2013 Audi S4 - Pros and Cons

[jaylo]

One of my friends' buying one and I am also tempted to grab one. Now, I do not have any experience with late model Audi's, I've test driven an 07 RS4, and last week the '13 S4.

It seems to be a solid car and handles very well with the optional Active Sport Differential on Dynamic mode.

Now I can get a used one for less money but most of them are driven hard and with little factory warranty left (hence I steered away from the 07 RS4)

It also seems to be good for the money for luxury and performance (I priced one around $59k all in, 6mt no navi)

Now I am comparing the price/performance to the 2013 335i M Sport and I priced one closer to 65k + tax and such


Any thoughts from current late model S4 owners?

[ArjayAquino]

Originally posted by jaylo
It also seems to be good for the money for luxury and performance (I priced one around $59k all in, 6mt no navi)

Did you get that price from building online or from the dealership? Just wondering because everytime I look at the dealership prices compared to the audi website prices, there's a big markup.

[Darell_n]

Con: Some of the absolute worst crash rating around, only Camry is worse in IIHS tests. Watch the tests on Youtube and increase your life insurance before buying one.

[Team_Mclaren]

http://www.cars.com/audi/s4/2013/safety-ratings/

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2013-audi-a4-s4-earn-160442151.html


looks ok to me???

[schocker]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
http://www.cars.com/audi/s4/2013/safety-ratings/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2013-audi-a4-s4-earn-160442151.html
looks ok to me???
:werd:
I have been looking into a 2010/20111 used one. Good power, decent fuel economy, very nice interior imo, good value compared to the S5, more so optioned than a 335i I believe at a similar price.

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by Darell_n
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/thinkofthechildren.jpg
Con: Some of the absolute worst crash rating around, only Camry is worse in IIHS tests. Watch the tests on Youtube and increase your life insurance before buying one.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=558

Yeah the small overlap crash test, almost ALL cars that are actually tested, score a "Poor" on that crash type. C-Class, IS, A4, etc;

The 3 series, was upgraded from poor to moderate, and the CTS was not tested.

The remaining IIHS crash tests the Audi scored as high as the test allowed.

U.S Government crash testing.
http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles/Search-Results?searchtype=model&make=AUDI&model=A4&year=2012

B8 A4 platform.
Out of 5 stars
Overall - 4
Side - 5
Roll-Over - 5
Front - 4

Conclusion, of those comparable models, only one has a better small overlap crash score, while others haven't been been tested on this newly introduced (2012) crash rating type. (small over-lap)

[kenny]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
http://www.cars.com/audi/s4/2013/safety-ratings/

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2013-audi-a4-s4-earn-160442151.html


looks ok to me???

The A4/S4 does poorly in a single IIHS test. The small-overlap front collision. This is probably what he is referring to.

However, lots of other cars get similar poor scores: Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS/ES, Toyota Prius and Camry (as mentioned).

Its a newer test so a lot of cars haven't been tested yet. This is likely why they score so poorly--the automakers haven't had a chance to "Ferrari" the results yet.

Edit: Totally beaten to the punch. :rofl:

[JustinMCS]

Originally posted by Darell_n
Con: Some of the absolute worst crash rating around, only Camry is worse in IIHS tests. Watch the tests on Youtube and increase your life insurance before buying one.

The car is still a 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick.... It's one small test it failed. Big deal. The IIHS is already the best crash rating around.

[Darell_n]

I know I was being over dramatic and the small offset front is a new test. The interesting part was the domestic mid-size cars scored really well on this test and the imports not so much.

[bart]

if you are looking for an S4 i got a 2010 for sale, fully loaded dsg, only 15700km on it!

if not, perhaps some nice HRE's? :) http://forums.beyond.ca/st/344725/fs-hre-p40-for-b8-a4-s4/

[Xtrema]

The only con of 2013 is I'm not sure if I like the new front end design and chrome up the interior a bit more. Mechanically, it's a very competent car. But you must have sport diff, car is a bit dull without it.

The dealer will stick to MSRP. So far I have never heard of mark up or discounts (may be on the few that were damaged by hail) other than inclusion of Audi Care free of charge.

As crash rating, it a new one that caught most off guard other than the new ATS. Expect car manufacturers to catch up to that standard as models get refreshed.

[GS430]

Pro's... Beautiful car, AWD.

Con's.. You're a douche for copying your friend lol.

:poosie:

[R-Audi]

Pro: APR is in the final stages of releasing a Stage 3 S/C upgrade!

[npham]

Originally posted by Xtrema
The dealer will stick to MSRP. So far I have never heard of mark up or discounts (may be on the few that were damaged by hail) other than inclusion of Audi Care free of charge.

There were discounts on demo models at the end of 2012. You might get 500 and Audi Care off MSRP, but getting $2-5000 off a non-demo car isn't going to happen.

[heavyD]

If you can afford it there are no Cons. One of the best overall sedans the world offers.

[turbotrip]

Cons:
-4 doors (get the S5! haha)
-being associated Audi douches

Other than that its a great idea. But I would suggest getting the Navi even though its probably the worst I've used, just for resale value

[colinxx235]

^

really? I find the navi on the BMW the worst one around.


as for the S5, cannot justify being 12 grand more than the S4

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by colinxx235
^

really? I find the navi on the BMW the worst one around.


as for the S5, cannot justify being 12 grand more than the S4

S5 Vert is actually pretty good value compared to Coupe or S4.

The only complain I have on the Navi is that nobody in world can sell me updated maps. Not Audi (Canada or USA). Not Navteq. Not dealers.

[heavyD]

Originally posted by turbotrip
Other than that its a great idea. But I would suggest getting the Navi even though its probably the worst I've used, just for resale value

First world problems. My 2013 Subaru came with an outdated/discontinued Pioneer NAV System that looks and feels ancient.

[clem24]

Originally posted by GS430
Con's.. You're a douche for copying your friend lol.


What are you, 18? :rolleyes:

BTW he's a douche not because he copied but because he's buying an Audi. :D Or wait.. He's a cock. NVM.

[turbotrip]

Originally posted by colinxx235
^

really? I find the navi on the BMW the worst one around.



maybe im just retarded or something, but how the hell do you scroll around on the map? it seems like you have to move the 2 axis individually which is rediculous. the lack of 'joystick action' on audi's MMI drives me fuckin crazy; all the other manufacturers seem to have it right

[schocker]

Originally posted by colinxx235
as for the S5, cannot justify being 12 grand more than the S4
S4 Starts at $53k
S5 Starts at $55.9k
:confused:

[Sorath]

almost bought one back in the day.

I would say the only con is that i find it overpriced for what is it. the 335 is much cheaper for similar driving feel

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by schocker

S4 Starts at $53k
S5 Starts at $55.9k
:confused:

I think there was a difference when S5 had a V8.

Yup, 2010 S5 starts @ $65K with 4.2L V8

2013 almost $10K less but you get the supercharged 3.0L V6

[schocker]

Originally posted by Sorath
almost bought one back in the day.

I would say the only con is that i find it overpriced for what is it. the 335 is much cheaper for similar driving feel
That must have been the B7 S4 though right as 335i is only a couple thousand less and the S4 includes more standard equipment.
335i $51.2k
335i X $53.8k


Originally posted by Xtrema
I think there was a difference when S5 had a V8.

Yup, 2010 S5 starts @ $65K with 4.2L V8

2013 almost $10K less but you get the supercharged 3.0L V6
Yup. It was a pretty huge chance as the B6/7 S4 were kind of comparable to the E46 M3 at a slightly higher price, then the E90/92/93 m3 came out and the s4 made no sense at all. I have wanted a V8 S5 for a while, but would would be weary now as when it comes time to sell it, the supercharged v6 started at a much lower price, got getter fuel economy, similar performance and around the same power!

[artieg30]

the only advice i'll chip in here is that the steering feels a bit subdued compared to the e90 335i as i believe that was a hydraulic steering system vs. the new f30 335i being electric.

That said, the f30 is more effortless when it comes to cornering and if you get that adaptive steering package it makes a hell of a difference with regards to vehicle handling, it's simply sharp and precise maneuvering.

The other thing i like about the new f30 too is it has dynamic driving modes. Other than throttle response, your springs are stiffended my a magnetic damper that controls the suspension system. I do believe however this is only true on the m-adaptive suspension models, but definitely worth the extra IMO. Anywho these are just my 0.02 if you're considering the new f30.

[colinxx235]

Originally posted by schocker

S4 Starts at $53k
S5 Starts at $55.9k
:confused:


C'mon Matt, I'm not a noob, I looked into it alot. Which is why I didn't buy an S5 either :P

With GST fully loaded out the door. S4 was just shy of $72.
2012 S5 was ~83.5K

If 2013 finally adjusted the prices then that makes the S5 a lot better



edit:

oh and guy above me.

S4 had the magnetic feature 3 years ago :D ;)
just hit that little dynamic button and giv'r :burnout:

[InRich]

Heres a con...
how bout the fact that these cars have gotten ugly as fuck? I mean the last gen was alright, but that new refined design makes me wanna puke. and I was a HUUUGE fan of audi, i even took the 2011 for a test drive, and I was impressed but I can't get over the changed look. the interior is fantastic, no doubt, but that exterior.... :barf:

On the other hand the new refined BMW 3 is just as bad. I dunno what these guys are thinking.

Actually come to think about, I'm really starting to dislike most of the new cars coming out. Hyundai is the only manufacturer that is impressing me lately.

[schocker]

Originally posted by colinxx235
C'mon Matt, I'm not a noob, I looked into it alot. Which is why I didn't buy an S5 either :P

With GST fully loaded out the door. S4 was just shy of $72.
2012 S5 was ~83.5K

If 2013 finally adjusted the prices then that makes the S5 a lot better

Oh sure buddy :D
Only 2-3 months until I pull the trigger on the S4 club.


Originally posted by InRich
inrichhhhhhhhhh
Well both the 3 series and the A4/S4 must look pretty good to sell so many vehicles. I have seen tons of refreshed audi's already.

hyundai looks like some kind of retarded alien fish :dunno:

[XylathaneGTR]

Originally posted by colinxx235

C'mon Matt, I'm not a noob, I looked into it alot. Which is why I didn't buy an S5 either :P

With GST fully loaded out the door. S4 was just shy of $72.
2012 S5 was ~83.5K
Exactly this. A friend of mine bought one around March 2012 and couldn't justify the additional cost for an S5, despite having owned an M3 and 335 prior to and disliking his previously owned V8 S4 in part because it was a four door.

For what it's worth, he sold it in preparation for a job opportunity in Houston. Things changed and he's back here now and purchased another '12 S4...so there you go...he liked it so much he was willing to get it twice and didn't look back to the S5 in either case.

[Disoblige]

I think the F30 chassis looks great, even a 328i I've been seeing a lot lately. Pretty aggressive, looks lower and wider.

S4 looks great too.

Getting tired of looking at the Hyundai's.

[1barA4]

Originally posted by Disoblige

Getting tired of looking at the Hyundai's.

Mainly because you've been looking at Peter Schreyer's designs for the last decade with Audi!

(Note: I'm aware PS is with Kia, but Hyundai design staff get trained at Namyang amongst other places that Shreyer heads up)


Originally posted by InRich

Actually come to think about, I'm really starting to dislike most of the new cars coming out. Hyundai is the only manufacturer that is impressing me lately.


Hell, my friends put several thousand kms on a Hyundai i20 in Europe over a summer and it was great, even on the autobahn....in the slow lane.... :rofl: But it fit four average guys, their gear and a half-retarded German girl one of them was banging (no joke, I think she was developmentally delayed) :rofl:

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by schocker
the supercharged v6 started at a much lower price, got getter fuel economy, similar performance and around the same power!

Lighter frontend, more torque, less gas. The only you miss from the V8 is the sound.

BTW, 2013 S5 tops out @ $63K on Audi.ca But it can only be outfitted with Sport Diff and not the full fledged ADS on the S4, weird packaging for Canada.


Originally posted by artieg30
the only advice i'll chip in here is that the steering feels a bit subdued compared to the e90 335i as i believe that was a hydraulic steering system vs. the new f30 335i being electric.

S4 has this with ADS package since 2010. But some say the electric steering actually has less feel of the road.

[artieg30]

Originally posted by Xtrema


Lighter frontend, more torque, less gas. The only you miss from the V8 is the sound.

BTW, 2013 S5 tops out @ $63K on Audi.ca But it can only be outfitted with Sport Diff and not the full fledged ADS on the S4, weird packaging for Canada.



S4 has this with ADS package since 2010. But some say the electric steering actually has less feel of the road.

That's exactly what I meant, less feel of the road but steering is more precise. With the e90 you had to put a greater effort into it.