Sold the S4 for an XV Crosstrek

[afig367]

So faced with the fact that I just don't drive all that much (and that, when I do, it's mostly stop-and-go local trips), the S4 just wasn't economical anymore. And I had gotten all the fast-and-furious out of my system--for the time being at least :)

So I switched to a Subaru XV Crosstrek (got a great deal since it's my 4th Subaru and the dealer didn't shaft me on the trade either). Slow, for sure, but I calculated that the difference in price was more than $7,200 over the next two years, all things considered.

It'll keep me happy for a year or so, but since I'm onto my 5th car in five years anyway, I know I'll be itching for a new toy next year.

Anyway, I know trade questions come up from time to time, so I'll share a few FAQs with the group:

1) Modding a Leased Car: I had an AWE exhaust on mine. Dealer didn't care (because the dealer didn't know), and they bought the lease out from Audi Financial Services just the same. Along the same lines, two Porsche dealerships did know about my exhaust. They didn't care either, and actually offered a little more for the trade than Subaru.

Although I could've made a buck swapping the exhausts back to stock, I'd have had to pay another $350 in labor (AWE is pricey in this department), rent a truck to get the exhaust back to my place in one piece b/c I wouldn't want it cut, and be without a car for a day. Wasn't worth it to me.... so if you're looking for a 2013 with an exhaust already on it, be on the lookout for mine :)

2) Do you get screwed by making a high down payment on a lease? No. I put a lot down on mine so that I could get a lower monthly payment (it mattered to me what accounts I pay stuff from). But the value of a car is the value of a car. Some people owe more than the car is worth. Others have equity. In my case, I was offered more than $5k on top of what the buyout was from Audi FS, and I rolled that into the new lease.

Anyway, I'll shamelessly use this thread to plug my part-outs. I have 4 completely unused (never mounted) winter tires for sale on here (18"), with different prices for whether you want to ship, pick-up, or have me deliver: http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=97320&title=unused-winter-tires-for-b8-s4-18-26quot-3binclshipping&cat=47

Also, is there any market for a stock exhaust? Does it fit the A4? Worst case scenario is I could sell it for scrap, and I think I estimated I might get $20 for it.

[westwest888]

I have never even heard of this car.

[A4 Centaur]

Very sad for you.

Hope you can find solace in your purchase.

Best of luck!

[VeryBadman]

That's quite a step back and well, quite a different kind of car too but well, you have to do what you think is best for you.

[afig367]

The first time I get my ass handed to me by an F150 will be sad, haha. But the $$ savings was good. If I had a decent highway commute or one with lots of Mulholland-type turns, I'd have kept it, but no harm no foul!

Who knows..... in a year, maybe I'll be banging my head against the fall over the 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-banger I have (it's no S2000 by a long shot), but for now, I think she'll do:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OdPa2l4EoO4/UiZ1-kwvvwI/AAAAAAAACpQ/mQi5ftEU8Ek/w821-h616-no/photo+%252830%2529.JPG

[moose_head]

I have never even heard of this car.

It's a Subaru Impreza with raised suspension and some other changes. Used to be called the Outback Sport. The Outback itself is based on the Legacy. Confused? Good. :)

[Moose201]

So faced with the fact that I just don't drive all that much (and that, when I do, it's mostly stop-and-go local trips)

Tons of great back roads in Pennsylvania. Why didn't you just point your S4 towards one of them and have a fun back road blast every now and then?

[drob23]

Were you at least able to get it with a manual transmission?

[afig367]

Haha, I went with the CVT (I know, I know). You do actually feel connected to the car though because there are next to no computer systems actually controlling the driving experience. It's a true Paddy Wagon, haha.

@Moose, yeah true. I gotten a lot of the fast-and-furious out of my system (for the time being). But now I'm looking forward to doing a little light off-roading :)

[phillips2024]

its actually a pretty good idea. Use that 7 grand you save for a downpayment on the new 4.0t rs4 in a couple years (being optimistic)

[stactum]

Silly decisions all over, imho.

[EasternLI]

Problem with putting down extra money on a lease is if you total the car you never get that money back.

[-Billy]

STI swap and get rid of the ugly wheels and you are set lol.

[camoto]

Congrats on the oversized hiking shoe with wheels. All of the girls who wear overalls and flannel are going to be totally into your new ride.

[AudiB8S4]

Congrats on the oversized hiking shoe with wheels. All of the girls who wear overalls and flannel are going to be totally into your new ride.

Swank? Is that you with a different name?

[camoto]

Swank? Is that you with a different name?
I don't think I have ever been so insulted.

No.

[SwankPeRFection]

Poor man's Tribeca. [;)]

[jran76]

Problem with putting down extra money on a lease is if you total the car you never get that money back.

That was not the case for me. I put down $7000 on a lease, and my wife totaled it one year in. State Farm actually cut me a check for something like $7800 when all was said and done. I had no special coverage (GAP, etc.) and was way over mileage.

[LeadToRome]

I sold my S4 and got a 30-year-old Schwinn 3-speed. I'm totally stoked.

yahright

[SuperCereal 3.0]

Seems like a huge step back in every aspect (especially luxury and performance) but I guess you know what's best for you. Good luck!

I too have never heard of that Subaru, either.

[AudiB8S4]

Poor man's Tribeca. [;)]

^^ poor man's westwest888.[:D]

[saxon]

what dealer did you trade it in at ?

[afig367]

what dealer did you trade it in at ?

John Kennedy Subaru

[IceFour]

What wasnt economical about it? Gas bills?

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[SwankPeRFection]

John Kennedy Subaru

How much did they give you for it because they're asking $47,700 for it now.

[dawei213]

How do you go from having the S4, almost trading it in for a Porsche Cayman S and now the Crosstek? That sure is a weird journey!

[SwankPeRFection]

How do you go from having the S4, almost trading it in for a Porsche Cayman S and now the Crosstek? That sure is a weird journey!

Maybe the Porsche finance rep was this guy...

http://www.freemasoninformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/5-Mercedes-Benz-2013-Super-Bowl-Commercial.jpg

[s4buckeye]

Lol, there always seems to be a lot of talk on AZ from peeps saying they are looking at buying some ride that never happens. Things don't always work out I guess.

[Wusty]

The first time I get my ass handed to me by an F150 will be sad, haha. But the $$ savings was good. If I had a decent highway commute or one with lots of Mulholland-type turns, I'd have kept it, but no harm no foul!

Who knows..... in a year, maybe I'll be banging my head against the fall over the 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-banger I have (it's no S2000 by a long shot), but for now, I think she'll do:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OdPa2l4EoO4/UiZ1-kwvvwI/AAAAAAAACpQ/mQi5ftEU8Ek/w821-h616-no/photo+%252830%2529.JPG

One of the ugliest cars I've ever seen.

[s4buckeye]

so Wusty, how do you really feel?

[Wusty]

so Wusty, how do you really feel?

It's second to my 1st least favorite car of all time....the Pontiac Aztek.

http://www.netcarshow.com/Pontiac-Aztek_SRV-2001-wallpaper.jpg

[afig367]

What wasnt economical about it? Gas bills?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4

It was really the monthly payment.... relative to the fact that I didn't drive the car that much (my round trip commute to work is 3.4 miles) It was a lot of money to spend for a car that didn't see the pavement that much.

[afig367]

How do you go from having the S4, almost trading it in for a Porsche Cayman S and now the Crosstek? That sure is a weird journey!

Ha, yeah :)

The S4 wasn't really helping me save $$ for the next toy, and this way I'll be able to. I don't stay in my cars very long. A long time for me is 18 months..... but now I have a $197/mo monthly payment, so I'll be able to bank some money for whatever is next.

[afig367]

How much did they give you for it because they're asking $47,700 for it now.

$44,000 with the following specs:

2013 PP
8,600 miles
Monsoon Gray
B&O
DSG
Sport Diff
Advanced Key
18" wheels
Maybe one other thing....

If anyone's interested in buying, my only request would be that you not mention you know what I got for it (use it, but don't mention it). I've bought 3 cars from JKS and want to maintain a good relationship with them.

[Okan509]

klol this section is ridiculous.

"yo bro, that's like going from banging Olivia Wilde to Rosie O’Donnell"

who fucking cares. good for you, saving money and shit. for real. it's way too hard for most god's chariot owners to step down from their high horse. Even if it comes down to living outside their means.

[Mops@Nemesis]

who fucking cares. good for you, saving money and shit. for real. it's way too hard for most god's chariot owners to step down from their high horse. Even if it comes down to living outside their means.

I agree.

The XV is a cool car. We have several Subi's in my family. They are great cars. And the S4 seems like a waste of money to sit in the garage or commute in traffic. Glad to hear you do not need a fast car to keep your ego in the green.

[afig367]

Yeah when I decided to downgrade, I wanted to go for the gold. Bare bones. People at work asked me, "Why didn't you get a WRX or at least a BRZ?" And my thoughts on that were:

- I wouldn't have saved as much money, all things considered
- In stop-and-go traffic, I can't race a WRX any more than I could the S4

So the Paddy Wagon it is. I'm definitely going to stay and hang around AZ because I like everyone here and I like staying on top of what's happening with the S4.

[Moose201]

It's second to my 1st least favorite car of all time....the Pontiac Aztek.

http://www.netcarshow.com/Pontiac-Aztek_SRV-2001-wallpaper.jpg

I guess you haven't seen the Nissan Juke.

[ebi718]

I guess you haven't seen the Nissan Juke.

Lol...I had to google it. That thing is uugggleeey!! But the Aztek takes the cake though.

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[Moose201]

Lol...I had to google it. That thing is uugggleeey!! But the Aztek takes the cake though.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

I used to feel that way about the Aztek....until I started watching Breaking Bad.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l89/moose201/pontiac_aztek_breaking_bad_zps9767236c.jpg

[Tyrnnus]

Problem with putting down extra money on a lease is if you total the car you never get that money back.

I guess leases work differently in Canada because up here the insurance company pays the market rate for a write-off and if you have equity, you get a cheque.

[subiesleeper]

I owned a forester xt for eight years and it was reliable and fun to drive until I drove the S4. I did not realize how much NVH the Subaru had but it was a good car. I am sure it will serve you well.

[ahcow]

I looked at this car recently (was considering the Forester for my parent's as their backup car). The size was great, looks was decent and but it was lacking too much creature comfort for me to consider it. Personally, I would go BRZ if I were going economical (I have considered it since I don't even drive my car, 33k km in 3.5 years), but when I do get to drive it on weekends, it reminds me why I should keep it.

I think you made a good choice though OP. Save up for the next toy!

[Mops@Nemesis]

You guys are totally forgetting the 5-series GT, xB and VehiCross;)


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[ahcow]

You guys are totally forgetting the 5-series GT, xB and VehiCross;)

+ Element, Cube

[SwankPeRFection]

It was really the monthly payment.... relative to the fact that I didn't drive the car that much (my round trip commute to work is 3.4 miles) It was a lot of money to spend for a car that didn't see the pavement that much.

Recipe for carbon buildup fo sho.

[S-Fore]

OP, funny, I was sitting in traffic the other day and was next to one of these and thought, who the fvck would buy that thing..lol, no offense, just not my taste.



who fucking cares. good for you, saving money and shit. for real. it's way too hard for most god's chariot owners to step down from their high horse. Even if it comes down to living outside their means.

interesting, however, how long do you need to recoup the loss taken on turning over a >year old luxury sports sedan? OP took a good $5-7K hit no matter what anyone says.

[Toecutter]

Living in central Oregon the Crosstrek would actually be a pretty suitable vehicle, with high ground clearance and all-wheel-drive. I've seen a few around and I thought they looked pretty good. Unfortunately they have something like only 148 hp and I thought I read that the 0 to 60 time was something around 12 seconds. There's no way I could go back to something like that after driving the Audi S4. If Subaru made a turbocharged version with power more like the WRX or STI then it would be really appealing. It would be a good trail access vehicle and ski vehicle.

[Wusty]

Serious question. If you're trying to save money on either outright buying a car or on a monthly payment or on fuel economy is it mandatory to have it be the most butt ugly thing you've ever seen? There are plenty of options for every budget.

[GQ//S4]

Serious question. If you're trying to save money on either outright buying a car or on a monthly payment or on fuel economy is it mandatory to have it be the most butt ugly thing you've ever seen? There are plenty of options for every budget.

This is the truth.

[VeryBadman]

Serious question. If you're trying to save money on either outright buying a car or on a monthly payment or on fuel economy is it mandatory to have it be the most butt ugly thing you've ever seen? There are plenty of options for every budget.

Each to his own, you may think it is ugly but to others and probably OP as well it's not that bad.

[Wusty]

This is the truth.

Base package, A4 Wagon? Can't be that much more. I do apologize if I insulted any which I probably did. Something I forgot from my Bambi watching days is "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." My bad.

[GQ//S4]

Each to his own, you may think it is ugly but to others and probably OP as well it's not that bad.

No no, its definitely hideous, but at least its hideous for practical reasons, kind of like the gray plastics on a Allroad. The Pontiac Aztec, on the other hand, is ugly just to be ugly.

[drob23]

Living in central Oregon the Crosstrek would actually be a pretty suitable vehicle, with high ground clearance and all-wheel-drive. I've seen a few around and I thought they looked pretty good. Unfortunately they have something like only 148 hp and I thought I read that the 0 to 60 time was something around 12 seconds. There's no way I could go back to something like that after driving the Audi S4. If Subaru made a turbocharged version with power more like the WRX or STI then it would be really appealing. It would be a good trail access vehicle and ski vehicle.

It would be OK with a manual, but that CVT seriously spools up as fast as grass grows. Was test driving cars for the lady friend and this car with a CVT (they didn't have 5MT) made the focus titanium feel like a full on race car (god's chariot). I don't even understand why it has paddle shifters, the guy asked me how sporty it was after the test drive and I had to hold back pretty hard, but I think he saw it in my face.

Sorry to pile on OP, sounds like you made a great decision in the "real world" department, and a bad one in the S4 AZ world lol. Enjoy the MPG and clearance, along with (most importantly) not giving 2 fucks where you park it, get door dinged etc. Those subaru's make killer all season low stress A->B utility vehicles.

[Toecutter]

It would be OK with a manual, but that CVT seriously spools up as fast as grass grows. Was test driving cars for the lady friend and this car with a CVT (they didn't have 5MT) made the focus titanium feel like a full on race car (god's chariot). I don't even understand why it has paddle shifters, the guy asked me how sporty it was after the test drive and I had to hold back pretty hard, but I think he saw it in my face.

Sorry to pile on OP, sounds like you made a great decision in the "real world" department, and a bad one in the S4 AZ world lol. Enjoy the MPG and clearance, along with (most importantly) not giving 2 fucks where you park it, get door dinged etc. Those subaru's make killer all season low stress A->B utility vehicles.

I was wondering about the CVT. I've never driven one.

[Mops@Nemesis]

It's bad. Our '12 Outback has it.


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[Tyrnnus]

I was wondering about the CVT. I've never driven one.

Ironically enough, I came from a base 2010 legacy with the CVT to my 2012 6MT. was definitely not my cup of tea. When I wanted it to be peppy I had to switch to manual mode and rev the engine to 4K rpm to get it to move reasonably well.

[dawei213]

Ha, yeah :)

The S4 wasn't really helping me save $$ for the next toy, and this way I'll be able to. I don't stay in my cars very long. A long time for me is 18 months..... but now I have a $197/mo monthly payment, so I'll be able to bank some money for whatever is next.

Yeah, low car payment is nice. I only drive my kids to daycare and back and I work from home. Though on the weekend, wherever we go, we take the S4 and drive the heck out of it. Glad things worked out for you.

[SwissBliss]

I love Subaru's but [facepalm]