S4 buying advice

[thesyn]

Hi, my first post but I have been lurking for a bit and picking up tips.
I am hopefully looking to buy a B6 S4 in the near future, probably 03/04.
I have a couple of questions; is there much difference in driving characteristics between the saloon and the avant?
I would idealy like a manual with full leather but there seem to be a lot of cars with alcantara, are there any problems like excessive wear with this over leather? also how do you clean it as kids and dogs are likely to come into contact wit it from time to time?.
Thanks in advance

[stumpyrs4]

Hi

Characteristics - not alot. The Avant actually more evenly distributes the weight between front:rear. Not really noticeable though TBH.

Leather - not really. With leather you 'feel' more special as it's leather, but it's quite uncomfortable on the hottest days. It ideally wants seat heaters for the winter. Wouldn't dismiss Alcantara at all. Keep it clean and it looks/feels great IMO. Pop into Halfrauds for all sorts of leather cleaning stuff - you get what you pay for. Alternatively if you're into car detailing check out sites such as ' Polished Bliss'...

[thesyn]

thanks for that, I will keep looking and wont dismiss alcantara seats!

[Rek]

Hi - not my first post on the site but the first in the S4 section. I had an RS6 - sold it and now am looking for a spritely convertible as a second car. The S4 fits the bill. The other contender is the Alpina B3S but they all look at little leery despite performing well - I don;t have a shaven head and a pit bull so the M3 is out. It seems like the only thing designed wrong is the aux radiator - anything else I should be looking out for?

The RS6 coloured my opinion negatively after the DRC, thermostat and the gearbox messed up. Thanksfully I was covered by warranty direct, but it took some digging to make them pay - and finding Grizz to make it affordable.

Any comments welcome.