I want an S4 but what should I get.

[Nickyboy]

Hi All,
 
I have been a long time lurker and decided to sign up today. I currently drive an 11 plate Octavia VRS at stage 1 (260bhp and 320lbft) which can actually from a rolling start keep with an S4. I love the car but the lack of 4WD does annoy me somewhat and since I got a recent payrise I am looking for a better car along the same lines as the VRS. The obvious choices for me are the RS4 and the B8 S4. Looking at maintenance costs of the RS4 and the fact that the S4 has a nicer interior I am going to purchase a 2 year old S4.
 
For me the interior is stunning and the fact that I can remap to get RS4 power has pretty much sold me on getting one. I have an idea of what I want which are as follows; Auto box, preferably 18’ wheels, saloon. Now here comes the part where I need some advice from you guys. What options are a must have in the S4? What should I look out for when buying one?
 
Thanks in advance to all who answer.

[Ian_C]

The B8 S4 is massively more spec dependent than the B6 and B7. I would say the must have options are three fold - ADS (Audi drive select), Sport diff and the S4 Sports seats. Nav and bluetooth will be on every car I'd imagine.

[HYFR]

as Ian said.

also 19" are better for the looks

18" wheels are poverty

also make sure you get Tech Pack HIGH - this is the HDD sat nav and will have SDS / DVD player / 120GB hard drive jukebox, AMI, MMI, 3G Nav, Bluetooth etc etc etc etc

try and get a nice colour combo as stock they can look pretty ordinary, sometimes the S-Line's i pass look better

Black Optics would be good (black grill etc)

[HYFR]

ALSO

I'd go for a manual tbh

the S-tronic has worse MPG and is pretty sluggish

I've had both manual and S-tronic and whilst the Auto makes for a more comfier cruiser, the Manual is where its at for a sportier feel

plus when it comes to tuning it to 400PS, I think there is less risk of blowing up the box with too much torque

[Nickyboy]

Interesting point about the gear box. Trouble is I have DSG and have fallen in love with its ease to drive, especially in town. Is the risk of blowing the box that much greater? Don't know if I could go back to three pedals.

What is sluggish about the S-tronic?

Also what are SDS and AMI?

[HYFR]

SDS - speech dialogue system - basically voice recongnition to control everything bar the steering wheel direction and pedals !

AMI - Audi Music Interface

OK, for the S-Tronic, could prob be some good developments from MRC in respect to gear box as they have just got an S-tronic for development purposes

for me, its ALOT slower to react to paddle inputs, it changes up way too quicly in D, so you alway need to drop at least 3 gears to make some movement. In full M mode it wont go to the limiter, only in Sport mode - and whilst you can go M in Sport mode, it it reverse to S if no paddle input after a while

but im sure MRC will be offering a gearbox map to sort all of the above

in light of MRC, go for the S-tronic

[R1NGA]

Just to add to the views here - yes, High Tech packages are definately worthwhile and in my experience the 19" wheels ride perfectly OK and look much better in my opinion.

The VRS may keep a std S4 honest in a roll-on, but with Drive Select and the tricky rear Sport Quattro Diff, the stance is very much rearward driven and the handling balance superb. Plus of course traction that the VRS could only dream about.....

I have a manual and love it, although I do understand your take on the S-tronic. The MTM folks get a consistent 430bhp from the Cantronics box, regardless of Manaul or Auto and I believe that of the 60-70 that they have converted so far, precisely none of them have ever had an issue, regardless os gearbox.

S4 for me over RS4 everytime!

PG

[Nickyboy]

Also what does an average main dealer service cost and are there any known problems like the DRC I've read numerous posts on the RS4.

Also anyone help me with discs and pads costs? It looks to me like a much cheaper car to run than the RS4.

[DazN]

I'm reading this with interest being a current RS4 owner (B7, 57 plate).

I love the RS4, without a doubt the best car I've had but it's starting to feel a little bit dated. It's gone for a service and Audi have lent me an A5, the interior just looks much more modern.

DRC - is / was an issue but most cars that suffer have been fixed for free by Audi. The 5 year good will gesture will be coming to an end soon though. I think you can replace the whole system with coil overs for around £1k.

Discs and pads - just bought some new front discs for mine off eBay for much less than the dealer, there's a lot on there too so you're looking at around £500 for a pair. You can probably get discs and pads all around for just over £1k.

[Nickyboy]

Went to Audi to buy a 2nd hand S4, apparently it's cheaper per month to buy a new one! Problem is there is sooooo much to spec and with the options I want it drove the cost slightly too high. Looks like I need to save a bigger deposit before I make my purchase. I don't like the FL version either.

[Ian_C]

The monthly payment might be cheaper, but theres no way it will be cheaper long term. With the options as mentioned, you will lose 10k in the first year without question, probably more.

[R1NGA]

Keep a close eye on the Approved Audi listings, as in my experience there are quite a few demonstrators being moved on at present - or there certaininly were before Christmas when I got mine. Inchcape Retail were clearing out all their pre-reg stock and huge discounts were available - mine was some £17k off list with 5000 miles. I agree about the options issue though - you get your heart set on something and read the specs thinking you've found the right car, only to find that they've not spec'd something important for some reason. I saw plenty of cars with Drive Select without Sports Diff, others with High Tech 3G Nav but no B&O or heated seats - schoolboy errors.

Stick out for a used car though as I am sure they will come up. My search was more difficult as I wanted a 6MT rather than S-Tronic, but with a high supporting spec too, but I found one in the end. They are great cars though!

PG

[Ian_C]

mine was some £17k off list with 5000 miles

Holy cow!!!

[R1NGA]

zacly....

[Nickyboy]

I am going to keep looking as I don't see an alternative car to buy. I could buy it with no options it turns out. Problem is there are a fair few nice expensive options I would want on a 40k car!