Indecision from another newbie...

[WallyBazoom]

Hi Guys,

I've recently test driven a few S4's and immediately decided to get one.

I've owned an Impreza RB5 for the last 5 years and have decided that I'd upgrade to a more refined and luxurious performance car. (a good engine sound is also a must )

I'm just torn between two models.

This B6 http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=501949468
or spend a little more on this B7 http://usedcars.audi.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=501949492

B6 is cheaper and I think looks better, B7 is lower mileage and has nicer interior/options. I plan to keep the car for about 5 years and I only drive about 10k miles a year.

Something is swaying me to go towards the lower mileage B7 over the B6. Would a B6 with this mileage sway anyone else? (bearing in mind it'll probably have about 100k on the clock in 5 years)

What do you guys think? Opinions welcome...

Thanks,
Chris

[tweek]

Hi Chris,

I have owned both a B6 and B7 S4. Overall I did like the B6 shape and engine, the interiors are pretty much identical but the exterior well thats personal taste. My B7 is an avant (B6 - saloon) and I think looks okay apart from the grill.

As far as engines go, my B6 suffered the cam chain rattle on startup and other stuff (dealer not interested) and the variable cam kicks in more aggressively than on the B7, your are likely to get approx 20mpg in mixed motoring unless you are enjoying the V8 sound too much.

Personally I would go with the B7 mainly based on mileage as they are expensive to fix (cam chain tensioners £3k). The B6 at 50k miles the clutch would probably have been replaced otherwise maybe near to replacement time.Also at this kind of money get an inspection done and argue about the price, they are not selling well due to high petrol costs and Gordon's car tax raid. I'd expect at least £2k off the price.

Cheers

Pete

[BlingBling]

I have a B6, 03, with 50K miles and have not changed the clutch yet. The clutches are of a high quality good for about 70k if driven sensibly. Never had a problem either with can chain tensioners. Tweeks comments on cam chains is misleading not all B6's have suffered this fate.

[tweek]

This was my experience of the B6 S4 I owned, I agree that not all cars suffer the cam chain issue but it does seem to be a fairly prevalent issue among owners.

TTFN

[nidfix]

This was my experience of the B6 S4 I owned, I agree that not all cars suffer the cam chain issue but it does seem to be a fairly prevalent issue among owners.

TTFN

Are you talking about a cam chain issue or the belt tensioner problem ?

[tweek]

The cam chain rattle on startup because the chain tensioners have lost oil pressure. Can you explain what the belt issue is?

TTFN

[BlingBling]

This was my experience of the B6 S4 I owned, I agree that not all cars suffer the cam chain issue but it does seem to be a fairly prevalent issue among owners.

TTFN

The rattle is common but nothing to worry about. The whine is more worrying.