Hoping to source a decent S4....

[chrisk]

Just thought I'd say hello!

I've just sold my 5 door impreza with PPP and I'm now looking for something a bit more sophisticated, I'm hoping to find a decent S4 Avant (manual).

Any help in sourcing one would be appreciated, I can see me spending a lot of time frequenting this forum! I think prices have firmed up over the past couple of months and the amount on the market seems limited at the moment...

[Trufit]

Hi,

I did the same as you changing from an 04 sti to a B7 S4 avant. Not sure if you've driven one yet but for me It was a good move, apart from eating tyres and fuel it is the best all round car I've ever owned and easily as quick as my STI, servicing has been cheeper too.

Good luck with your search, I have a feeling that the B6 and B7 S4 will be sought after now due to audi changing from a V8 to a V6 Suprcharged engine - everyone should own at least one V8 in their lifetime !!

[chrisk]

I think a big V8 is a natural progression from a high powered turbo!

I really like my Impreza, plenty of power (if it was over 3k rpm) and japanese reliability - nothing went wrong in 59k miles and it got to 60 in under 5s.

However, I got bored of the tyre noise, cheap plastics and having to turn the radio up load on the motorway just to hear it! I'm looking forward to heated leather and a decent Bose Stereo!

I have driven an S4 very briefly and was impressed, it's the low end grunt that attracts me!

In terms of running costs how does it compare to the STI? Longer service intervals and cheaper insurance? Does that financial benefit get cancelled out with fuel and tyres!?

[WallyBazoom]

I too went from an Impreza to an S4.

I loved my old Impreza RB5, spent quite a bit of dosh on it in 5 years of ownership, increased power, improved handling, but wanted something a bit more refined. Was tempted to keep it and run both, but seeing as the worlds economy has gone tits-up, was probably a wise decision not to.

When I was first demonstrated the S4, I loved the interior, luxury in comparison to Subaru, was pleasantly surprised with the handling feedback for a heavy car. I'd made my mind up when hearing the V8 roar (more than makes up for loosing the flat four burble).

- My fuel costs are about the same as the Impreza was for me. (the low down torque and 6th gear at 35mph helps)
- I've got variable servicing, so it's going to be approximately 12-14 months interval per service (not 6monthly and no horrible cam belt service)
- Tyres look about about the same wear time 18 to 24 months.
- Insurance slightly more expensive. about 15% more for me.

If anything I think it's going to be a bit cheaper to run that the Impreza.

[chrisk]

One of the main attractions of the S4 is the 4wd, I loved it in the subaru - Even more so in the recent snow.

I think it's fair to say the S4 is the natural more refined step up from the Scooby!

[Trufit]

I think a big V8 is a natural progression from a high powered turbo!

I really like my Impreza, plenty of power (if it was over 3k rpm) and japanese reliability - nothing went wrong in 59k miles and it got to 60 in under 5s.

However, I got bored of the tyre noise, cheap plastics and having to turn the radio up load on the motorway just to hear it! I'm looking forward to heated leather and a decent Bose Stereo!

I have driven an S4 very briefly and was impressed, it's the low end grunt that attracts me!

In terms of running costs how does it compare to the STI? Longer service intervals and cheaper insurance? Does that financial benefit get cancelled out with fuel and tyres!?

Running costs are pretty similar, my 2nd variable service is due in 2000 miles, I had planned to go down the independant specialist route and had been quoted £276 plus VAT from a regarded indie but went into Audi to book its first MOT (free by the way) and was told that they would do the service for £299 inc VAT so I have booked it in with them - I know that just because it's a dealer doesn't mean better workmanship but I get that all important Audi stamp in the book which may help when it comes to resale time.
Fuel - i get about 22mpg round the doors which is on par with the scooby, Tyres- I have just changed the front 2 goodyears after about 10000 miles, if I had rotated them earlier I would have probably got another 5K as the backs still had 5mm on them. (Also hit a pothole so had the replace them slightly earlier!)
Insurance - £620 fully comp myself and the wife (both 35)
The only other expense is that I will be extending the warranty at the end of march, this is through warranty direct (i have heard good and bad things about them) that is costing £600 for 13 months and is the exact same cover as provided by Audi.

Paul

[Pete.S]

Good video pertinent to your discussion, never shown on Top Gear AFAIK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seuvqhrsjwo

[chrisk]

Good video pertinent to your discussion, never shown on Top Gear AFAIK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seuvqhrsjwo

That's an interesting clip - thanks.

What amazes me is the S4 beats the STi off the line. The STI is no slouch and I would expect the S4 to be slightly slower, especially from these stats:

http://www.prodrive.com/up/03MY%20STi%20PPP.pdf

[tweek]

The S4 is in a different league, the S4 is what the Subaru/Mitsubishi want to be when they grow up