I will be buying used S soon and am trying to narrow down the mileage necessary to detect a lemon*. I am looking for untimely failures in major driveline components, such as:

- engine
- tranny
- diff
- cv joints
- hubs/bearings

Related discussion can be found here:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=225557


*I know this is not an exact science, I am just trying to find a trend.

 

I just voted "no major failures"

Here is a list of minor ones that i've had. I consider them minor because they haven't left me stranded anywhere and are known TSB issues.

MY2001 with 40,000 miles

1st to 2nd shift crunching - fixed Nov 2001
clutch decel noise - fixed Jan 2003
window regulator - fixed Jan 2003 (it's broken again though)

all fixed under warranty

I drive hard on occasion and have autocrossed it several times.

followed severe schedule for maintenance.
As for tires, I'm on my 4th set of rears and 2nd set of fronts.

Completely stock except for filter and sway bar.

 

I just voted "no major failures"

MY2000 with 60,000 miles

These are the list ofthings I've had done:


* 2nd Gear Transmission Synchro
* Driver's Side Power Window Modulator - 3 times
* Noisy/Vibrating Clutch Replaced
* boot cover
* seat belts, and are having them done again
* fuel pump
* rear axel hub buts replaced
* tail lights fading - just replaced

Now experiencing the bubbling in the headlight housing. They're still stock.

 

Thanks for the input, this is exactly what I am looking for to make an informed decision.