Audi S4 Opinions/Experiences

[Euro_Trash]

So I am trying to make some decisions on the next car which will hopefully be pretty soon. The last generation (or would it be 2 generations ago... anyways the one with the twin turbo) S4 has caught my eye, but I just wanted some opinions on the quality and reliability of the car.
Whats the motor like? Reliable?
What is the quality of the interior like?
I would go 100% with the 6-speed manual, no tiptronic here... any problems with the tranny's?
Any other comments with these cars?

It's either this, or wait a couple years and see what the prices of the newer S4's do, which I'm sure a lot of people would reccomend. I would probably do that, but I am freakin impatient.

[S4maniac]

I had an 01.5 S4. Absolutely loved it. No problems at all of any type. My thoughts below are for the B5 model.

Engine - a little turbo lag but nice pull when they spool up. Next to no oil use. There is some rumblings of blown turbo's but I believe most of them were traced to chipped ECU's. mine was chipped but I didn't really run it hard.

Transmission - I didn't have any issues and I personally didn't hear of any from other Audi drivers. If its a concern, I understand its not a huge leap to upgrade to an RS4 clutch.

Interior - typical excellent quality german interior. I found the buttons for windows small but i have fat fingers. Leg room in limited in the back if your fronts are all the way back.

I give them 2 thumbs up. I'd probably still have one but a growing family put me into a suv.

[QuasarCav]

Too bad Cruz isn't around anymore.......

[naheed187]

the turbo s4 or the twin turbo s4 there fast you can feel the turbo spooling:burnout:

[R-Audi]

As with most cars, the reliability depends on how they have been treated, and if the proper maintenance has been kept up.

That being said.. I actually bought an '00 S4 today!

There are definitely a few mods that can minmize your future headaches, but overall they are a great car that is quick and comfortable!
You best bet is to read up on Audiworld and go from there. There are a few FAQ's that can answer all of your questions.

Price wise.. seeing that B5 S4's are around 19-27, you may have to wait quite a few years for the B6's to get in that range...

[Euro_Trash]

Originally posted by naheed187
the turbo s4 or the twin turbo s4 there fast you can feel the turbo spooling:burnout:

Pretty sure they are all twin turbo....

Thanks for the tips guys! And congrats on the new buy there!

[BigMass]

awesome performing cars. Find one that hasnt been moded. I've seen a few S4s kick ass but break down due to increased boost pressure.

[teggypimp95]

Biggest thing is how much money they cost to fix and for parts. Its crazy so make sure you budget that.

[R-Audi]

Originally posted by Euro_Trash


Pretty sure they are all twin turbo....

Thanks for the tips guys! And congrats on the new buy there!


Actually! The UR S4 cars are single tubo inline 5


And maintenance is a bit lower if you have a place like TuneDub around.. or if you are willing to get your hands a little dirty.

[Euro_Trash]

Originally posted by R-Audi



Actually! The UR S4 cars are single tubo inline 5


And maintenance is a bit lower if you have a place like TuneDub around.. or if you are willing to get your hands a little dirty.

Right on, learned something new today!

I saw one on the internet yesterday (red 2002) up in Edmonton that still had some warranty left on it, so hopefully I can find another like that.
The plan is to keep this car stock, but I have said that before about other cars and it just ends up happening... modding is addictive

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Euro_Trash


Right on, learned something new today!

I saw one on the internet yesterday (red 2002) up in Edmonton that still had some warranty left on it, so hopefully I can find another like that.
The plan is to keep this car stock, but I have said that before about other cars and it just ends up happening... modding is addictive

The best decision I've made so far is to buy my S4. No other car comes close for $25-$30K with the performance/luxury/practicality combo of the B5 S4, especially if you throw a couple cheap mods in.

If you want you can come have a look at my S4 and go for a ride if you're having trouble finding samples to compare - at least when I was looking, they were few and far between. Also, I have the diagnostic tool for AUDI/VW so if you're buying one locally I can scan it for you to see if there is anything you should know.

Also, +1 for Tune Dub.

Good luck and nice choice!

[projekz]

I was looking at getting an S4 as well. You can get an 04 for around 30k$ U.S. in the states. It's about 5-10k$ more than what you'll spend here for an older car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-AUDI-S4-QUATTRO-RED-34895-V8-SUPER-FAST-SAVE_W0QQitemZ250085386203QQihZ015QQcategoryZ43902QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Euro_Trash]

Originally posted by projekz
I was looking at getting an S4 as well. You can get an 04 for around 30k$ U.S. in the states. It's about 5-10k$ more than what you'll spend here for an older car.



Wouldn't there be a problem in bringing it up here?

And Mitsu check your PM's

[projekz]

no...they're legal. I'm gonna get one myself in the next little while. Why spend 25k$ on a 2001 when i can get a 2004 for around 32-34k$ landed here?

[Euro_Trash]

When do you think you will be getting one? I am just curious how all of that works out... makes sense money wise

[projekz]

before the summer for sure...I just need to find time to get to it.
I want a red one, standard and with black interior. I'll let you know if I can remember.

[Euro_Trash]

Just make sure you post it on Beyond when you get it, I'm sure a few people would like to see it!! :thumbsup:

[projekz]

cool...

here's another decent one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-05-S4-4-2Q-AWD-PREM-PKG-XENON-SPRT-DSC-LOADED-SAVE_W0QQitemZ290084528282QQihZ019QQcategoryZ43902QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Cody D]

I sold my IS300 to buy one of these, just haven't gotten around to it yet, the one I've test drove was fun. I'm actually looking for a red one.

[R-Audi]

Laser Red are fairly rare, I wish you luck with that!

I wanted a casablanca white.. but those are even more rare :(

[Tuner1]

B5 S4s are about the best combo of performance, luxury and all-weather practicality in a used sedan for $30k or less. All the normal used cars purchase warnings apply but otherwise they are quite robust machines! B6 S4s moved the game on in terms of style and interior luxury but they are also larger, heavier and far more difficult and costly to add power to.

Tunerworks - home of fast twin turbo S4s :D

Rob

[Euro_Trash]

Is the V8 considered more reliable than the B5 motor (I know we can't really judge based on super-high mileage examples since they are all relatively young cars)

[R-Audi]

Originally posted by Tuner1

Tunerworks - home of fast twin turbo S4s :D

Rob


One can only dream to reach levels of some of the ones you guys have done!

[Isaiah]

Originally posted by QuasarCav
Too bad Cruz isn't around anymore.......

<=== :thumbsup:

[QuasarCav]

Originally posted by Isaiah


&lt;=== :thumbsup:


I know, you seem like an alright guy. I dont know what happened.

:dunno:

[Palmiros]

Take a look at the RS 4.. :drool:

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Euro_Trash
Is the V8 considered more reliable than the B5 motor (I know we can't really judge based on super-high mileage examples since they are all relatively young cars)

If you chip the motor and abuse it, you are more likely to have turbo failure than if you did not chip it - however this applies to any car. Don't get on the boost until you have oil temperature, use synthetic oil, and let the car idle for 30 seconds before you turn it off and your turbos will last a long time, even if chipped. There are a couple weak points in the 2000 model years such as diverter valves and throttle body boot, but these should be upgraded anyways if you chip the car. They are very cheap, all under $100. There are people with 160,000 MILES on chipped turbos with zero problems.

[Euro_Trash]

That's what I wanted to hear. Awesome thanks

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Euro_Trash
That's what I wanted to hear. Awesome thanks

Try to get some sense of how the previous owner treated the car though. Even though you might do everything perfectly, if the previous owner beat the shit out of the turbos, used regular oil, etc. etc. for 100,000km, they may be well on their way out. The best you can do is take the guy's word for it though I guess. I'd ask him what he does instead of ask him if he does things A, B and C, because then he will just say yes.

[mk4jetta]

S4 is the car i want next, imola yellow or nogaro blue for me :)

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by mk4jetta
S4 is the car i want next, imola yellow or nogaro blue for me :)


I think the yellow is super rare...you will definitely stand out!

[Euro_Trash]

Yea I love the white and the blue :drool: