Hello and a question

[Brum85]

Hello Everyone,

This probably isn’t the first time this community has seen a post like this, but hopefully that won’t draw too much ire.

I’m wondering about the financial situations people were in when they first bought an S4. I’m looking at buying one in the next few months and I already know I can afford the payments and the insurance.

What I don’t know is if I’m going to end up over extending myself through maintenance and upkeep. Ideally I’d have the S4 sit at home for a weekend driver and keep my Civic for a daily. That’s just not financially doable however.

What that means is that I’ll be using it as my primary car. Work is about 16 miles a day. Weekend driving around the DC metro area is pretty stop n’ go intensive, and driving up to Alexandria or Arlington is a chunk of miles.

The car I have my eye on is a 2005.5 B7 with about 41k on it. No idea how well it’s been maintained, but if I had to guess I’d say it’s been loved. (The owner has put some money into it both exterior and under the hood, I’m gonna go out on limb and say if you spend a few grand on mods, you change the oil on the regular too, but who knows)

Anyone have some suggestions on what to expect from that car in terms of maintenance and upkeep? I fully intend to take advantage of the DIY guides on this site to save some money on the easy stuff, but what about the not so easy stuff? Back to back $1,000+ repairs would put me in bind.

In short, do you need to be rich to own an S4? Am I setting myself up to get burnt?

Insight from someone with that specific car would be helpful.

[R&Cs4]

buy an extended warranty and you wont have to worry about those big repair costs. and if it has mods, make sure they were done right (by a reputable shop)

[Brum85]

I gave US Fidelis a call a few minutes ago (rather they called me 3 seconds after I submitted my phone number to their site)

They quoted me $990 a year for 5 years or until it hits 100k. Interestingly the sales lady wanted me to pay the 5 grand all in the first year of the warranty. So $4950 for a 5 year extended warranty. Not cheap. I guess the real question is can you expect to have more than one, $1000 break down a year...

Anyone use US Fidelis or can speak to their dependability?

[Beelzeebub]

I can't remember for sure if it was US Fidelis, but I heard of a warranty company that's scammed thousands of customers throughout the country and has changed their name over and over. I think the good one is called Fidelity (iirc).

[DuncanC]

They aren't really a practical car. They suck back gas like your driving a truck. And if something really goes wrong $2000 isn't going to fix it. I know lots of forum members do it, but personally I wouldn't consider owning this type of car if you need to finance its purchase. To me you can finance things you need and can't afford, but a S4 isn't a need, its a want. Finance a Toyota or Honda until your in a financial position where you can buy a toy car like a S4.

[charlatan]

Doubt you will have those breakdowns.

An oil change will cost you at least $100 if you do it yourself. Expect $150 at a shop.

As much as I would like to encourage you to get into an S4, it sounds like it might not be the right time for you.
Your insurance will go up, your gas cost is gonna go up, basic maintenance will go up drastically. No more $25 oil changes.

If you are worried at having to pay $1,000 a year in potential problems, well, it might be too much for you right now. Just being honest and trying to keep you from making a financial mistake.

[v8s4]

like Duncan said, the S4 is a toy, a really good toy i must add.

personally, i don't regret buying the S4 but yeh, any maintenance or work will cost you an arm and a leg...$100 oil changes (DIY), $200 HID light bulb change (DIY)...(CAD funds)...don't know how much they charge at the dealer.
the cost of fuel and upkeep is painful but the S4 keeps me sane from my everyday job and its sooooo much fun to drive...

again, no regrets but slowly getting deeper in debt because i need my toy.

cheers!

[caitovS4]

I think just the fact you're worrying about it might be an indication that you're going to be extending yourself.

You should definitely have enough cushion for maintenance without wondering where the money will come from.

As for the car - you might be fortunate and not have to put hardly any money into it. On a whole, I think they're pretty reliable, but when something does break...it isn't cheap.

Good luck.

[Brum85]

Some great points guys.

I really get where you're coming from Duncan. I don't "need" an S4 at all. There's nothing wrong with my Civic other than its complete lack of luxury and horsepower. (hmmm)

On the other hand getting myself to a place where I could buy a used S4 without financing it is a disheartening prospect. I really cant picture myself having $25,000+ to spend on something other than a down payment on a house any time in the next 5 years or so.

I have no idea what the future may hold as far as career advancement, but it would take one hell of a promotion. (or a lower cost of living area, jeeeezus does it cost to live near DC)

I'm right there with you V8s4. I work in H.R. and I totally get the need for something to distract you from your daily grind. An S4 would dramatically increase my quality of life. No doubt. And that's no small thing.

I just can't justify having a major issue put me upside-down financially.

Though if it's the one thing in your day that keeps you from hating life, I could see it being worth while. There is certainly something to be said for that.

Anyone have a dollar amount they want to throw out there that would be a safe bet for a reserve fund? $5000?

[R&Cs4]

why dont you look at a b5 s4? a little less luxury, but with a couple mods they can be much quicker than the b6.

[justinperkins]

Just make sure it has had regular service, for example oil changed every 5k, get it inspected for anything that needs repair and factor those repairs into the purchase price.

If it has not had regular oil changes (with proof), I would walk away. Personally, I think those 3rd party warranties are a scam and waste of money. Get a solid car that has been well-cared for and you'll never need the warranty anyway.

If you have a few grand on deck for repair, that should be fine. $5k is excessive.

[Beelzeebub]

maybe work a second job part time? The upside of that is, when you think you've pooled enough money and breakdowns have rarely happened, you can put that money towards mods on your future s4.

[H0LLYW00D]

I bought my car used from a good friend roughtly 2 years ago.

Since I've owned it (at 70k now), I've had to replace windshield wiper transmissions (400 iirc), AC Compressor (common problem, unit alone costs $980+), and now the clutch/flywheel (1600 parts).

Replacing parts on these cars is a nightmare for your wallet. If you can afford the 5k to have in case problems develop, I would get an extended warranty.

However, if you can do the work yourself, I'd say 2-4k on hand will keep you going.

Good Luck!

[ginkof]

They aren't really a practical car. They suck back gas like your driving a truck. And if something really goes wrong $2000 isn't going to fix it. I know lots of forum members do it, but personally I wouldn't consider owning this type of car if you need to finance its purchase. To me you can finance things you need and can't afford, but a S4 isn't a need, its a want. Finance a Toyota or Honda until your in a financial position where you can buy a toy car like a S4.


have to agree. with $100 oil changes, $1000+ on tires, other simple maintenance that is going to cost you an arm and a leg. I feel that you are going to destroy your quality of life like I almost did by purchasing this car. Only reason i got through it was because of friends who were willing to help me out so labor has been free. If you're asking these questions then dont buy an S4.... you'll regret it in the long run!

[Brum85]

I have looked into the B5's and I have two main concerns.

First I don't particularly care for the style as compared to the newer models. Second because they are old cars, it would be hard to find one with reasonably low miles that I could use as a daily driver.

I'm much more interested in fast, aggressive driving, as apposed to mechanical tinkering. I know from doing my homework that you can do a hell of a lot more with B5's, but that's not really my bag.

Proof of regular maintenance and a PPI are a must for when I do buy, and I would indeed walk away from anyone who doesn't have records, or declines a PPI.

As far as the warranties go, a brief google search will tell you all you need to know about them. Wow. literally hundreds of Better Business complaints, and several investigations by District Attorneys.

A much better option would be to see about getting a certified S4 and extend it through Audi.

Beelzeebub: I have thought about a second job, but I just love my free time too much. I have the good fortune of working a true 8-4, and honestly I'm spoiled. Still worth considering though.

I do wish I had friends who were able to do something for me in the way of free labor. That would pretty much clear the way for me. Unfortunately my friends build computers, not cars. Damn. I'd say buy your friends a case of beer this weekend ginkof, just to say thanks yet again. You're fortunate.

[justinperkins]

A B5 is going to cost as much or more than a B6 just by virtue of the fact that they are older and 2 turbos

[R&Cs4]

A B5 is going to cost as much or more than a B6 just by virtue of the fact that they are older and 2 turbos

in maintenance yes, but they are much cheaper to buy usually.

[DuncanC]

Honestly I think your better off rolling something like a Suburu WRX for a couple years until you can afford the Audi. You don't own a house. I'm guessing you have limited to no investments. As much as you want it you'd be further ahead building wealth for a while until you can afford to have such a silly but wonderful toy.

[Greedo]

They aren't really a practical car. They suck back gas like your driving a truck. And if something really goes wrong $2000 isn't going to fix it. I know lots of forum members do it, but personally I wouldn't consider owning this type of car if you need to finance its purchase. To me you can finance things you need and can't afford, but a S4 isn't a need, its a want. Finance a Toyota or Honda until your in a financial position where you can buy a toy car like a S4.

This is a very insightful post. I had toyed with the idea of an S4 before buying my A4 and for practicality and daily use it just didn't seem like a logical choice. All of that aside, you point out a few things that I didn't give much consideration to when pondering the decisions.

I'd love an S4, but on my budget and for daily use I'm glad I bought my A4.

[Brum85]

So Duncan, if I'm hearing you right, I should stop contributing to my 403(b) and buy a brand new S4 and put the down payment on a credit card?!?

hahah [:D]

Seriously though I appreciate your insight.

Since you mention it, nearly every experience I've ever had with a Subaru has been excellent. The WRX is an unbelievable performance for your dollar.

Anyone have any other suggestions for a poor mans S4?

[justinperkins]

MkIV R32?

[Kevin7]

Do you need 4 doors? AWD? If not, get an E46 M3. Same price, same reliability; more fun.

[justinperkins]

Do you need 4 doors? AWD? If not, get an E46 M3. Same price, same reliability; more fun.

yeah because that would be so much cheaper than an S4 to maintain [:/]

[Brum85]

Four doors are a must. AWD is strongly preferred but lack thereof is not a deal breaker. (RWD is out)

American made is pretty much out. I want my Dad to still talk to me. He raised me with a largely antiquated but non the less deep rooted distaste for all things Ford/GM/Chryster.

Under or around $26,000. I never lease.

M3 is a bad machine but doesn't really help with my main issue. I'd buy an S4 over an M3 any day. (or a Lambo for that matter) [:p]

[D.K]

I have pretty much the same commute as you...around the DC area. While I'd have no problems using my S4 as my daily, I don't. Not so much because of maintenance issues, but because DC area drivers are crazy...myself included. [:p] If you're seriously interested in picking up an S4, maybe look into picking up a cheap beater car for a DD and save your S for weekends. Lots of decent cars on Craigslist for $2K and under...

[charlatan]

If you are paying rent, not a mortgage, DO NOT get an expensive car.
Get a home first. Trust me, I did just the opposite.
Though I loved my cars, I could have had a lot more house or money in general if I had saved for a house instead of buying a car.

[s4baby]

Damnit, after reading this I think you guys have talked me out of buying a B7 S4. Buying a 25k car before owning a house would not be the smartest move for the long term...but hey you only live once man.

[Brum85]

It seems that there's a pretty resounding "get your money right first" from the community here, and with some very good reasons to back it up. So I guess I put the S4 on the back burner for now...

However. If i have to keep driving my 115HP Civic for much longer, I might just lose my damn mind. So now I have to turn my attention to a more affordable driving enthusiast car.

Here's what I'm considering:

Used Lexus IS 250
Used Volvo S40
Used BMW 330/328/325xi
Used Audi A4 2.0T quattro
New Subaru WRX
New VW GTI
Used Infiniti G35x
Used Infiniti G37x
New Subaru Legacy
Used Acura TL SH-AWD

Any feedback on these cars, or on one I haven't considered would be excellent.

[race]