Audi USA is Screwing B6 S4 Owners

[B6NogaroS4]

I understand that the B7 S4 will be available in the USA by mid-2005, just a matter of months after the B7 A4.

It seems to me that B6 S4 owners really get screwed by Audi. In the past, both Audi and BMW waited about 2 to 2 1/2 years after the introduction of the newest A4 and 3-series, respectively, before bringing out the S4 or M3 in the USA. Now I have a B6 S4 that is exactly one year old and was bought shortly after the car first came out here, and it will be the "old" model in just a few months. Audi is jumping the gun on the B7 S4 at least a year or 18 months early, screwing the resale value of B6 S4s.

[mad]

[madrussian]

You say that as if the B7 has better options or looks better...

Id still take my B6 over the B7 any day of the week, sry, but I hate the new front ends.

[A4 - Oh Snap]

NogaroS4, I completely agree with you. Depreciation on the 2004 B6s is gonna be a bitch. If the market value of my car stays below the buy out value of my car, I'll be pretty pissed.

[SlvrB6Turbo]

I can't wait for them to depreciate so I can buy one! But I completely feel for you man.

[bigshrimpin]

Originally posted by enjoiweb
You say that as if the B7 has better options or looks better...

Id still take my B6 over the B7 any day of the week, sry, but I hate the new front ends.

you're missing the point dummy

[bigshrimpin]

Originally posted by SlvrB6Turbo
I can't wait for them to depreciate so I can buy one! But I completely feel for you man.

yea, guess what, your b6 a4 will depreciate just as bad since the b7 a4's are coming out at the same time. so using logic, you won't be able to afford an s4. think again.



i agree, audi is f'ing b6 owners over.

[madrussian]

no offense, but im so sick of people who buy cars for their resale value...

i buy a car i think is the best out there in the price range im looking to spend. what its resale is, matters less to me. call me naive or inexperienced, but my uncle does that, needless to say he's lost more money that i have by not caring about it...

just buy what you like, enjoy it, and when the time comes, then worry about resale, not before.

[B6NogaroS4]

I didn't buy it for the "resale value." I bought it for the 340 hp V8, awd, great looks, Nogaro Blue Pearl effect paint, alcantara interior, German build quality, 4-doors and 6MT. But resale value is part of the deal. You go out and buy Audi's performance flagship, just a couple of months after it is first released in the USA, and you expect they won't put out a brand new model in 18 months. A product life cycle ought to be AT LEAST 4 years.

[madrussian]

i agree w. you... but oh well.

comes w/ the territory. dont mind me, im a disgruntled kid... ppl just get used to me. lol.

95% of my posts are worthless prolly.

[hurahn]

Drive yer car. Nothing is majoryly(that's not even a word) different except maybe dvd nav plus? The heart of the car is the engine and suspension and those two things on the B6 are money. No I don't own or have driven a S4. I don't want to piss myself on what I'm missing in the A4

[B6 S4 is BRZRKR]

As an avid car industry nut, I think the point is well made about Audi taking the low road on this one. The M3 and S4 sticker somewhere in the same ball park. If you can afford one, you can afford the other. Edmunds says that the TMV (What others are paying) on the S4 is still sticker, which I don't believe. I must point out, however, that the day I bought my S4 was the first day I saw a pic of the B7. It sent me over the edge. I didn't like it. It looks nothing like the Nuvolari that made people swain over the big grill. So Audi is jumping the gun... and with no new technology (not that it needs it) to back up the new "I robot" look/marketing campaign.

I should also point out that the dealer said they wouldn't come down on price. It was $52,5XX sticker. I showed them the pic and release date of the B7 (which they claimed not to have seen before) and bought my car that day for $44,500. You could NEVER walk in and get a new M3 for $8k off sticker. That's the difference. Audi, as well as BMW, has great engineers. They have great designers too. They've done well making a techno look for themselves. But in the BUSINESS end of it... the end that keeps REAL car guys bowing down... BMW just beats Audi... and that's why when I offered $43k for an '02 M3... I left in the same car I came in. It's a cycle. Hold the price, get the respect... get the respect, hold the price.

If a dealer sells a 911 for $1 under sticker, Porsche has legal right to pull their dealership.

... and I think Porches kick ass. I'll have a 997 S next year. And I'll gladly pay sticker knowing that it might depreciate less that my Audi that I got $8k taken off of.

[B6NogaroS4]

I agree with all that except one thing. Chris Bangle and his design team have destroyed BMW as a car company with their horrible fugly designs (7, 5 and Z4). The E46 M3 was the last great BMW before Bangle took over. They are talking about not even offering the new M5 with a manual gearbox.

I had an E36 M3 for many years and liked it a lot, but prefer the B6 S4. I have never driven an E46 M3 but believe the great reputation they have.

$8k off sticker is an amazing deal. You got that pretty recently, I guess. I bought my S4 just over a year ago, and only got $1,500 off.

I kinda like the bigmouth grille of the B7, but sure as hell wouldn't trade for one. The B7 is really just a facelift. Ahem.

[neoprufrok]

I think Audi made a mistake here also.

They should have kept hte exterior the same with a few minor tweaks - no big mouth grille and especially no ridiculous looking headlights. They could have added the other stuff - DVD Navi some other minor tweaks without having to redesign the exterior. I think that its a mistake and I know for a fact that I will not buy a B7 simply because I don't like hte way it looks at this moment.

As for resale values - its a consideration - but to be honest, all cars are bad investments. If you wanted to worry about saving money - save up and put that money into an etrade account and start investing - thats a better way to save money.

All cars lose value and you just have to come to terms with that.

[s430luke]

Im a b5 owner and I also feel for you..I love the B6 and I dont get the quick body change? At least we are in the s family!!

[Imperial]

One of the driving forces behind the relatively major "facelift" Audi decided to give the B6 was that they wanted to have something fresh to compete with the upcoming new BMW 3-series. They both premiered at the Paris Auto Show, I believe, and with the success of the B6, Audi wanted to try and ride that to stick it to BMW really well.


Of course, that's just something I've heard around, so there's no way to necessarily corroborate that without calling up AUDI AG and having a chat, but still, it does sound logical. Besides that, there's also the new "look" Audi is going for with the huge grilles. It's going to be their signature face starting with the launch of the A6, so they wanted it to be all around, I guess...make things more uniform. If the mouth is on their two best-selling models, then more people will realize it as the "new look" for Audi. Of course, the TT still doesn't have the mouth, nor do the A4/S4 cabriolet models and neither does the A8 except for the VV12, so I dunno wtf Audi is thinking there.

In conclusion, the B7 is a confusing matter and I dunno if any of us can really say wtf is going on with it, hehe

[B6 S4 is BRZRKR]

Actually, we can comment... and that comment is that you are correct. I heard (don't remember what site) one of Audi's top dudes telling a reporter that Audi accellerated the 'new 4 (S and A) to hit the market before the new BMW 3 series. Then, he made a bunch of claims about beating Bimmer out of the top in the segment.

You hit it on da head.

[B6NogaroS4]

Originally posted by Imperial
calling up AUDI AG and having a chat

I'd like to see how you do THAT!!!

[q0192837465]

I guess if Audi really wanna kick BMW off the segment, the very 1st thing they have to do is to introduce a A4 coupe. Otherwise, BMW will still have an edge over Audi

[Imperial]

Originally posted by B6 S4 is BRZRKR
Actually, we can comment... and that comment is that you are correct. I heard (don't remember what site) one of Audi's top dudes telling a reporter that Audi accellerated the 'new 4 (S and A) to hit the market before the new BMW 3 series. Then, he made a bunch of claims about beating Bimmer out of the top in the segment.

You hit it on da head.

Why thank you [:D]

Yeah, Audi is really planning on going to war with BMW in the near future, and I, as well as many others, think this is part of their battle plan.



Originally posted by B6NogaroS4


Originally posted by Imperial
calling up AUDI AG and having a chat

I'd like to see how you do THAT!!!

Workin' on it [;)]

[S4arch]

I agree that the B7 S4 coming out so soon is a screw job to B6 owners. still, I'm glad I got a B6 when I did because I feel strongly that the B7 is a step in the wrong direction. the oversized grill and slanting of the headlights is just a sophmoric attempt at creating a more 'agressive' look. IMO its marginally better than the new 3-series, which is crap (as is the 5 series). If AUDI wants to make a product that will eventually dominate they should stick to their design philosophy that created the success of the B5 and B6. changing directions and forcing it on all models to respond to other bad decisions is just stupid.


additionally, I don't think anyone can argue that the new grill will look even "OK" with a US plate on the front. (not that any of us have our front plates on but it is illegal) If they really want us to buy their cars they can at least acknowledge this and offer a slightly different grill...thats just horrible.

[SBGirl]

Originally posted by S4arch
I agree that the B7 S4 coming out so soon is a screw job to B6 owners. still, I'm glad I got a B6 when I did because I feel strongly that the B7 is a step in the wrong direction. the oversized grill and slanting of the headlights is just a sophmoric attempt at creating a more 'agressive' look. IMO its marginally better than the new 3-series, which is crap (as is the 5 series). If AUDI wants to make a product that will eventually dominate they should stick to their design philosophy that created the success of the B5 and B6. changing directions and forcing it on all models to respond to other bad decisions is just stupid.


additionally, I don't think anyone can argue that the new grill will look even "OK" with a US plate on the front. (not that any of us have our front plates on but it is illegal) If they really want us to buy their cars they can at least acknowledge this and offer a slightly different grill...thats just horrible.

I competely agree with you on this. I think the new grill is ok on the A6 but is completely overdone on the A4/S4. It's just too much on a smaller car. I will never get a B7. I will have to wait for whatever is next and hope it is better. By then my S4 will be so old that resale value won't matter anyway.

[neoprufrok]

Sounds like a lot of people do not like the ne wB7 design. I wish AoA would have done better market research than this. If they did, they would have known that there are a lot of people against that look.

[JetBlue]

Everyone needs to understand that Audi is doing what is best for their business. While resale prices are a part of car purchases they are going to do what is needed to grow the brand. If it made financial sense for them to build a completely new car every year they would do that. Resale has a very small effect on their market unless it is a drastic movement.

I personally hate the new look especially after seeing it in person in Europe last month. I do really like the new A6 though. Overall I am going to drive the crap out of my car. If I was worried about resale I would have bought an E500.
MO

[Imperial]

Sometimes, I don't think Audi (or parent VW, for that matter) do much market research AT ALL *cough*PHAETON*cough* with some of their models. I mean, they make great looking cars, but lately, I just, I dunno. I feel like the decision to create a "look" based on the Auto Union racers of the '30s isn't the brightest idea, either, as it's a rather obscure reference, you know?



I dunno, I WANT to like the B7, I really do, but I still need to see it in person. I just feel that with Audi going this way and with BMW already down the shitter, I have no idea what to look for next [:(]

[neoprufrok]

JetBlue: I agreee with you - also its not like we're talking about gains over initial investment. Its about the loss your taking anyways - so I always feel that talking about resale is a moot point.

Our C55 AMG depreciates like a Anna Nicole Smith did after she got big - we still love the car no matter what its resale will be.

Imperial: I know what you mean. What's worse is that as an Audi Fan I now dont' feel like I have a right to complain about Bangle designs!

[JetBlue]

I would agree with you on the entry level german cars right now. I do not like any of them. I think the lesser of the evils is the new BMW right now. The A4 just looks odd to me from the front. The rest of the body is not progressive enough IMO. More of a step backwards.
MO

[B6 S4 is BRZRKR]

Audi needs to take the Nuvolari, make it the size of the S4 (track, and wheelbase) put the 4.2, quattro, and 6 speed/tip option and sell it all day long (with a kick as Audi interior) for $60k. Beat the M3, look better, be AWD, be a bit pricier (ricers even buy M3s now), and have a 'killer coupe only' car that I'd give $60k for.

What do you all think?

[Imperial]

Yeah, entry-level German sedans are definitely slim pickings at the moment, I'm afraid [:(]

BRZRKR - your plan is brilliant. You should pitch that to Audi, yuo really should. Of course, they'd probably reject it cuz they seem to be big on suicide, but still...

[DGS4]

I feel everyones pain on the depreciation. But it was all bound to happen sooner or later. But just think of it as this - Your S4 looks better than his. I dont think anyone should care about depreciation too much unless they change cars like underwear.

On a side note. For the level entry German cars. Of the 3 top company's. ( BMW, Audi, ME/BE ) I'd take a C class over a B7 or the new 3 that they're releasing. I think the two designers were smoking out of the same Ganja plant, although the B7 looks better than the new 3/4 Series.

[JetBlue]

I just saw the new Passat and I have to say it looks better than everything else we are talking about here. Why couldn't they do something like that with the B7?
MO

[DGS4]

maybe they're going for the " exotic " look.

[neoprufrok]

Originally posted by JetBlue
I just saw the new Passat and I have to say it looks better than everything else we are talking about here. Why couldn't they do something like that with the B7?
MO

I think that VW's designer has a completely different philosphy than Audi's designer. Audi's designer is italian I believe and felt strongly about uniquely identifying Audi's with teh massive grille. VW's designer went a different route I guess. Kinda sad that the better more emotional looking car is the Passat, while the B7 A4/S4 gets shafted.

To Audi's Designers: BOOOO HISSSS

[Imperial]

Originally posted by JetBlue
I just saw the new Passat and I have to say it looks better than everything else we are talking about here. Why couldn't they do something like that with the B7?
MO

Simple, really...VW hates Audi for some reason.


I mean, seriously, look at the recent history of both brands and you'll see that for some reason or another, VW hates Audi. I'm not the only one to notice this, either, honestly...


*shakes fist at VW*

[B6NogaroS4]

Originally posted by Imperial
Simple, really...VW hates Audi for some reason.

I don't understand that statement. VW owns Audi, and has ultimate say in whatever Audi does.

[Imperial]

Originally posted by B6NogaroS4
I don't understand that statement. VW owns Audi, and has ultimate say in whatever Audi does.

It was, of course, not entirely serious. [:)] But it does seem that sometimes, the success of Audi is not necessarily a VW priority...or concern even. Look at the Phaeton vs the A8L. Instead of helping Audi really break into the luxury market, which it has to a good degree already, VW decides to produce their own luxury-liner. They created yet another competitor for the A8L, and an in-house one at that. Why not focus on the A8L instead? Really push the idea that the Audi brand is a genuine luxury brand worthy of the name-game with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

There are more examples, but this one comes most readily to mind. Like I said, I'm aware of the VW/Audi relationship (aren't we all, though, haha) but sometimes, it just seems like VW doesn't necessarily make the best decisions for Audi's success, which is ultimately VW's success.

[B6 S4 is BRZRKR]

Thanks Imperial. I even want to say that I'd feel comfortable saying that I'd rather have it than a 645Ci. And then, they could make an RS version and show their balls against the M6. Ya dig???

[JMG]

Originally posted by Imperial
One of the driving forces behind the relatively major "facelift" Audi decided to give the B6 was that they wanted to have something fresh to compete with the upcoming new BMW 3-series. They both premiered at the Paris Auto Show, I believe, and with the success of the B6, Audi wanted to try and ride that to stick it to BMW really well.


Of course, that's just something I've heard around, so there's no way to necessarily corroborate that without calling up AUDI AG and having a chat, but still, it does sound logical. Besides that, there's also the new "look" Audi is going for with the huge grilles. It's going to be their signature face starting with the launch of the A6, so they wanted it to be all around, I guess...make things more uniform. If the mouth is on their two best-selling models, then more people will realize it as the "new look" for Audi. Of course, the TT still doesn't have the mouth, nor do the A4/S4 cabriolet models and neither does the A8 except for the VV12, so I dunno wtf Audi is thinking there.

In conclusion, the B7 is a confusing matter and I dunno if any of us can really say wtf is going on with it, hehe

good times.

[Imperial]

Originally posted by B6 S4 is BRZRKR
Thanks Imperial. I even want to say that I'd feel comfortable saying that I'd rather have it than a 645Ci. And then, they could make an RS version and show their balls against the M6. Ya dig???

Oh hell yes I dig! Are you kidding? RS Nuvolari? That'd put a good front against BMW! You know, I have to say taht the 645Ci is growing on me, too. And by growing on me I mean that I don't detest it AS much as previously, heh. But only in black. Other colors, especially that ridiculous sea-foam green, are heinous. Btw, my cousin goes to UNC Asheville and *loves* it there. All I ever hear is how beautiful it is there and how much he loves the school and stuff [:)]

[B6 S4 is BRZRKR]

What's he going into? I hire alot of kids out of there. I bring people here. I am a resort developer, and have 4,000 acres of insane land that we're doing. Marketing perhaps???

Two Saturdays ago we did over $30m. We're for real. Let me know if I can help him in any way.

[chrislg]

Originally posted by B6 S4 is BRZRKR
[
I should also point out that the dealer said they wouldn't come down on price. It was $52,5XX sticker. I showed them the pic and release date of the B7 (which they claimed not to have seen before) and bought my car that day for $44,500. You could NEVER walk in and get a new M3 for $8k off sticker. That's the difference. Audi, as well as BMW, has great engineers. They have great designers too. They've done well making a techno look for themselves. But in the BUSINESS end of it... the end that keeps REAL car guys bowing down... BMW just beats Audi... and that's why when I offered $43k for an '02 M3... I left in the same car I came in. It's a cycle. Hold the price, get the respect... get the respect, hold the price.

If a dealer sells a 911 for $1 under sticker, Porsche has legal right to pull their dealership.

... and I think Porches kick ass. I'll have a 997 S next year. And I'll gladly pay sticker knowing that it might depreciate less that my Audi that I got $8k taken off of. [/B]



What you all moaning about
S4 in the UK, with reasonable options is about $80000, and your think Audi USA are ...... try Audi UK
My B6 190 quattro S Line ( like your Ultra) cost me what you pay for the S4 and I didn't pay sticker either !!
You're only here once ( as far as we know ) so buy what you want
resale is an issue but nobody buys motor vehicles as an investment.
Porsche over here is the same - sticker-- no discussion AND you only ever get trade price if you part exchange - but they sell all they import

[Dolphin_Vic]

well...I am sick of people buying cars for price.

in other country people are buying cars coz they want that car.

Value in important, but if people are shopping for price. Japanese cars always have better Value. like Lexus and Toyota.

Discounts will never be enough...people always want more discounts

[Dolphin_Vic]

plus...a lot of people in Asia really like the big grill...
only US people complaint about the new Grill...

[Imperial]

BRZRKR - I think he's like a psych major or something along those lines. Dunno if that's what yuo'd be looking for, haha

Dolphin_Vic - The Asian opinion is a major factor, actually. I remember when the A8 VV12 was released, it was the first to rock the "shield grille" and they explained that part of the reason they went with such an imposing face is that in China, which is one of Audi's biggest target markets, a big grille = big money/power/influence. With Audi's sales on the rise there, they want to do anything they can to keep the upswing there going.

I don't know, personally, I miss the understated look Audi used to have. I suppose it's just a matter of getting used to the new look. Of course, the same could be said of Bangle's "work" over at BMW, but Audi's redesigns are admittedly less radical than those of their Bavarian competitor.

[OverSpun]

BRZRKR- could you hit me up on AIM if you get a chance? i have a question for you. my AIM is "overspun02" thanks.

[Ryan S.]

Originally posted by SlvrB6Turbo
I can't wait for them to depreciate so I can buy one! But I completely feel for you man.
amen brotha. but if i was a current owner, id be a little ticked.

[JoJo]

Originally posted by enjoiweb
no offense, but im so sick of people who buy cars for their resale value...

i buy a car i think is the best out there in the price range im looking to spend. what its resale is, matters less to me. call me naive or inexperienced, but my uncle does that, needless to say he's lost more money that i have by not caring about it...

just buy what you like, enjoy it, and when the time comes, then worry about resale, not before.

You didn't even buy your a4 you dumb shit, your parents paid for it. Of course you don't care about resale value.

[Derrick4655]

I have to agree with the original poster on this thread. When I picked up a major car mag and saw the new B7 I was shocked. German cars nomally run longer production cycles (2-5years). This is great for a few reasons.

1. It protects resale value

2. I keeps current owners in a up to date bodystyle.

My biggest gripe with the B6 replacement is the fact that its currently the best looking Audi out there PERIOD. The best proportions hands down (the new A6 has yet to knock me out). Also as someone else posted, it sucks to buy a BRAND NEW bodystyle one year and be in a OLD bodystyle a year later. It doesnt have much to do with resale value, its more of a "car-lovers" emotional thing. Who wants to be one-upped by the manufacturer in a year?

Oh well, as someone else mentioned, the best looking Audi just got more affordable!

[B6 S4 is BRZRKR]

Overspun, sorry to say that I'm stupid and don't have AIM. You can call my office and ask for me, Jared Cullop, at 888-510-LAND (5263). I'd love to talk with you. Good lookin B5, BTW.

[AudiWiz]

I don´t think the B7 looks that bad from the front.. certanly isn´t as good looking as the B6, but it´s not terrible.. now the back, that´s terrible.. I don´t even know what it looks like :S.. The only great thing which the B7 may bring is the RS4 (it has already been announced as a very probable possibility)..

[quattroanillos5]

Originally posted by SlvrB6Turbo
I can't wait for them to depreciate so I can buy one! But I completely feel for you man.

^^^^^^WHAT HE SAID^^^^^^^

[2bar]

If you think the big grills are fugly, have you seen the new GTI's? Horrendous doesn't describe it. Yikes...

I felt that the understated look was what Audi and VW had going for them...now it seems like they want to be a bunch of 'Me-Too's'. Audi didn't have their collective shit together until about 1995 or 1996, so I'd really hate to see them blow it so soon...oh well.

As for depreciation, if you have the means to lose $20-30K in a couple of years on any car, good for you. Otherwise, you're a complete idiot.

Peace,
Josh

[500HPS5]

To come to Audi's defense on the B6 S4. it is an all new motor, instead of putting the twin-turbo V6 that has been having some reliabilty issues, they redesigned the 4.2 litre V8 so that is would fit in the B6 chassis. The power was unprecedented for a midsize Audi sedan, and the car performs wonderfully. Unfortunately there is a new body style out that has/or has not been recieved well. Audi is giving enourmous deals right now, pretty much any car over 45k can be had for 7k off. If you love the car, it is definitely the time to buy.

[ESfour]

b6quattro,

What kind of wheels are those? They look good.

[500HPS5]

Axis Supermesh

[Mark]

talk about resale value . . . .

mine just plummeted with the recent deer damage.

[EuroA4]

Its good news for those of us B5 owners that never got around to jumping to get a B6 though :)

IMO the B7 is going to look alot better, then the B6 just because I think the B6 took too many styling cues from the A6 C5 body, and the B7 is completely new.

Don't get me wrong no audi actually looks bad...

[astris]

Originally posted by EuroA4
Its good news for those of us B5 owners that never got around to jumping to get a B6 though :)

IMO the B7 is going to look alot better, then the B6 just because I think the B6 took too many styling cues from the A6 C5 body, and the B7 is completely new.

Don't get me wrong no audi actually looks bad...

Well, the B7 took a lot of the styling cues from the C6.

Anyways, sucks to be a current B6 S4 owner, but it will be to my advantage. Looking to get a B6 S4 next. [cool] .... or possibly a B7 with a 6 speed and a 2.0T. I still gotta see one in person.

[Richard 350z]

Originally posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
I have to agree with the original poster on this thread. When I picked up a major car mag and saw the new B7 I was shocked. German cars nomally run longer production cycles (2-5years). This is great for a few reasons.

1. It protects resale value

2. I keeps current owners in a up to date bodystyle.

My biggest gripe with the B6 replacement is the fact that its currently the best looking Audi out there PERIOD. The best proportions hands down (the new A6 has yet to knock me out). Also as someone else posted, it sucks to buy a BRAND NEW bodystyle one year and be in a OLD bodystyle a year later. It doesnt have much to do with resale value, its more of a "car-lovers" emotional thing. Who wants to be one-upped by the manufacturer in a year?

Oh well, as someone else mentioned, the best looking Audi just got more affordable!

Thanks. I'm glad someone got my point. Fact is, I like the look of the B7 S4. At the L.A. Auto Show (going on now) they have an A3, a couple of B7 A4s, and a B7 S4 Avant (no sedan). I just wish that since I paid almost $49,000 for the brand new B6 S4 in late 2003, I could have the new model just a little longer (based on Audi's S4 and BMW's M3 high performance new product rollouts in the past).

[Nor_Cal_Driver]

I think the new B7 grill looks appropriate on a mid to full size sedan but not on the compact A4, just overkill IMO. I'm not sure what is up as far as VAG styling goes, look at the new Jetta, it now looks like a Toyota Corolla now. :puke:

[AvantS4B6]

Food for thought....As great as most you think the B7 looks, The B6 is and will become an even rarer, niche car more highly sought after due to its rarity....I like the looks of B7 but prefer B6 symmetry and rarity.

[TheBlueMartin]

Originally posted by q0192837465
I guess if Audi really wanna kick BMW off the segment, the very 1st thing they have to do is to introduce a A4 coupe. Otherwise, BMW will still have an edge over Audi

Audi tried to do that with the B6, but they could only get a four star crash rating with the roof line they demanded. They dont advertise it like Volvo does, but Audi's are all five star crash rated (at least the last time I checked).


b6quattro: To come to Audi's defense on the B6 S4. it is an all new motor, instead of putting the twin-turbo V6 that has been having some reliabilty issues,

They did that too. I dont know what happend, but they had several RS6 motors crammed into B6s, and were running them at the Nurburgring in tests. Im guessing you hit it on the head with the reliablity of the bi-turbo 4.2...and the price would have been through the roof.

And for the record....you can never keep a great thing fresh forever. Think about the Mustang and T-Bird's first years. It was all downhill from there (think '75-82). People griped, but they still bought them. Audi HAS to move forward, even if we dont like it. I hate the grill on the new B7, but it could be worse.....it could look like a Bimmer.

[Richard 350z]

Originally posted by AvantS4B6
Food for thought....As great as most you think the B7 looks, The B6 is and will become an evenp rarer, niche car more highly sought after due to its rarity....I like the looks of B7 but prefer B6 symmetry and rarity.

A current production sedan like the B6 S4, even if it is coveted, will not appreciate in value as a classic for at least 20 years. I plan to be dead by then. LOL

[jones3000]

Originally posted by enjoiweb
no offense, but im so sick of people who buy cars for their resale value...

i buy a car i think is the best out there in the price range im looking to spend. what its resale is, matters less to me. call me naive or inexperienced, but my uncle does that, needless to say he's lost more money that i have by not caring about it...

just buy what you like, enjoy it, and when the time comes, then worry about resale, not before.


I hear that. Buy what you want. people are caught up in buying a new car every few month or even within a few years. If you buy the car you want, you don;t care about resale value. Once you put over 150,000 miles on a car, you've got your money's worth. That's what it's all about.