Hi all,
As I'm looking to buy an S4 avant in the next couple of months, and I'm basically trying to make sure I can justify it to myself! As such, I wanted your opinions on what the S4 is like for long journeys & motorway trips... (most of my use will be at weekends, just for fun, but I do make a few very long journeys every year too)
Is the ride too hard due to the sporty suspension? Does this take its toll on long trips, or is it a comfortable cruiser?
How is the road/tyre/wind/exhaust noise inside the car when motorway cruising? I've read posts where people have complained about a "drone" from the exhaust at certain revs. Is this just with Milltek?
I really fancy having a Milltek equipped car, mainly for the enhanced noise from the V8, but I'd think twice if it was opressive when cruising on the motorways.
Thanks
Steve
Smoooth Cruising (hard suspension/noisy exhaust?)
Hi steve
I have a standard s4 and the ride is great and i think bloody comfortable. I have a bad back and have been up to scotland in it for a week (from brum) and i didn't feel anyworse after a 5 hour journey from when i got in. The standard exhaust is really quiet in the cab which is good if you have passangers but not so good if you love the V8 like me. I would love to get the exhaust done when i get some spare cash.
Tyre noise can be the same with any car, depends on your tyre make.
As a fun car you will love it, goes pretty quick but effortlessly.
What car do you have at the moment?
Dunc
I have a standard s4 and the ride is great and i think bloody comfortable. I have a bad back and have been up to scotland in it for a week (from brum) and i didn't feel anyworse after a 5 hour journey from when i got in. The standard exhaust is really quiet in the cab which is good if you have passangers but not so good if you love the V8 like me. I would love to get the exhaust done when i get some spare cash.
Tyre noise can be the same with any car, depends on your tyre make.
As a fun car you will love it, goes pretty quick but effortlessly.
What car do you have at the moment?
Dunc
previous- Pug 205 gti, 306 gti, 309 gti Goodwood.
Audi S3, S4 V8 avant.
Porsche Macan Turbo.
Gone but NEVER forgotten - C5 RS6 Misano red avant.
Now - Empty garage
If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there!
Audi S3, S4 V8 avant.
Porsche Macan Turbo.
Gone but NEVER forgotten - C5 RS6 Misano red avant.
Now - Empty garage
If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there!
Hi Steve
I use mine almost exclusively for long hauls (2+ hours), it's a very comfortable & (exhaust-wise) quiet car for the job in standard trim. I've had back problems in the past but I've never, in 5 years, got out of my car after a long drive & felt discomfort, the Recaros are that good.
Re exhaust, if you find you want more noise, try a resonated system. There's loads of posts about this, just search. HTH
I use mine almost exclusively for long hauls (2+ hours), it's a very comfortable & (exhaust-wise) quiet car for the job in standard trim. I've had back problems in the past but I've never, in 5 years, got out of my car after a long drive & felt discomfort, the Recaros are that good.
Re exhaust, if you find you want more noise, try a resonated system. There's loads of posts about this, just search. HTH
The S4 is superb as a cruiser, the V8 can be as lazy as you want or not depending upon how you feel, the seats are really good once you have got them set right (can take some experimenting to get right). If you want to justify it, just take a test drive.
The droning that some people have experienced I believe is related to the exhaust pipe diameter so is not just a miltek problem.
The droning that some people have experienced I believe is related to the exhaust pipe diameter so is not just a miltek problem.
As an S4 saloon owner, I would agree with all of the above. I find the S4 actually better on the motorway crunching up the miles than going slowly around town. The engine has so much torque that you find you do not need to change up and down through the gears as much as a smaller displacement engined car, but around town I find first gear a little too short and sometimes pull away in second.
I stay in Glasgow where the council has a liberal attitude to road maintenance, so the city streets can be a bit of a patch work. I sometimes find myself dodging the known pot holes as the suspension can feel a bit harsh sometimes at slower speeds, but the trade off is excellent handling and manners when on the twisty stuff at speed and on the motorway.
With regards to the cabin noise, on the motorway I find the car a little to quiet! I must admit I would agree with Dunc. What is the point of having one of THE best V8 engines and then not hearing anything at all. If you listen really carefully, you do get a very slight whine off the chains which you have to really listen out for, but I'm told this is normal (a loud whine would be a different matter - see other threads). Tyre and wind noise is significantly less that similar Japanese turboed equivalents.
The Recaros are very supportive and have exceptional adjustability, and the interior is well made and functional, but does lack some of the toys that come standard on other cars. I personally don't need a G-force meter or keyless entry or a multi-functional steering wheel, but these can be deal breakers for some people. Some of my more robust friends complain that the seats can feel a little tight, but I prefer the seats to be supportive and I don't get any complaints saying the seats are uncomfortable.
All in, I would say that the S4 is more of a GT than an harsh sports car. The reason I went for the Audi over the equivalent BMW (M3), was the build quality, exclusivity and the four doors, but you will become good friends with your local petrol station attendants! But if fuel economy was high on you list you would be on the Prius web-site.
Take a test drive, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I stay in Glasgow where the council has a liberal attitude to road maintenance, so the city streets can be a bit of a patch work. I sometimes find myself dodging the known pot holes as the suspension can feel a bit harsh sometimes at slower speeds, but the trade off is excellent handling and manners when on the twisty stuff at speed and on the motorway.
With regards to the cabin noise, on the motorway I find the car a little to quiet! I must admit I would agree with Dunc. What is the point of having one of THE best V8 engines and then not hearing anything at all. If you listen really carefully, you do get a very slight whine off the chains which you have to really listen out for, but I'm told this is normal (a loud whine would be a different matter - see other threads). Tyre and wind noise is significantly less that similar Japanese turboed equivalents.
The Recaros are very supportive and have exceptional adjustability, and the interior is well made and functional, but does lack some of the toys that come standard on other cars. I personally don't need a G-force meter or keyless entry or a multi-functional steering wheel, but these can be deal breakers for some people. Some of my more robust friends complain that the seats can feel a little tight, but I prefer the seats to be supportive and I don't get any complaints saying the seats are uncomfortable.
All in, I would say that the S4 is more of a GT than an harsh sports car. The reason I went for the Audi over the equivalent BMW (M3), was the build quality, exclusivity and the four doors, but you will become good friends with your local petrol station attendants! But if fuel economy was high on you list you would be on the Prius web-site.
Take a test drive, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I had an S4 for 5 years. It's superb for motorways, European cruising, etc etc. Of course the fuel consumption could be better but you don't buy a V8 without knowing that.
The suspension is very firm for a standard road car. I had some days where I wished it was a little softer but generally it was fine. I've now changed car and realise exactly how hard is was! Audi's have been slated over the years for only being able to get sporty handling by making the suspension too hard. Now I'm driving a B8 I have to agree. My new car handles better than the S4 (although that's partly due to the engine being further back etc etc etc) but it rides a fair bit more compliant. When I test drove it before purchasing I was surprised when I got back in the S4 how firm it was. Having said that I'm now getting the dynamic suspension so I don't have to compromise and have the choice of how I'd like it to ride.
As above go for a test drive and see what you think. Motorways are fine. Rough country roads are ok but not as good.
The suspension is very firm for a standard road car. I had some days where I wished it was a little softer but generally it was fine. I've now changed car and realise exactly how hard is was! Audi's have been slated over the years for only being able to get sporty handling by making the suspension too hard. Now I'm driving a B8 I have to agree. My new car handles better than the S4 (although that's partly due to the engine being further back etc etc etc) but it rides a fair bit more compliant. When I test drove it before purchasing I was surprised when I got back in the S4 how firm it was. Having said that I'm now getting the dynamic suspension so I don't have to compromise and have the choice of how I'd like it to ride.
As above go for a test drive and see what you think. Motorways are fine. Rough country roads are ok but not as good.
B8 A4 Avant quattro
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
Suzuki GSXR1000 (Track bike)
B6 S4 (AMD Stage 3) - GONE
8N TT (APR/AMD/MTM) - GONE
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
Suzuki GSXR1000 (Track bike)
B6 S4 (AMD Stage 3) - GONE
8N TT (APR/AMD/MTM) - GONE
Thanks guys, that's really useful. I know that there's no substitute for a test drive, but so few dealers near me have S4s for sale, and I don't want to just take the p!ss by test driving a private seller's pride and joy! I just wanted to convince myself that this is the right car to go for.
Fuel consumption isn't too big an issue for me, as I don't drive that often, the only problem will be that I'll have to fill up part way between Somerset & Newcastle when I drive to my parents'!
PS. I'm ashamed to say my current car is an old Clio! It's a real heap of junk and has had to go into the garage AGAIN today! Haven't got round to changing it in years because I only live 5 minutes walk from work, so couldn't really justify it until I found a car I was really willing to spend a bit of cash on.
Fuel consumption isn't too big an issue for me, as I don't drive that often, the only problem will be that I'll have to fill up part way between Somerset & Newcastle when I drive to my parents'!
PS. I'm ashamed to say my current car is an old Clio! It's a real heap of junk and has had to go into the garage AGAIN today! Haven't got round to changing it in years because I only live 5 minutes walk from work, so couldn't really justify it until I found a car I was really willing to spend a bit of cash on.
| '04 S4 Avant (B6) | NOW SOLD 
I have had my S4 since May. I have had a few Audi's now, but my first S4. I think what attracted me initially was the V8 sound track. From the outside its lovely, but surprisingly very quiet inside - to the point actually, I would want it a little louder so I can appreciate the V8!
After a month or so, I felt I had got used to the noise and that initial buzz had gone, but once I had heard the wife drive off in it, it all came back again.
The ride quality is fine for me. I drive many different makes of company cars each week and to be honest, when I get back in mine on a Friday afternoon to go home fo rthe weekend, its then I notice just how comfortable, relaxing, effortless and enjoyable it is.
Seats noticably are very comfortable seeing as they are recaros and although mine hasnt got the worlds supply of gadgets, I dont feel I need them - I just love driving it for what it is!
Fuel consumption isnt an issue for me as its really just a weekend car. On long motorway runs, Ill get 30mpg, round town - cant say I have checked! But I say, you shouldnt be worried about mpg if your intending to by a V8!
I am due to lower mine soon as I do feel its not as sharp on the twisties as I would expect from a Quattro, but it is a very heavy car and slight understeer can be experienced if you push it.
If you do get one, ensure you have XL tyres, unlike mine when I got it. When the dealer finally changed mine to XL, it did make alot of difference to the handling.
You mention test driving one - where abouts in the world do you live?
Anyway, good luck whatever you do.
Lee
After a month or so, I felt I had got used to the noise and that initial buzz had gone, but once I had heard the wife drive off in it, it all came back again.
The ride quality is fine for me. I drive many different makes of company cars each week and to be honest, when I get back in mine on a Friday afternoon to go home fo rthe weekend, its then I notice just how comfortable, relaxing, effortless and enjoyable it is.
Seats noticably are very comfortable seeing as they are recaros and although mine hasnt got the worlds supply of gadgets, I dont feel I need them - I just love driving it for what it is!
Fuel consumption isnt an issue for me as its really just a weekend car. On long motorway runs, Ill get 30mpg, round town - cant say I have checked! But I say, you shouldnt be worried about mpg if your intending to by a V8!
I am due to lower mine soon as I do feel its not as sharp on the twisties as I would expect from a Quattro, but it is a very heavy car and slight understeer can be experienced if you push it.
If you do get one, ensure you have XL tyres, unlike mine when I got it. When the dealer finally changed mine to XL, it did make alot of difference to the handling.
You mention test driving one - where abouts in the world do you live?
Anyway, good luck whatever you do.
Lee
Pictures Thanks for that Lee, it's good to hear lots of opinions on the car. (As if I really needed convincing that I want one!)
You talk about understeer, have you tried the swapping the ARB for the RS4 ARB? This is meant to tighten up the handling quite well.
Also, the V8 badge pic in your signature, is that standard on S4s, or did you buy it from somewhere?
You talk about understeer, have you tried the swapping the ARB for the RS4 ARB? This is meant to tighten up the handling quite well.
Also, the V8 badge pic in your signature, is that standard on S4s, or did you buy it from somewhere?
| '04 S4 Avant (B6) | NOW SOLD
I dont think the V8 badge comes on UK spec ones, but have seen them on many overseas ones, albeit different to mine - they are just V8
Mine came from here at around £4:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-ABS-V8-BAD ... 286.c0.m14
Looks like this:
Mine came from here at around £4:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHROME-ABS-V8-BAD ... 286.c0.m14
Looks like this:
Thanks again for all your helpful opinions guys. I finally took a test drive last weekend, intending for it just to be a fact finding exercise, but I ended up buying the car!!
Like yours Lee it hasn't got all the gadgets, but the general condition of the car was very good, miles were low compared to the others I was looking at, and the stealer offered me a lot more than expected as trade in for my piece of crap clio, plus he added parking sensors and a couple of free services to sweeten the deal.
I pick it up on Saturday and I can't wait!!
In the short term the only mods will be to add cruise control, change the sidelights to LEDs, and maybe add the coolbox to the glovebox. Longer term I'd like RNS-E and maybe Bluetooth, plus a Milltek or similar to unleash the V8 soundtrack! But these are subject to cashflow!
Does anyone know where is best to get the cruise control retrofitted?
Planning on a 2700 mile roadtrip round europe next summer too, which will be heaven in the S4 I think... apart from the fuel bill!!
Like yours Lee it hasn't got all the gadgets, but the general condition of the car was very good, miles were low compared to the others I was looking at, and the stealer offered me a lot more than expected as trade in for my piece of crap clio, plus he added parking sensors and a couple of free services to sweeten the deal.
I pick it up on Saturday and I can't wait!!
In the short term the only mods will be to add cruise control, change the sidelights to LEDs, and maybe add the coolbox to the glovebox. Longer term I'd like RNS-E and maybe Bluetooth, plus a Milltek or similar to unleash the V8 soundtrack! But these are subject to cashflow!
Does anyone know where is best to get the cruise control retrofitted?
Planning on a 2700 mile roadtrip round europe next summer too, which will be heaven in the S4 I think... apart from the fuel bill!!
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