Buyer's Remorse? Should've bought an S4 instead?

[Penman]

Hey all,

Just a bit of background before I get to the heart of the question. I've owned an '01 A4 1.8t for nearly 3 years now. I enjoy it, but it's time to move on. I never got around to modding it so it's always been stock. I'm looking at picking up a B7 A4 2.0T, B7 S4, or perhaps even an S5. Everything is contingent upon what my finances look like this time next year. Obviously, if it's looking up, I'll opt for the S5 simply because it's one of my favorite cars that Audi has produced. So, onto the heart of the question.

For all of you that own a 2.0T A4, are you happy with your purchase or would you have opted for the S4 instead if you could do it over? I know there's a lot to be said about the turbo and tuning factor. However, do you feel like it's fast and powerful enough? Does it get boring, even with a nice tune? Do you wish you had the rumble of a 340hp V8 instead? I absolutely love the look of the B7 and that's the main reason I want one. Also, the price of a low-mileage A4 2.0T is really good and I could afford it comfortably. On the other side of it, I could find an average-mileage S4 for a good price as well, afford it, though with a lot less $$$ for modding after the payments and insurance, but I'd have the bigger HP numbers and the power of a 4.2L V8 (something I've never personally experienced). In the end I will definitely test drive both and see what feels the best to me personally, I just wanted to get some feedback from those of you who have purchased the 2.0T and your thoughts on my dilemma. Sometimes I hate Audi for making so many great cars because deciding on one is incredibly difficult. Thanks everyone!

[nadroj81]

Hey all,

Just a bit of background before I get to the heart of the question. I've owned an '01 A4 1.8t for nearly 3 years now. I enjoy it, but it's time to move on. I never got around to modding it so it's always been stock. I'm looking at picking up a B7 A4 2.0T, B7 S4, or perhaps even an S5. Everything is contingent upon what my finances look like this time next year. Obviously, if it's looking up, I'll opt for the S5 simply because it's one of my favorite cars that Audi has produced. So, onto the heart of the question.

For all of you that own a 2.0T A4, are you happy with your purchase or would you have opted for the S4 instead if you could do it over? I know there's a lot to be said about the turbo and tuning factor. However, do you feel like it's fast and powerful enough? Does it get boring, even with a nice tune? Do you wish you had the rumble of a 340hp V8 instead? I absolutely love the look of the B7 and that's the main reason I want one. Also, the price of a low-mileage A4 2.0T is really good and I could afford it comfortably. On the other side of it, I could find an average-mileage S4 for a good price as well, afford it, though with a lot less $$$ for modding after the payments and insurance, but I'd have the bigger HP numbers and the power of a 4.2L V8 (something I've never personally experienced). In the end I will definitely test drive both and see what feels the best to me personally, I just wanted to get some feedback from those of you who have purchased the 2.0T and your thoughts on my dilemma. Sometimes I hate Audi for making so many great cars because deciding on one is incredibly difficult. Thanks everyone!

CPO b7 s4. Full exhaust and suspension.

[deafpatrick]

I almost bought an S4 instead of my 2.0t. I looked at the gas mileage of the S4 and immediately bought my 2.0t. With the way gas prices are going and finding no relief, I couldn't do it.

[CX-7&A4]

No, the S4 drinks more gas. I'm boost happy, N/A V8's don't do anything for me.

[B7A4Sport]

B7 2.0T! Buy CPO, and if you're lucky enough to find a 2006, I hear those come with free maintenance up to the end of the factory warranty (oil, brakes, etc).

I've had mine over a month, probably closer to 2, and I still sometimes have trouble sleeping at night because I'm so anxious to drive it to work the next morning! Keep in mind, its all relative to the cars you're used to, so a 2.0T might seem a lot different from an S4 to many people. No matter what model you pick, at least go w/ a B7; I'm almost convinced the B8's design is purely motivated to steal customers from BMW with its almost identical styling.

[lnferno]

At your altitude (~3700 ft), you're going to take a hit on performance of a naturally aspirated V8. A lightly modded A4 2.0T (ECU flash by APR, GIAC or REVO) will be just about as fast as a B6/B7 S4 and you'll get a LOT better gas mileage at your altitude. Add a test pipe and upgraded fuel pump and you'll be faster than a B6/B7 S4 for a lot less money and better MPG. :)

[masteroc]

Sometimes i wish i had an s4....till i drive past the gas station =p

[gyroscope]

Happy with my B7 except for the fact that I would have opted to buy the Recaro's in the S4, had it been offered as an option. The 2.0T is a great engine with lots of potential. Unfortunatley the seating arrangemnt in the B7 A4's are less supportive than cloth seats a MK5 Volkswagen Golf.

[Auditude2.0T]

I have a Tiptronic A4 2.0T Quattro. I get an average of about 27mpg. I have Stage II APR Chip, APR FSI Pump, APR FSI Program, AWE Full Exhaust, EuroCode Test Pipe, Carbonio CAI, Forge DV and assorted suspension and cosmetic mods. I have stayed even with S4's and pulled on some stock e46 m3's. The car pulls hard, going to the track sometime this month and looking for some 13.60's :) The A4 is the better car if you don't car that a V8 sounds like sex and if you don't care about having godlike Recaro Seats.

[audimeister]

I've driven B7 A4 and S4 back to back- B7 A4 has more midrange torque (when chipped) and handles better (lighter). S4 pulls ahead when winding the snot out of the engine, but for squirting around town, the A4 feels quicker.

[SEXICÄN]

I have a Tiptronic A4 2.0T Quattro. I get an average of about 27mpg. I have Stage II APR Chip, APR FSI Pump, APR FSI Program, AWE Full Exhaust, EuroCode Test Pipe, Carbonio CAI, Forge DV and assorted suspension and cosmetic mods. I have stayed even with S4's and pulled on some stock e46 m3's. The car pulls hard, going to the track sometime this month and looking for some 13.60's :) The A4 is the better car if you don't car that a V8 sounds like sex and if you don't care about having godlike Recaro Seats.

13.6 huh, you are going to need a upgraded clutch to get those numbers! GL anywho

I have a Stage II 2.0T and i have also hung with S4's (until we hit 100). I wouldn't change this for an S4 at all! I actually had a white B7 A4 before and bought another 2006 Black one after the first one was getting high on miles. People ask me why i didn't get the S4, I love the sound of the V8, but hate how it has no Boost! I have to have a car that is Manual, AWD, And a Turbo!

[Auditude2.0T]

I have a tiptronic and i dont only have stage II chip i have the APR FSI pump and the full exhaust with test pipe. You wouldn't believe the difference the APR FSI Pump makes. I have pulled on a stock 335xi sedan about 2-3 cars to 100mph.

[Widget]

It's been said already. I was right in your spot about 2 months ago. It takes a bit to learn to drive compared to the V8 with the low end grunt. I often long for the S4, but every time I fill up I smile when I realize I'm getting twice the mileage I would have been. After rolling with my buddy this weekend I felt a little inferior zipping around in my A4. I call it peppy, great around town and everywhere you need it. Just don't go thinking your driving a fast car. Mind you, I'm still stock, for now.

[agentaudi007]

hmmm. this question has bothered me for some time. I picked up a new 07 A4 2T when they arrived. It was my first car and i didn't have the money to even think about an S4. Ive kept it stock through 15k miles. I was gonna chip it at 10k BUT...

My sisters bf had an 06 A4 that he chipped and added a couple of other mods to. It was pretty sweet and it really persuaded me on my vehicle choice. Of coarse, months after i got my new car, he traded it in for an 07 S4 and I got some personal test drives. The S4 is so much more powerful and so much more bad ass. You can have fun chiping an A4 and do a few mods to it but it would be expensive enough just to get it to S4 quality (IF it can be done). The seats are much more comfy and hold you in place. And the S4 sound... its heavenly. After driving it I look under my A4s hood and I see how much space there is for extra engine.

But yes, the V8 certainly guzzles the gallons and that is a trade off. But you're not considering this car just for gas milage.

I decided to keep it stock and not waste money upgrading it. Now I'm just waiting on the B8s so I can upgrade to the S4. I have a feeling the B8s will be worth it. I'm stuck dreaming about it till they're available. However, I know no matter what I'll never be satisfied with the power. Once I get it I'll want an RS4 or something faster.

Don't get me wrong, B7 A4 is awesome and I love every minute of driving it. I've never had any problems with it or any dissappointments.

You seem like you're not too keen on modifying your car or spending extra money to do so. My advice is to step it up to the next weight class. You've spent enough time on the A4 and you won't regret the upgrade.

[SEXICÄN]

I have a tiptronic and i dont only have stage II chip i have the APR FSI pump and the full exhaust with test pipe. You wouldn't believe the difference the APR FSI Pump makes. I have pulled on a stock 335xi sedan about 2-3 cars to 100mph.

Still hard to belive. ALl the post on APR said WITH BIGGER TURBO) can produve up to 25hp and 35tq.

There was a thread about people tracking their car with 93oct and turbo back exhausts running the at the LOWEST a 13.7. These were manual cars! So your telling me that with your "maybe" 25hp you are going to be in the 13.6 range? My buddy (auto as well) as a Stage II with all the same mods you have except the Fuel pump, and he raced at the track and ran a 14.9 (he also didn't power brake before start). I will admit i was wrong, but without proof, i hardly think you will get where you "think" you will be.

[Auditude2.0T]

I looked into a B6 S4 6 Speed and can't justify trading my car in for it. My car feels alot faster, but is about even with a 6 speed. The mpg is why im driving my A4 b/c the only thing better in that S4 was the Recaros and 6 speed manual. My dad has an RS4 and that is simply in a different league even compared to a highly modded a4 and s4. IMO an upgrade to my car is not an S4 but an RS4.

[Auditude2.0T]

Still hard to belive. ALl the post on APR said WITH BIGGER TURBO) can produve up to 25hp and 35tq.

There was a thread about people tracking their car with 93oct and turbo back exhausts running the at the LOWEST a 13.7. These were manual cars! So your telling me that with your "maybe" 25hp you are going to be in the 13.6 range? My buddy (auto as well) as a Stage II with all the same mods you have except the Fuel pump, and he raced at the track and ran a 14.9 (he also didn't power brake before start). I will admit i was wrong, but without proof, i hardly think you will get where you "think" you will be.

Just to clarify, i want to run with no rear seats, no tool kit, no spare and other small things. I am also planning on running 100 octane. Its not the 25hp that helps with the fsi pump its the fuel cut that it gets rid of. My car pre-fsi pump would stop pulling at 5k drop rpms a little than start pulling again. My goal has been 13.60 but im expecting 13.90 and hoping to trap 100-101.

[Penman]

Wow, this is a lot of helpful feedback. Keep it coming!

As for modding, I've been bitten by the bug a long time ago, just didn't have the funds or time to put into the '01 1.8t. Whatever the new car ends up being, I will definitely be doing some modding both with the engine and cosmetically.

It seems as though you can get a good A4 2.0T for $24-$28k depending on mileage and options. As for an S4, they're roughly $10k more, again dependent on mileage and other criteria. So, without being spot-on with numbers, you could do an S4 with full exhaust and a few other minor mods for $36-$38k or so. If you took the 2.0T and wanted similar performance, you'd be in around $4-$6k or so, coming in just a few thousand less than the S4.

Also, someone has yet to talk about the reliability of both cars. I live in a small town and the nearest trusted Audi mechanic is 1 1/2 hours away. I can't have something that's needing TLC all the time (and yes, I will learn to wrench the best I can, but I'm an amateur at best!) Argh! Decisions, decisions.

Seems like I'll have to pose the same questions to the S4 group to see their input as well. Thanks again everyone, let's keep it going.

[autoverruckt]

I was in exactly the same dilemma as you. I had a B6 1.8T chipped. I always wondered until finally I couldn't take it anymore. I test drove 4 B5 S4's! Finally I decided I liked the new interior more and for 32 months I enjoyed the B6S4. Yes, I kinda felt cool I was in the exclusive 'S' club. However my priorities changed (additional child, school tuitions, all city commute) and I honestly got tired and guilty of spending money on fuel. I am happy with the 2.0T for what it is.

I was lucky enough to unload my S4 with some equity left on it. So from what I gather from your post here is what I think:

-You will always wonder "what if." I sure did when I got my B6 USP.
-find a smokin' deal on a low mileage CPO, left over 07, or new and grab it.
-get it out of your system for 2-3 years; figure out your budget then and determine whether to keep it or move on to the next car whether it be "green" or not.

I will emphasize though the 4.2L is thirsty! 12-14 city, highway not too bad with reports of 21-23. If your commute is stop and go city you are screwed.

[Louis J.]

Everything is contingent upon what my finances look like this time next year.

In the end I will definitely test drive both and see what feels the best to me personally, I just wanted to get some feedback from those of you who have purchased the 2.0T and your thoughts on my dilemma.

If you're looking at buying a car in about 12 months and you don't know what you'll be able to afford then, I would wait 11 more months and then ask the question. Better yet, in 11 months, go to a dealer and drive both, then ask the question. I'm not trying to be an ass here...it's just that a lot can change in a year. For example, if gas hits $5/gal and the US goes into a deep recession, would you even be posting this question?

[fa sh000]

is this a good deal? http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=1935
Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com

[denisk]

Hi I've owned my b7 2.0t for a year now. Its stock at the moment. Planning on chipping to see if its fast enough for my taste. At the moment I kind of regret purchasing this car because its a little slow. Fit and finish is great and it looks good though. If I had to do it again I would have kept my rsx-s saved up and bought a bmw 335xi and be done with it.

[Phrost]

I would be happier with the B7 S4 of course, but I'm very happy with my A4. Much better fuel economy, and chipped it will keep up with the S4 stock.

If money is an issue, you can easily mod the A4 to be faster if that is the problem.

I just couldn't find a decent low mileage S4 for under $30,000 though.

[Penman]

If you're looking at buying a car in about 12 months and you don't know what you'll be able to afford then, I would wait 11 more months and then ask the question. Better yet, in 11 months, go to a dealer and drive both, then ask the question. I'm not trying to be an ass here...it's just that a lot can change in a year. For example, if gas hits $5/gal and the US goes into a deep recession, would you even be posting this question?

It's not a matter of really what I'll be able to afford, because they're both within my price range now, barring any unforseen events. Plus, I'll be saving until I decide to purchase. The S5 is more a matter of affordability down the road. The gas factor is a minor issue as well because I live in a small town and only drive about 300 miles every 2-3 weeks with the occasional road trip to Denver or Billings. I know a lot can change in a year, I'm just looking at other people's opinions on why they decided what they did because perhaps I haven't thought of something or have overlooked something. Thanks for the input.

[Phrost]

Ahhh I'd so love the S5, but I got really sick of having 2 doors and having little room.

[agentaudi007]

Not too sure what people are talking about with simply chipped A4s keeping up with S4s. You need to do more than that that to get an A4 to offer S4 output. Not saying it can't be done but I've driven a B7 A4 stock, chipped, and a B7 S4 and have seen and felt the difference. I did not comment on this before but there are more differences between these cars than just hp and fuel economy.

Unless you are wrenching and learning to trouble shoot your A4 yourself, performing a large amount of modifications can sacrifice reliability. On the other hand, if modifying is what it is all about for you, the A4 is a great platform.

I have had the B7 A4 for over 1 year and I have had no reliability issues. I feel like its too early for me to comment seriously on this subject though. My sisters bf traded his in at 25K miles and said he had no rattles whatsoever (unlike his 330 which was a disaster at 30K).

[Phrost]

I said it will keep up with it, not provide equal power or beat it. It sounds like the OP won't really be racing it, so they'll be similar.

Simply chipping the 2.0t will not make it as fast as an S4... Don't get me wrong

[Phatt_Audi]

I got my B7 A4 about a month and a half ago, and been having a lot of fun modding it. There was times when I have a little bit of doubt when I see S4's on the street or at the meets whether I made the right decision or not. But when it's time to fill it up at the station, I don't feel that doubt anymore. A chipped A4 feels fast enough for me and gotta love that gas mileage. It's really depends on your situation with your finances. Buying it is one thing. Maintaining it can be a real bitch to the wallet. If you have the money, IMO go for the S4.

[lnferno]

I said it earlier, but I'm going to say it again because it is an extremely huge point that I think a lot of people are missing. Everyone that says "get an S4 -- you'll love the V8 power" are not realizing at what altitude you live in. I'm telling you through a LOT of experience, the main value of a B6/B7 S4 over an A4 is it's power at SEA LEVEL. S4s at altitude have SIGNIFICANTLY less power than at sea level. Seriously, get a flash from any of the top three companies (APR, GIAC, or REVO), call it a day, and stock S4s will have nothing on you in terms of power (at your altitude anyways).

[supamannn99]

i wouldve bought an S5 if it were available and if i were able to afford it. or S4 too. debateable.

[muffinman]

I love the B7A4, but in your situation, I'd go for the S5. Don't settle, get something that you really want or you'll always wonder "what if". The S5 should be a no brainer if you can afford it.

[Phatt_Audi]

i wouldve bought an S5 if it were available and if i were able to afford it. or S4 too. debateable.

S5 is definitely sex. But if I have that kind of money. I'd rather buy a condo. Hahaha.

[autoverruckt]

I said it earlier, but I'm going to say it again because it is an extremely huge point that I think a lot of people are missing. Everyone that says "get an S4 -- you'll love the V8 power" are not realizing at what altitude you live in. I'm telling you through a LOT of experience, the main value of a B6/B7 S4 over an A4 is it's power at SEA LEVEL. S4s at altitude have SIGNIFICANTLY less power than at sea level. Seriously, get a flash from any of the top three companies (APR, GIAC, or REVO), call it a day, and stock S4s will have nothing on you in terms of power (at your altitude anyways).

Doh, good point! Didn't realize the OP's location. My suggestion has changed...but go test drive and see for yourself.

[Noffy]

I would have to love have the S4. An A4 is not and S4 that is for certain. The A4 does have some benefits over the S4 like gas mileage, initial price. But the two should not be compared, one has a high performance V8 and one has a economical A4.

[markcorrado1]

Why not wait for the new B8 S4 that will have twins again :D 330hp V6 FSI should get pretty decent gas mileage as long as you stay out of boost




http://audiworld.com/news/07/b8-s4-exclusive-preview/
We have confirmed with inside sources that the B8 S4 will debut with a brand new 3.0-liter TFSI bi-turbo producing 330-hp. With this powerplant Audi can nearly match the B7's 340-hp output while providing even better performance figures. Manufacturer published (conservative) 0-60mph drops from 5.4 seconds to very low 5's, while the accompanying combined fuel economy rises from 17 mpg to over 20 mpg.

[supamannn99]

that rear end looks like shit. all the B8's.

[greene08]

I'm ready to buy the S5... the only S option in my opinion. Who wants my B7 2.0T? ;)

[greene08]

that rear end looks like shit. all the B8's.

Agreed. S5/A5 all the way!

[tomasmdiego]

id buy an s4 if i had tthe money!

[A4CE1]

i was between a cpo b6 s4 and my cpo b7 a4 2.0. the s4 sounded godly with the awe exhaust that was on it, and had power to spare.
i now drive a slightly modded 2006 a4 and couldn't be happier. all you need is that chip and an exhaust for power and sound. and you keep your mileage.