As I said, a small point, I know, but maybe hoovered out properly, and some better pics, may just entice somebody into coming viewing.

Honestly no offence intended here, but you did ask for opinions as to why it might not be shifting.

Good luck with the sale. :sm4:
 
Hi mate, does seem strange you've not had any interest. Not even time wasters
I paid £18k for mine in Feb from a dealer (in Aberdeen admittedly, when I'm in Norfolk )
Luckily it had all the extras as well apart from Ss seats which I would of liked.
Full m.o.t, 6mth warranty, 10 plate, avant, manual, external black pack, full 3G mmi, Bluetooth, active cruise control, full ads inc Sports diff, 47k on clock, electric seats, Le Mans 19". And new front discs and pads

Personally I was looking for a manual. After reading all the horror stories and knowing I couldn't afford it if the gb went wrong. And when I was looking it was the only manual avant for sale with the mileage I was after. (Sub 70k)
Although I would of seen yours as a possibility. People also get put off by the tax. Assume yours is £500 like mine

Assume you tried the auto-trader price valuation to see what it came out at. Have you tried any reputable garages? Some do offer good prices if it's something they're after. Possibly less than you'd like but it's gone and no comeback (not saying there would be).
I got mine from here. They buy and collect from all over the uk as well
http://www.autocentreinverurie.co.uk
(I'm nothing to do with them, other than a happy customer)

Good luck with the sale


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I'm in big trouble, only have 5 options on my car. :D Better keep it 'til it's dust.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Terminator x, xpoweruk, Bristle Hound and 1 other person
@darius6745 I agree with the others, I don't see any real issues. Fingers crossed you get some movement soon. When I was looking for a second hand S4 I wasn't that bothered about the options. I wanted an S4 first and foremost but there were not many about. In the end the ones I saw locally were poor condition so I ended up getting a new one. Hope it works out for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: darius6745
encee said:
OP: What struck me straight away, and I know it`s a small point, was in the pics themselves (which could be better IMHO) - there`s quite a lot of bits on the carpets in both footwells, and to me, as a buyer, I would be wondering how well it has been looked after...
As I said, a small point, I know, but maybe hoovered out properly, and some better pics, may just entice somebody into coming viewing.

Honestly no offence intended here, but you did ask for opinions as to why it might not be shifting.

Good luck with the sale. :sm4:
Click to expand...

Cheers that is a good point actually i will get some betting pics of the interior. Cheers for the feedback. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: xpoweruk and scotty76
rizzini7 said:
Hi mate, does seem strange you've not had any interest. Not even time wasters
I paid £18k for mine in Feb from a dealer (in Aberdeen admittedly, when I'm in Norfolk )
Luckily it had all the extras as well apart from Ss seats which I would of liked.
Full m.o.t, 6mth warranty, 10 plate, avant, manual, external black pack, full 3G mmi, Bluetooth, active cruise control, full ads inc Sports diff, 47k on clock, electric seats, Le Mans 19". And new front discs and pads

Personally I was looking for a manual. After reading all the horror stories and knowing I couldn't afford it if the gb went wrong. And when I was looking it was the only manual avant for sale with the mileage I was after. (Sub 70k)
Although I would of seen yours as a possibility. People also get put off by the tax. Assume yours is £500 like mine

Assume you tried the auto-trader price valuation to see what it came out at. Have you tried any reputable garages? Some do offer good prices if it's something they're after. Possibly less than you'd like but it's gone and no comeback (not saying there would be).
I got mine from here. They buy and collect from all over the uk as well
http://www.autocentreinverurie.co.uk
(I'm nothing to do with them, other than a happy customer)

Good luck with the sale


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Yeah it is high tax and fingers crossed it doesn't put too many people off. The auto trader guide was £15,250 i think which is a little low to be fair. Ill give those guys a shout where you bought yours from and see what they say. thanks
 
Darius, have you tried advertising on all the enthusiast sites, there's also pistonheads, AudSRS and others. For the mass market i.e. autotrader, I'm not sure that your car will seem anything special and many buyers might not know the difference between an A4 and an S4. You may not have many options but the fact that yours is manual is a key feature for some buyers. Add to that the tunability of the 3.0 TSFI means that your car may be quite attractive to current owners of B5 S4s who are finally accepting that its time to move on.
 
Dippy said:
Darius, have you tried advertising on all the enthusiast sites, there's also pistonheads, AudSRS and others. For the mass market i.e. autotrader, I'm not sure that your car will seem anything special and many buyers might not know the difference between an A4 and an S4. You may not have many options but the fact that yours is manual is a key feature for some buyers. Add to that the tunability of the 3.0 TSFI means that your car may be quite attractive to current owners of B5 S4s who are finally accepting that its time to move on.
Click to expand...

I did try piston heads and got nothing. I have tried this site and RS246 and nothing doing but i will that other one you mentioned. Yeah i would agree manual is a massive plus for some people, especially me who hates autos. Thanks for the advice.
 
I've been after an S4 Avant for over 6 months - but haven't found the right spec. As already stated yours in a manual and very basic (does it have auto dimming mirrors, heated seats etc ?).

The main point though is that it's a private sale - I click "Trade" as one of my filters straight away. Not a chance I'd be parting with £17k+ cash without any comeback if the infamous gearbox packs up as I'm driving away. I think this is your main issue here - high value cars are a ****** to shift privately.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chop.
jetty said:
I've been after an S4 Avant for over 6 months - but haven't found the right spec. As already stated yours in a manual and very basic (does it have auto dimming mirrors, heated seats etc ?).

The main point though is that it's a private sale - I click "Trade" as one of my filters straight away. Not a chance I'd be parting with £17k+ cash without any comeback if the infamous gearbox packs up as I'm driving away. I think this is your main issue here - high value cars are a ****** to shift privately.
Click to expand...

Yeah i have also been thinking this. A lot want a trade sale not only for come backs but finance, px etc. Mine does have a dimming rear mirror and yes heated seats.
 
i'm sure you'll find someone mate theres always someone out there for every motor, i do agree with jetty though could be a cost thing i'v went trade for all my recent motors couldnt have got them without finance

iv not seen your add but the layout, wording and quality of the pictures can make a massive difference on how buyers look at it, some good quality pictures and a lot of the right info would help people like things to be easy and dont want to have to ask for more info, if everything is there to see then there is more chance they will go that next step and get in touch

good luck
 
  • Like
Reactions: xpoweruk and darius6745
audi upgrades
darius6745 said:
yeah hear what your saying. Sounds like thats what the issue is then. I guess i just need to find someone like me to buy it then lol
Click to expand...

But then immediately someone else said they were looking for an S4 before any options, so there are plenty of different types of buyers out there!
 
  • Like
Reactions: scotty76 and darius6745
Its been mentioned before but here is my views:

Although many people say they like S4's when it comes down to brass tacks they dont want to own one due to perceived running costs - its an enthusiasts car so your market is very limited.
Being an enthusiasts car they know what they want and are fussy - options / condition and so on.
As someone has said there is no way I'd be parting with that sort of cash in a driveway transaction without warranty etc.
For many people getting hold of that sort of cash is difficult - not many personal loans would give out that sort of money. Finance secured to the car is much easier.
Brexit etc has made people extra grippy.

To me there doesn't appear to be much wrong with your ad - sure it could be a bit jazzier but certainly nothing off-putting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chop.
For me it'd be the manual that stops the purchase. I bought mine with similar miles, from Audi, two-year warranty, loads of options, s tronic in a more special colour (sprint blue - in my opinion) for not much more. I think your pictures are good...would I buy one of these bad boys private...not a chance! Too much to go wrong. I would have chopped your car in when you ordered your new one.
 
jetty said:
I've been after an S4 Avant for over 6 months - but haven't found the right spec. As already stated yours in a manual and very basic (does it have auto dimming mirrors, heated seats etc ?).

The main point though is that it's a private sale - I click "Trade" as one of my filters straight away. Not a chance I'd be parting with £17k+ cash without any comeback if the infamous gearbox packs up as I'm driving away. I think this is your main issue here - high value cars are a ****** to shift privately.
Click to expand...
Very true point.

As people need to raise the cash at certain values of cars. My mate sold his S4 salon manual 3 weeks ago 10 plate 70,000 miles took him a month to shift! 2 veiwngs but other than that no calls etc...
 
Took me a while to shift mine and it was a massive spec. Went on here in the end after a couple of price drops, but also had warranty cover on repairs recently done.
If I was looking for one now it would be a trade car, or a manual which might work to your advantage (call out the stronic issues in your ad...).
Yes S4's are quick cars, but they are also sleepers in a way and therefore people will generally want big specs on them.
If options are limited maybe stick a tuning box on it, not much cost but could offer more appeal to certain people vs a similar non tuned car. Risky though as some prefer untouched cars...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Yeah I would definitely say it would be lack of options that are putting people off. It seems that most people are looking for B8's with lots of options.
However the vast majority of S4's do seem to be standard does with no options. High option S4's are very rare. Maybe those looking to buy an S4 are overlooking this fact!

I hope you manage to get it sold soon!
 
I hope that it is not the Deep Sea Blue that is the problem, looks like plain dark blue or black unless the sun is shining on it, I should know, I have one! Pictures in bright sun shine would show it off better, I think only one of your pictures hinted that the car was dark blue pearl.

Edit:- oh and maybe an under bonnet shot to show the important part!
 
first thing i thought was options, if i was to spend £££ on a 2nd hand car i look for ages for on with all the toys etc
 
Imho you just need patience as cars over a certain value just take a while to sell. It took me about 6 months to sell the S5 which was the V8 version!

TX.

Edit - the £490 VED is a killer too even though we all know it's just a small element of the running costs.
 
As above, it was me who bought Razza's, it was a lot of money for the private sale but what got me interested was the amount of history the car had, the amoutn of work previously done (including the mech and clutch packs) and the fact it was already MRC tuned plus som extras (RS5 wheel, RS4 Grill and wheels), the spec was also massively high (bar SS but the standards are stupidly comfy and good support so i don't miss my recaro's from my VXR)

Spec and History is key to these cars, they aren't cheap cars and seeing the car has been looked after is important, also the fact that retrofitting anything to these is either stupidly expensive or hard to do means the Optionals are important too.

Razza was also quite pro-active in his selling, commenting on a thread when I said i was looking for one. I'd been looking elsewhere but the amount of detailed history his ad gave made me re-assured straight away and was fully honest to with any small issues. Reading through your ad put me off straight away, there doesn't seem to be a sensible order to it, I'd take a look at some of the others for sale from traders or dealers to see how they list everything down.

If you are curious about how much detail Razza supplied, take a look at the ad in the for sale, 3 or 4 pages in, you'll see it.
 
I'd guess that it takes all types, I've bought new cars, only one out of six were stocked ones, factory order with options selected were the other five. So, having been there and done that, and in between times bought secondhand, and special cars both times buying secondhand, I take the view that most special cars have enough bits as standard for them to survive on the new car market so buying with just a few sensible options suited me. What I was looking for was an "honest" car with low mileage and not hammered, so that it might live for a good few years with out any major repairs. Just my thoughts that is all, hoping extra toys will blinker the next buyer over what that car is now worth in that condition is a risky gamble.
 
i bought mine in january and i was waiting ages for one to come up with all the right options i noticed the price varied by a few grand between one with few extras on to one with nearly everything on. still a couple i would of liked too ha

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
 
I spent a good few months waiting for one with the right spec to come up, and eventually i had to leave a couple out (Active Dampening, Sunroof and Keyless)

The following were an absolute must for me when choosing mine;
* Super Sport Seats
* Audi Drive Select
* 3G MMI (including MDI connectivity)
* 19" Alloys
* B8.5 (Which is S-Tronic by default)

I doubt i would have bought one that didn't come with the above...


Over and above mine has a fairly nice spec with the following factory extras;

* Flat bottom wheel (Mine is not Black Edition)
* Carbon Fibre Trims
* Privacy Glass
* Window Blinds
* Pass Through Hatch
* Boot Storage System (Rails in Boot Floor with Belt & Brace to secure loads)
* Glacier White Pearlescent
 
Maybe consider taking out an RAC warranty, probably 2 or 3 hundred, I'm not certain but think that can be transferred to the new owner, and use that in the description?
 
Unfortunately as people have said these cars are not ordinary run of the mill cars and as such the people looking for them tend to be picky. The difference in monetary terms between your car and something with more toys, slightly newer is not that great. If you are spending 16.5K a newer car with some more toys and cheaper running costs for 18K is not a great stretch.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607065598635?
This is a 2011 car with loads of options from a garage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607195991290?
Road tax at nearly £500 probably isn't helping the cause if you were to buy the auto above you would save £400 in running costs over 2 years.
A lot of people seem to be looking for larger alloys as well.
I am surprised you have had such little contact from people, especially as it's a private sale, there are always people out there making daft offers on cars that have been around a while.
 
Lack of options would throw me. Spending over 15k on a car that doesn't even have sat nav would put me off straight away. I paid £750 more than what this is advertised for and got my 2011 sprint blue avant, 19" wheels, 3g high, full leather supersport seats, convince package and one of the tech packages i think. And that was from a dealer in London.
 
Considering all posts, quite simply over-priced in essence.
 
I'll be brutally honest here, from a trade point of view.

manual is an issue for most.
The wheels are MEH and makes it look more cloth cap then ray ban.
Alcantera seats marks to easy so anyone with kids avoid it.
 
audi upgrades
This is a very reluctant sale of my S4. Only due to getting a company car and don't have as space on the drive. 59 plate, MANUAL, 70k, 6 months MOT, tracker fitted,Rare Deep Sea Blue paint, leather/Alcantara seats,brushed aluminium inlays, 6 speed manual (avoid expensive DSG failures ) ,Audi Drive Select Light(you can turn this on with VCDS before sale),Electronic stability control,ASR,dual zone climate control ,2 keys, Superb all round condition, full Audi service history. iPod connection, AUDI AMI interface, electric seats. Contact me for more info on 0xxxxxxx0. This car has been a pleasure to own and never had any issues at all. Always been looked after. This is a beautiful car and honestly one of the best cars i have had the pleasure of owning. Always puts a smile on my face when i get in. There are no issue with the car at all, the new buyer will be very happy with it as i am. , , Mileage rising due to daily use. UK buyers only please., 3 owners, Electric windows, Air conditioning, CD player,leather/Alcantara seats,brushed aluminium inlays, Height adjustable driver's seat, Height adjustable passenger seat, Child seat points (Isofix system), 18" Alloy Wheels, Power steering, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Roof rails, Central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Passenger airbags. BLUE, £16,000
Click to expand...


I made a few alterations to your add.trying to highlight what it does have.
What do PPL think ?????
 
  • Like
Reactions: James.B8 and rizzini7
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Selling my s4........
Replies
13
Views
1K
andyay123
A
jlillington
Selling my B8 S4 Avant
Replies
10
Views
3K
jlillington
jlillington
vw754
selling my q7
Replies
1
Views
700
Sandra
Sandra
razza1
Selling the S4 :(
Replies
41
Views
2K
Chop.
Chop.
Trev241
S4 Reliability Issues
Replies
7
Views
5K
N8
N8
Top
Back