Advice needed...

[skeemr4]

I currently have a lease on an 2002 M3, with a few months left to go. I'm thinking of terminating the lease now, and buying an 05 S4.

I really like the way the S4 looks, the quattro and ability to drive in the winter is very attractive. Also the incentives to buy an Audi right now are too good to pass up. What I plan to do is keep the S4 for two years until the E90 M3 arrives.

My only problem is with the B7 about to hit our shores that resale value on the B6's is going to take a nosedive. I understand that buying a car is a crappy investment blah blah, but I dont want to be losing tons of money when it comes time to sell the audi.

What would you guys do??

[S4CJC]

Its a tough choice, having come from an '03 e46 m3 i would say go for the B6 like i did. If you like the newer body style then i would say wait for it, but when i saw it i didnt like it so i pulled the trigger on an '05 B6. I dont think you can go wrong with the B6 it will probably hurt your resale, but i dont think it will hurt it that much, since the common concensious is that the B7 is ugly! hope this helps.

[skeemr4]

I DO NOT like the B7 bodystyle at all....I'm really tempted to pull the trigger on the B6, but then again don't want to get murdered when its time to unload the car in 2 years.

On another note, how did u like going from the M3 to the S4.....I love the M; the power, handling, etc. But the V8, nicer interior, and AWD of the Audi seems nice. Any pros/cons?

[JetBlue]

Most people have been seeing purchase prices around $45K. I would figure that you may be able to find a car in that range. What pricing have you seen?
MO

[SBGirl]

I personally hate the B7. I just bought a B6 and it is worth the money I'll lose to not have an ugly B7

[ESfour]

I think I'm the only person on this board that likes the B7 [confused]

[jimmyrecluse]

Originally posted by ESfour
I think I'm the only person on this board that likes the B7 [confused]

I like it

[S4CJC]

On another note, how did u like going from the M3 to the S4.....I love the M; the power, handling, etc. But the V8, nicer interior, and AWD of the Audi seems nice. Any pros/cons?

I love that i got the S4, the M3 was nice but IMO it doesnt compare to the S4. The power(love the torque) isn't as great as the M but with and exhaust and intake you should be right there with one. Handling seems A LOT better to me. You also have a car that has 4 doors, AWD in NJ a must for me. Its so much smoother to drive as well. If your considering the switch go for it you wont regret it. I know you from over at e46fanatics, ive seen your car at a meet before i think!

[piaadoll]

simple, if it's yellow i'll take the s4 off your hands in two years. hahah

[:D]

i say, can't go wrong with the b6 s4.. depreciation is inevitable anyways.

[CTOM9]

Hello Skeemr4,

I just picked up a B6 S4 last week (as I also hated the upcoming B7) and still have my 2002 BMW 330i. Obviously not near the power of your M3 - but in terms on the interior design, etc - it's a very close comparison. After 1 week in the S4, here are some of what I've noticed.

1. The Recaros are much plusher than my 330 sport seats.
2. You will definitely notice the Audi as much heavier than your M. Presuming the M and 330 are similar in weight. At higher speeds the S4 is nimble, but at lower speeds I notice it is heavier and feels a bit sluggish. Obviously the AWD system is the primary factor here. Also - in fairness, I have UUC sways on my 330 - so that may contribute to the added control I feel as well.
3. Depending how tall you are, I've noticed less leg room in the S4. My right leg sometimes will lean on the side of the console. In the 330, I have about 3-4 extra inches of leg room. So far, not too annoying, but I haven't driven for more than 1 hour at a continuous clip yet in the S4.
4. The BMW has a smaller turning circle and thus far feels nimbler. I presume once I get used to the S4 all will be perfect - but on early observation (as I still have the bimmer) I've been driving both randomly and I always note the 330 is more agile.
5. The Bose sound system in the S4 is noticeably better than the Harmon Kardon system in the BMW.
6. BMW has more buttons as Audi has more knobs. Example heated seats are turn dials in the S4. Sunroof is also a turn dial type gizmo.
7. Trunk space. BMW can fit a case of beer. The Audi can fit a handtruck that is carrying 4 cases of beer. No comparison here. Lots and lots of Audi space.
8. My BMW gets more looks than my S4. (Which is fine by me as I don't need to impress anyone. It also keeps the Civic owners from challenging you at every light). A knowledgeable car enthusiast will notice your S4 whereas your M3 is much more obvious to the world.

All in all - the S4 seems to be a greta car and I'm sure I'll love it come summer. Also can't wait for some snow to see what AWD really means. Hope this helps.

Chris

[jimmyrecluse]

It is near the power of the M3. Ive seen them both beat eachother.
its actually more the power of the m3 just weighs a lot more

[ESfour]

Got alot of E46fanatics.com members here huh? Congrats on the new ride, I'm personally waiting for the B7 RS4 till I make the move.

[TxShepS4]

I had an '04 E46 M3, like the B6 S4 a lot more! You should just buy my 2005 with 2,700 miles for $44k (shameless plug)--I already took the hit for you!

[ESfour]

Originally posted by TxShepS4
I had an '04 E46 M3, like the B6 S4 a lot more! You should just buy my 2005 with 2,700 miles for $44k (shameless plug)--I already took the hit for you!

What about the B6 S4 do you like so much more than the M3?

[TxShepS4]

With out getting into too much detail, it's just a better daily driver. If I were getting a car that I was going to track and drive I would take the M3, though.

[2bar]

I was also on E46Fanatics...small world, used to be JoshE46 waaay back in the day, and I owned BimmerMods.

I had a '00 328Ci, and just sold my '97 M3...so my points might not be as prevalent in comparing to a B6, as I also only have a B5 S4.

In any case, for what it's worth, I just paid $23K for my 2001.5 S4 that is CPO'd. That's a LOT of depreciation for the poor bastard that bought my car new. I'm afraid the B6's might ride the same slippery slope, with the B7 arriving so soon. We're not talking about a few grand here, we're talking tens of thousands.

If you are intent on buying the new M3 when it arrives, I'd hedge my bet and buy a low, low mileage B6 that already took a big hit for the high $30K's, you have less to lose. Otherwise, stay in your M3, it will depreciate a LOT less. I just sold my '97 for $22K...then paid the same practically for a car 5 years newer.

I don't like the seating position as much in the Audi, and I am still getting used to the short windows (I'm 6'3", so liked the room and view in a coupe), and the trunk space is larger, but not by much. The AWD and extra doors is why I got mine, so whatever your reasons are, make sure they're good cause you're going to pay for it.

That's my advice...of course I run a treasury department, so I'm inherently a cheap-ass.

Josh

[Satan4]

You wont go wrong!