Post
by saf » Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:45 pm
Ill be doing my S4 upgrade over the next few months.
Its a 2000 with 130K motor way miles. Turbos on way out and clutch gone so I may as well get it upgraded.
I was in 2 minds whether I should upgrade or not, and still am in a way but Ive decided to take the plunge and go for it. Cars worth about 7K in current condition without clutch working. Engine holds compression well, drives like new, and car has had every single factory extra avaliable from new.
I already have spent a fair bit, including ARB's DTS, Bi pipe, 3inch downpipes, RS4 clutch flywheel, B7 RS4 brakes, RS4 Intercoolers, which come up to nearly 4K. On top of this, I just got some refurbed K04's which I will get fully refurbed and modified into hybrids, along with the ported manifolds, lowered compression, new alternator, starter motor, oil pump, RS4 engine mounts, gearbox mounts , cambelt change, a remap and the labour to go with it. Best part of 6K.
Thats going to be a total value of 17K I could have in cash if I sold the car and didnt do the work.
In 5 months time, What will I get for the car If I decided to sell it? Answer is, not more than 12K I should think.
If the cars worth 7K at present (because clutch s not working), and its allfixed up with literally everything new and running around 500 brake, then thers no way I would get more than 12K for it especially at that mileage.
If you will mod you will lose, its as simple as that. If you mod the car, then make sure youre going to keep it for a while yet. Even if its 2 years, make sure you get your fun out of it. The extra 10K that you will put in, make sure you get it out when you put your foot down. If it makes you smile and you can afford to not see the cash again, then its worth it.
Look at it this way, Someone with a Ferrari Modena 360 spends a lot of cash just with the upkeep. Now although its a Ferrari, and that would put a grin on most faces anyway, its not value for money. With the S4 however, you can get more brake horse power than the ferrari, more resale value in terms of what you get back from what you spent, and also convenience of a 4 door saloon. Thats how I choose to look at it. Otherwise Id go nuts trying to justify the cost and be unhappy about it all.
The best thing to do, is to be happy when you mod. If youre depressed about losing money over it then theres no point. Sell up and get an RS4. That will hold its value way better. And you will be happy with it (If your driving style doesnt demand the low down torque).
I was going to go the RS4 route, but I ust love the way the S4 drives. I wouldnt swap the my S4 for an RS4 because Id be dissapointed with the drive and having to downshift to get the power down. If I did a lot of otorway driveing then I would prefer the RS4. but I dont. S I think its a question of what driving style do you like best. Whatever makes you feel happy go with that. If the cost of it all makes you constantly unhappy then go for a diesel. Only you know whether you can afford the ups and downs of owining a particular performance car.
Just be happy and what ever you decide to do try and have no regrets.
Hust like Derdle says, If you dont "do it now" you never will.