If you had to sell your S today....

[SlideWays]

What would you get, and why? (for your next vehicle, not asking price)

I really enjoy the quality of Audi (at least B6 thru B7) and the finish and refinement, so it's hard to go slum it in something domestic or JDM, at least interior wise. But the technology and engineering is getting a little old, and the maintenance definitely isn't cheap. I love my S and enjoy it, despite (or because of) its quirks and idiosyncrasies. But I'm regretting getting one so close to 100k, as I'm paranoid from all the bad news threads about timing failure, etc. And I just don't think I love it enough to repair it if/when that happens.

So, for my ~$20k budget, I'd be looking at:

1) e46 m3. Love the e46 bodystyle, especially the M. 6MT is a must, and the RWD would be welcome, as climate permits it in the southeast US. Still pricey for me, and the valve maintenance isn't thrilling.

2) e46 330i ZHP. Again, classic lines, and the platform is "ballpark" to the M3, without the cop magnet and insurance hike stigma. Basically a classy DD/sleeper. Only made from 2003-2006 though, and command a premium.

3) e90/392 335i. JB+ and call it a day. Not a fan of the coupe styling though, and they have their mechanical issues too...HPFP, etc. Also still a bit expensive for me.

4) 996. Amazing vehicle, but expensive to own and maintain.

5) Boxster/Cayman. S is mandatory. Expensive to maintain but tons of fun at an entry level price. Just, always would suck pulling up next to a REAL P-car.

6) 350z/G35 (or the 37 version). Good performance for the money, but such shabby quality. The new 37 VQs are chock full of tech goodness though.

What about you guys? Anything else pulling at your heartstrings? I'd like to see what else is interesting or alluring to fellow S owners, as I think a lot of us have similar tastes and expect or demand similar things from our vehicles.

[Whatset]

Coupe Quattro with an AAN (20vt)

[MacFady]

My previous car was a E46 330i ZHP (the 330i ZHP wasn't made in '06 despite your post above). The sedan was only made mid year '03-05. I would go back to it any day. Maintenance was less compared to my current car ('05 Avant USP stg1+) and it was obviously a lot more fun to drive. I personally thought the interior was much nicer (speaking about the ZHP specifically) and I thought the car was much easier to work on. You could get an '05 with reasonable km's for a little over half your budget leaving lots of room for mods and getting up to speed on maintenance. It was a great DD. I wouldn't consider any other non-M E46 if that's what you're looking for. I drove mine for 4 years and made a profit on resale.

You'll find your most reasonably priced ones on E46fanatics.com, I've found searching elsewhere people asking unrealistically inflated prices for them. Just make sure you get a 6MT and make sure it has had the rear subframe inspected or repaired.

Just my 2 cents since you mentioned it. I'm sure you'll find it a step down from your S4 but there are lots of FI options out there if you have the $$, I never got into it myself.

[williamr91]

What would you get, and why? (for your next vehicle, not asking price)

I really enjoy the quality of Audi (at least B6 thru B7) and the finish and refinement, so it's hard to go slum it in something domestic or JDM, at least interior wise. But the technology and engineering is getting a little old, and the maintenance definitely isn't cheap. I love my S and enjoy it, despite (or because of) its quirks and idiosyncrasies. But I'm regretting getting one so close to 100k, as I'm paranoid from all the bad news threads about timing failure, etc. And I just don't think I love it enough to repair it if/when that happens.

So, for my ~$20k budget, I'd be looking at:

1) e46 m3. Love the e46 bodystyle, especially the M. 6MT is a must, and the RWD would be welcome, as climate permits it in the southeast US. Still pricey for me, and the valve maintenance isn't thrilling.

2) e46 330i ZHP. Again, classic lines, and the platform is "ballpark" to the M3, without the cop magnet and insurance hike stigma. Basically a classy DD/sleeper. Only made from 2003-2006 though, and command a premium.

3) e90/392 335i. JB+ and call it a day. Not a fan of the coupe styling though, and they have their mechanical issues too...HPFP, etc. Also still a bit expensive for me.

4) 996. Amazing vehicle, but expensive to own and maintain.

5) Boxster/Cayman. S is mandatory. Expensive to maintain but tons of fun at an entry level price. Just, always would suck pulling up next to a REAL P-car.

6) 350z/G35 (or the 37 version). Good performance for the money, but such shabby quality. The new 37 VQs are chock full of tech goodness though.

What about you guys? Anything else pulling at your heartstrings? I'd like to see what else is interesting or alluring to fellow S owners, as I think a lot of us have similar tastes and expect or demand similar things from our vehicles.

The Caymen is a real P-car, and as much as it pains me to say it, due to looks (excluding speedster) the Boxter is too. The Cayenne and Panamera can be called not true P-cars, even though they are very great amazing cars they are not sports cars like Porsche's should be. Just wanted to share my opinion. The M3 is nice, same with a 335 but can you find those in your range? Imo I would strike the Jap cars right off the bat ie the G and Z cars.

[ChrisFarleyGuy]

I'd probably either get into a B8.5 S4, or find a way to justify owning a C63 AMG.

FWIW, my brother owns a Cayman S and has experienced (knock on wood) practically maintenance free living for over 4 years now.

The Cayman S is easily the most balanced/nimble car out of the bunch, thanks to the low-weight mid-engine setup. It's incredible how well his car handles.

[ferrariyellow44]

If I had $20k to spend and wanted a performance vehicle, the C55 would be my only choice. (aside from an S4 obviously)

[ferrariyellow44]

OR a 2003-2004 E55 AMG....so many performance mods possible its nuts

[LJH]

Interesting Question....and one I faced three years ago when our pristine '01.5 B5 S4 was stolen. While I picked the B6 S4 these were the cars I considered while I was looking.

1. E46 M4-Did not make the cut because it was not available in a 4 door, really like them though.
2. E46 330 ZHP-They are REALLY hard to find and after driving some regular 330's I really missed the power but the chassis is amazing.
3. E39 M5-Loved this car but they look ancient inside.
4. E60 545/550 Sport 6MT-I personally think that out of all the cars I have listed this ticked the most boxes on my needs list and almost E39 M5 power with the 550.

I also looked at Merc e500/550's and some of the infinity sedans but the lack of manual offerings drove me away. It sounds like your and my needs are different, I am married and have a son so we needed 4 doors. Basically what it came down to was my 20+ years driving Audi's and the amount of time we spend in VT during the winter. When I looked at a privately owned E39 M5 I asked the guy why he was selling it and and he said that the thing was a disaster in the snow even with snows on it....when I told him that the car would spend a lot of time in VT during the winter he actually told me not to buy the car and that sealed the deal with sticking with an Audi and Quattro.

There is my $0.02

Cheers,
Jim

[dparm]

Since I am going through this exercise right now...here's what I've narrowed it down to:

E60 M5 SMG: it's a goddamn legend. 500hp V10 inside the stellar 5-series platform. SMG tends to be a little jerky around town though.

IS-F: follows in the S4 "muscle car" tradition of jamming a huge motor in a tiny car. The Yamaha V8 sounds mean as hell, and the 8-spd trans shifts super-fast. Cramped in the back.


I did cross shop these cars but ultimately ruled them out:

E9x M3 DCT: punishingly fast and capable, but it seemed rather expensive for the mediocre interior. Sedans are quite rare. The DCT is pretty good. Not much standard in the way of equipment.

G37 IPL: the closest you can get to a 370Z while maintaining a backseat and some level of comfort. The VQ37 is a bit strained and it's obvious they're really squeezing a lot of power from it. Nice car but didn't really excite me after driving it. Also, no dual-clutch trans?

B8 S4 S-tronic: no personality. Too smooth, too quiet, too well-rounded. Just felt like a really fast A4.

B8 S5: felt way too similar to my S4 to justify spending the extra money. Did not drive the 3.0T version but I fear that's as numb as the B8 S4. Handsome car though.

[SlideWays]

My previous car was a E46 330i ZHP (the 330i ZHP wasn't made in '06 despite your post above). The sedan was only made mid year '03-05.

Just to clarify, the ZHP was made in coupe/vert trim (techincally making it a 330Ci, but I didnt think I'd have to split hairs) in 04-06 .

But yes, all good points. I loved my 330i (non zhp) and ran it into the ground at 150k+ before getting my S. I miss that car, it was almost more fun than the S, even though it only had 220ish bhp.

Seems to be a healthy aftermarket too, but I don't know if I'll have M-envy driving a ZHP is all E46F forums have pretty crazy prices on ZHPs now though, like 15-20k seems to be normal...insane for a non-M 3 series that's nearly 10 years old!

Also, @Jim; it's true, we are similar in taste but not in needs. I have no kids (whew) yet, and no real need for 4 doors, nor AWD. So I'm kinda looking to get something RWD and 2doors, while I still can. But you bring up great points as well. e39 M5s have ALWAYS had a spot in my heart, I was actually just looking at some before checking the thread.

Dparm - being a track guy, do you enjoy the DCT for daily driving? Perhaps I've never driven a GOOD auto, but I always hated how slow, sluggish and boring they were. Never 100% in control of the engine, and a bored left foot. Never heard a bad thing about an IS-F though. Ever.

[WinterRunner]

I'd buy another RS4/S4.

[42Quattro]

1. 2009 Shelby GT500 white with blue stripes (used to own a mustang, I'll always love them)

2. E39 M5 Alpine White

3. E46 M3 w/comp. package or imported csl

4. C5 corvette z06

[M|R]

Price doesnt matter:
2nd gen CTS-V sedan, black diamond, recaros, 6MT etc...

Price mattered (instead of s4):
1st gen CTS-V, longtubes, intake, blower (almost got one instead of my s4)

Or an 03/04 Cobra which I hope to have parked next to the s4 by the end of this year

[vdubjetta02]

2nd gen CTS-V with full exhaust

C63 AMG with full exhaust

335IS with tune and exhaust

996 C4s or 996tt

-Strange no Audi's make my list....

[rjkotler]

Hmmmm. I would probably go a different route and get 2 cars.

B5 S4 with some cash for a tune to use as a daily driver and a mid 90s Miata to use as a dedicated track/autocross car.

[torquesteer]

Lotus Exige S

[dparm]

Dparm - being a track guy, do you enjoy the DCT for daily driving? Perhaps I've never driven a GOOD auto, but I always hated how slow, sluggish and boring they were. Never 100% in control of the engine, and a bored left foot. Never heard a bad thing about an IS-F though. Ever.

DCT isn't technically an auto trans -- it still uses a hydraulic system to move a clutch, except this time you have two clutches. That's how the SMG worked too, and it's why the SMG feels like a manual around town. DCT largely gets rid of the delay when shifting, so yes, it works well around town.

The IS-F is a traditional automatic with a torque converter, but it locks in 2nd through 8th gears. Shifting is done in <100ms as a result since you have a pure mechanical linkage.

[MacFady]

Just to clarify, the ZHP was made in coupe/vert trim (techincally making it a 330Ci, but I didnt think I'd have to split hairs) in 04-06 .

Yeah, he specifically mentioned a 330i though, so as I said it wasn't made as a ZHP in 2006 as a sedan. Just to clarify.

[aj44mc]

05-07 Tacoma TRD 4X4 with the TRD supercharger. Very rare but they are out there and cheap. I love my car but miss having a truck.

[40v]

Don't get a B8+ S4, all new FSI engines carbon foul and lose almost 100hp in 10K mi.

If you need a 4-door get a standard 2.5L WRX and upgrade the turbo to a stock VF52 (09+) turbo, or get a 09+.

If you don't care about 4-doors or AWD, get any C6 for $24K+ auto or stick is fine 06+, very fast. Just need to upgrade the wheels 1in. width to 295/345 30 series tires for handling and ramair CAI for 445hp.

E60 M5 and IS-F are more expensive, no?

I am the expert, any disagreements?

[JimmyBones]

I would get either a newish 5.0 Mustang or a early C6 Corvette.

Don't get a B8+ S4, all new FSI engines carbon foul and lose almost 100hp in 10K mi.

LOL. Really a hundred horsepower in 10K miles, are you retarded? There was hardly any carbon build up on the high 40K mile 3.0T A6s when Audi was replacing thermostats left and right. It felt like we pulled superchargers off all day long at times since I would do four or five of those repairs a day.

[S4V8monster]

Mid- 2000's Range Rover Sport HSE supercharged V8. Sick truck, i looked at them before i bought my S but had heard they can have some electrical problems (no thanks). Or a VW W12
Phaeton.

[beemercer]

Don't get a B8+ S4, all new FSI engines carbon foul and lose almost 100hp in 10K mi.

If you need a 4-door get a standard 2.5L WRX and upgrade the turbo to a stock VF52 (09+) turbo, or get a 09+.

If you don't care about 4-doors or AWD, get any C6 for $24K+ auto or stick is fine 06+, very fast. Just need to upgrade the wheels 1in. width to 295/345 30 series tires for handling and ramair CAI for 445hp.

E60 M5 and IS-F are more expensive, no?

I am the expert, any disagreements?

[Time4Audi]

Sold my S about a week ago to a fellow member who will be a good care taker for the vehicle.
Bought a Jeep GC Overland with the V8 and a 3 series convertible for my wife that I will drive a bit to replace the S.

Already miss the S4. If I were you I would buy another lower mileage B7 S4 with a warranty.

[dparm]

I would get either a newish 5.0 Mustang or a early C6 Corvette.



LOL. Really a hundred horsepower in 10K miles, are you retarded? There was hardly any carbon build up on the high 40K mile 3.0T A6s when Audi was replacing thermostats left and right. It felt like we pulled superchargers off all day long at times since I would do four or five of those repairs a day.

The newest 3.0T motors have revised EGR & PCV systems. There are no carbon buildup problems.

Go look in the B8 S4 forum. There are photos of cars with 30k on the clock and the valves look brand new.

[Axel-]

LOL. Really a hundred horsepower in 10K miles, are you retarded? There was hardly any carbon build up on the high 40K mile 3.0T A6s when Audi was replacing thermostats left and right. It felt like we pulled superchargers off all day long at times since I would do four or five of those repairs a day.

40v tends to shoot his mouth off with mostly completely wrong information. It seems to be a common occurrence with him...

[noznab]

Seems like your typical "AZ winner." Lol

[SlideWays]

BRZ (pictured) or FR-S looks like an amazing value. About the same weight as a miata, but less...of a miata. I'm sure scooby for TRD will have a blower option soon, if the aftermarket doesn't already. Supposedly a Torsen rear diff in coming soon too. Maybe this belongs in the "cars you are embarrassed to admit you like" thread, but IMO it's a damn nice package for the price (pending LSD and F/I availability).

[wws]

I am seriously considering selling my B7 S4 with 42K miles and getting a Ford SVT Raptor.

[Apat]

A little less expensive options.....
B5S4 Avant
AllRoad
R32

Upgrades....
2nd gen CTS-V
C63 AMG
TT-RS
B7 RS4
B8.5S4
Cayman
996 tt

[M|R]

The tial 770 in the b5 classifieds really has me thinking...

[Apat]

I am seriously considering selling my B7 S4 with 42K miles and getting a Ford SVT Raptor.

Only do this if you drive off road more than on pavement. They are big squishy turds on pavement. And gas milage...forgetaboutit!

[LJH]

Only do this if you drive off road more than on pavement. They are big squishy turds on pavement. And gas milage...forgetaboutit!

I am not a truck fan in the slightest.....well maybe a Unimog, LM002, G-Wagon or an old Rover but there is just something about the Raptor that I love. I have driven a early one and I was very impressed with how tossable the thing was while being so soft....I thought it was pretty cool.

Cheers,
Jim

[BltByKrmn]

I'm facing this now, the S4 just doesn't fit into our current situation as well as we thought it would. I'll probably move on to a MCS.

[quattroism25]

If I had to sell the S4 its replacement would definitely be something sporty.

09+ Cayman S -Always wanted one, very balanced car.
Mitsu Evo X -Foor doors, outhandles the S4, but cheap rental interior and fast and furious exterior.
Boss 302 -Great engine, decent looks, farmtractor live rear axle FAIL. I'll wait till 2014 when they get indy rear.
R32 -Just to keep it VAG, haldex FTL.
C5 S6 -V8, avant, can actually carry four people comfortably, more rare than a RS6.

[S4V8monster]

I am seriously considering selling my B7 S4 with 42K miles and getting a Ford SVT Raptor.

I get wanting a pick-up of some sort, i considered it too, but how do you go from an AUDI interior to a Ford's. Good luck with that...

[Axel-]

Why not just a lower mileaged S4 than your current S4?

You mention it's getting old but aren't E46s and G35s as well?

Don't think I fully understand your dilemma.

[s4buckeye]

I know, not $20k or under, but just sayin'......

'08-'11 BMW e9x M3

($35k - $65k used, sedan/coupe/vert vs. $65k-ish-$85K-ish new for '12 and '13 for the same car). All 414hp, but then add the following:

a. ESS VT2-650 Intercooled Supercharger System (+$17k) = 775 hp or
b. VF Engineering SC 620 (+$13.9k) = 620 hp

= you win

[Efourty6]

i sold my b6 s4 about a year to two years ago and picked up a 2003 e46 m3.. very happy with the car.. the styling i believe outside surpasses the s4.. its a lot more pleasant to look at and a big head turner if that matters to anyone.. however, the interior SUCKS compared to any audi b5 and up. horrible to drive for long trips and very uncomfy. only thing i can say i like about the interior is my imola red seats..

[TorqueChap]

Fun thread. I actually daily drove a 1998 Porsche C4S Aero for 18 months before swapping that car out for my S4 Avant. The Audi is just as fast, flexible, comfy, and kicks butt in the snow. If my wagon ever croaks I'd first try to replace it with another S4 Avant. If that wasn't possible I'd lean towards a CLK 63 BS or Raptor for a change of pace.