View Full Version : Does the S4 scream "Look at me"
MidlifeMN
12-05-2004, 04:40 PM
I'm considering a new S4 but do not want to attract too much attention to the car. I'm somewhat well known in a smaller community where many are clients of mine. I am very self-conscious and basically want to avoid people saying, "I must have paid for that car." For some reason I feel as if this may hurt my business. Anyone else have experiences with this? Always wanted a "sports car". The S4 seems to be the most subtle in looks but not performance. If it wasn't for this situation I'd probably buy a Porsche 911 Turbo.
A4Rob
12-05-2004, 04:48 PM
You shouldnt have that problem with a S4. Now if you had the 911 turbo it would be a different story. S4 is a very subtle nice car. MN i see. go join mnaudi.com if you havent already![:D]
JetBlue
12-05-2004, 07:30 PM
Most people will not know the difference from a regular A4. It is about as understated as you can get.
MO
autoverruckt
12-05-2004, 09:13 PM
Most people do not know an S4 from an A4. So if you really wanted to try and keep it on the downlow, tell them its an A4 and you paid $30k for it.
But no matter what it seems that if you drive an upscale car and you deal with people or an area not accustomed to "those kind of cars", they'll think you paid at least $50k for it regardless.
I got a lot of grief at work about 3 years ago when I got a Lexus IS300. People/coworkers were whispering that I was driving around in a $50k+ car. When I told them otherwise, they were OK with it (lame I know). Little did they know two other managers had SUVs that cost $6-8k more than my Lexus.
But time has passed and things have changed....and they still think I drive a $30k car.[:D]
neoprufrok
12-06-2004, 06:42 AM
I'll be the dissenting vote. Having lived in MN for most of my life (23 years total) I've seen that german cars stand out there. Having moved to Cali (where in some areas there are more german cars than hondas), this difference is very noticeable.
I know that my family and friends in MN notice german cars when we're driving.
That said, I don't think that they are that different to get stares or be seen as out of place - but I think they will be noticeably different.
vananron
12-06-2004, 12:31 PM
I like the fact that this car does not stand out. I used to have an S2000 with a custom paint job, and a full veilside kit, with a CF hood, obnoxious exhaust and all. But I used to have to talk to about 5-10 people a day about my car, and it was cool at first, but damn does it get on my nerves.
why dont you just debadge your S4, get an A4 1.8T badge... at least you'll know what you're running under the hood.
vananron
12-06-2004, 01:56 PM
Wait, I just saw, that you would buy a 911 Turbo? So why not go for the RS6? Also very stealthy.
Ryan S.
12-06-2004, 10:34 PM
get a honda civic or accord for your daily, and buy the 911 turbo.
Ryan S.
12-06-2004, 10:37 PM
and you only have one life dude. if you can swing a turbo, do it. i could care less what others think. but, i do hear you on the image thing, its just my love for the turbo over powers any fears id have about people assuming im rich or whatever.
jones3000
12-07-2004, 04:40 PM
Go with the S4. Don't be ashamed of having one or "feel" you have to tell someone you're in an A4. For starters, go with one of the understated colors, like silver, black, grey. the imola yellow, red, and nagaro blue will definitely stand out.
and like jet blue said, no most wil not know the difference. but do not lie or say how much you paid. Just say you got a great deal on one.[;)]
VRsic
12-07-2004, 08:38 PM
Going with the S4 will scream "I'm a bad ass" to anyone that knows and "I have good taste" to those that don't.
A4 - Oh Snap
12-07-2004, 08:52 PM
Just don't get Write Me A Ticket Red. You should be fine.
Pointmeby
12-07-2004, 08:58 PM
The S4 will get attention in MN. I lived in Mpls for ten years. When I bought my A4 I got all kinds of crap. Unreal. Take a look at the Volvo S60R. It's even more subtle and in MN they are considered very conservative. BTW, I have an S60R too. AWD, six speed, works well in MN.
MidlifeMN
12-07-2004, 09:50 PM
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to get the S4. Silver, Dolphin grey, black. What do you guys think? Should I wait for the new 2006 or the 2005. I'm not sure about the front grill on the 06 but I do like the new tail lights. Besides those two cosmetic changes I think it's the same car.
jones3000
12-07-2004, 10:51 PM
The grey is hot right now. But any one of these will make you happy.
Coolest A4 Guy
12-08-2004, 01:11 PM
Get a vette [:)]
I think the A4 sticker on the S4 sounds cool[:)]
jones3000
12-08-2004, 04:10 PM
Originally posted by Coolest A4 Guy
Get a vette [:)]
I think the A4 sticker on the S4 sounds cool[:)]
why would anyone in their right mind do that?[rolleyes] [confused]
bionic
12-08-2004, 06:51 PM
My Ultrasport A4 gets a lot of attention. I've gotten so many compliments on it. It easily turns more heads than my buddies M3, but that's only because 99.9 of the population thinks it's just another 3 series [cool]
Anywho, I'd say go with the black S4, I love the look of the black S4 BiXenon Housings on black... looks hot!
Mine is pretty stealthy! Not an S4, but most common folks just think it's an A6 (first pix). Of course, once I put the Summer rims on, all bets are off (second pix)!!!!
http://141.154.200.72:8080/img/112004/RS6Fall/RS6Front.jpg
http://141.154.200.72:8080/img/112004/CambridgeRS6/CambridgeRS6_7.jpg
A4 - Oh Snap
12-08-2004, 09:57 PM
Lol. An RS6 in an S4 forum. How dare you! jk.
madrussian
12-09-2004, 09:03 PM
The State Trooper seems to think so... at least thats what he said when he stopped us 2x in one month.
Its a very subtile car. People who know will go wow. People who dont will think its an ultrasport or a A4 with a body kit. Its calm.
Coolest A4 Guy
12-10-2004, 09:45 PM
Originally posted by jones3000
why would anyone in their right mind do that?[rolleyes] [confused]
improve panache, & overall value [:)]
I don't know where the other former MN residents were from, but in the Twin Cities, Audis are all over the place. Heck, Carousel is the largest Audi dealer in the US.
Given that, no, I don't think that it would look strange. Very few people I work with know that my car cost over $50k... the only ones that are aware know something about cars.
-JPC
A4 - Oh Snap
12-11-2004, 11:46 PM
Ok. Well that settles it.
Erock1500
12-15-2004, 04:48 PM
was just in San Diego on business, I was walking out of the terminal to get my rental (shotbox GM trailblazer), when out of the corner of my eye, I see it!! Those chrome mirrors and I instantly knew it was the beast!! Dolphin grey and oh so clean. Your rihgt most people can not tell the difference between an A4 or S, but, then again most people are not car crazy.
Vortec4800
12-15-2004, 06:26 PM
Even I sometimes have to do a doulbe take to figure out if the car is an A4 or an S4. Sometimes I wish the S4 had a little more to the front air dam and such, to set it apart more, but I think as far as being subtle it's perfect.
stolen
12-15-2004, 10:54 PM
i agree with jpc, audi's are very common in mpls. although many people think that i paid much more for the car than i actually did. for some reason alot of people think that my USP is an a6. i never got that comment with my 02 a4
it was kind of funny the other day when i was standing out in front of my shop talking to one of the MN Vikings and he noticed my car. he was drooling over it like i have never seen before, it was quite a sight. most of my professional athlete customers won't notice anything unless it has 24's or 26's on it.