Debating this purchase

[01svtL]

I'm looking at a 2000 s4 that has 120k on it, but also has a 2yr extended warranty left on it (unlimited mile). The turbos, belts, and thermostat have all been replaced pretty recently. Everything is stock.

BUT, it is an Auto. Now, before you guys go ripping me a new one, this car is going to be a daily driver. Next year, I will be buying my "toy" that will either be a c5 ZO6 or a 03/04 Cobra, so I don't NEED a standard shift to drive around in daily. That said, is the auto pretty solid? Does it respond well to downshifts and through turns and things like that?

What I want to know is how well the auto trans handles high mileage and the power of the s4. I wouldn't mind doing a stage 1 chip on it, just for a few extra cheap hp. I will be doing mostly city driving (i live 2 miles away from work in downtown Houston), with highway driving on the weekends. I need the car to be VERY reliable, at least for the next year.

Thanks guys.

[GramCracker]

The TIP (auto/manual mode) doesn't rev match on downshifts, soooooo yea.

[hosmer79]

I myself just recently bought a S4 01.5 Tip with 118K on it. It had the timing belt and water pump recently done and had a very detailed history of the maintenance that was done at appropriate mileages. The only issue I had when I bought it was the Torque converter was throwing a CEL and the TSB fix for it was to replace the complete TC. This was ok since the dealer I bought it from had to foot the bill. The car cost me $8700 minus the $400 I saved by having a friend (who's an Audi mechanic) do the TC replacement job. I would ask if the TC has been replaced or if it's had an history of throwing code P0741 / DTC17125. If this is covered under your warranty then no biggie. Even if you get this code the drive ability of the car is not really compromised. Mine still drove fine with this issue.

As far as a good transmission I'm sure others can answer that for you. I like the way it downshifts and with a GIAC chip it's a bit more aggressive. GIAC also sells programming for the transmission as well. You can VAG a code in the transmission as well to allow you to stay in first (by default it automatically shifts somewhere around 10mph). I think this soft code will also allow you to downshift into first which you can not do with it set to the stock settings.

That reminds me... anyone local to Western Mass with a VAG com willing to help me out with this? I'd obviously be willing to pay!

Take care and good luck with the car if you get it!

[01svtL]

Thanks for the info man! I mean, I'm obviously not looking to have a race car or anything. I just want something that performs better than a Honda to justify spending the same amount on a car that's 2 years older with way more miles, and known to have problems here and there.

[ThirdStrike]

buying an s4 for a daily driver is all good but it can quickly become a toy. something breaks dont just buy the stock part for it, always upgrade. example u pop those k03's and you definitely wont/shouldnt replace them with k03's.
with this said i would find a manual. tips just add more maintenance to the equation

[hosmer79]

Well I also have a nice short drive to work.. a whopping 5 miles. So I drive it easy most of the time with an occasional blast done a nice quiet highway in the evenings. It's an amazing car even as an auto. I don't plan on really racing it so an Auto was fine by me. And I also don't have to wake up in the early morning to have to move my car for the wife who can't drive stick. Still a scary thought having her move the S4! Best of luck!

To go with ThirdStrike.. definitely upgrade when you do have to replace something and be prepared to go through and upgrade before failure for some things.. Diverters, TBB boot, etc.

[01svtL]

How would a TIP add maintenance? Do the TC's and other mechanical parts associated with an auto really go out that often?

[tbone5446]

from my experience the tip's are less likely to have problems.
the 6speeds are constantly breaking the synchros in 1st and 2nd, and
if you search you will see how many people are having to rebuild their 6's.
right now I have a stage 2 tip, but it is my wifes daily driver and I have had
NO problems with it and the car is at 103000+.
The car always gets a healthy run at least once a week and gets put through its
paces when I drive it.
My wife is no slouch behind the wheel either and is more than happy to stand on the pedal when she needs to.
IF you decide to go beyond stage 2 and build your car it is a good idea to beef up the Torque converter, and perhaps the valve body but then again it is all debatable between who you ask and what you are trying to do with your car.

[01svtL]

Sounds good guys. How are the stock brakes on these cars?

I drove a 01.5 a4 yesterday w/ a ko4 and stage 1 chip, that also had audi TT brakes, and it stopped on a dime. Very nice. Are the s4 brakes upgraded from the a4?

[RolledMySTi]

I'm looking at a 2000 s4 that has 120k on it, but also has a 2yr extended warranty left on it (unlimited mile). The turbos, belts, and thermostat have all been replaced pretty recently. Everything is stock.

BUT, it is an Auto. Now, before you guys go ripping me a new one, this car is going to be a daily driver. Next year, I will be buying my "toy" that will either be a c5 ZO6 or a 03/04 Cobra, so I don't NEED a standard shift to drive around in daily. That said, is the auto pretty solid? Does it respond well to downshifts and through turns and things like that?

What I want to know is how well the auto trans handles high mileage and the power of the s4. I wouldn't mind doing a stage 1 chip on it, just for a few extra cheap hp. I will be doing mostly city driving (i live 2 miles away from work in downtown Houston), with highway driving on the weekends. I need the car to be VERY reliable, at least for the next year.

Thanks guys.

If you are looking for a dd that need to be VERY reliable look elsewhere. I would get an A4 2.8. You get all the luxury and good handling without the turbo problems. That way you have more money and time to put into a toy.

That and driving 2 miles to work is lazy and most importantly bad for your car. You oil never gets up to temp and that is just asking for problems with these motors. I bike 3.5 miles to work and it's sweet. Nothing like passing all the commuters filling up with $4.50 gas and laughing.

[Sleeeper X]

The S4 brakes are bigger then the a4, I had a 1.8T for a month or so, and they always felt mushy. With that being said the S4 brakes have always felt firm, stopping from 100+ never gave me an uneasy feeling.

As for the 6speed mt, the 00-01.0 had a weaker trany with weaker synchros vs the 01.5-02 with the upgraded trany.

[SLC_S4]

Sounds good guys. How are the stock brakes on these cars?

I drove a 01.5 a4 yesterday w/ a ko4 and stage 1 chip, that also had audi TT brakes, and it stopped on a dime. Very nice. Are the s4 brakes upgraded from the a4?

Yes, they are an upgrade from the A4

[01svtL]

If you are looking for a dd that need to be VERY reliable look elsewhere. I would get an A4 2.8. You get all the luxury and good handling without the turbo problems. That way you have more money and time to put into a toy.

That and driving 2 miles to work is lazy and most importantly bad for your car. You oil never gets up to temp and that is just asking for problems with these motors. I bike 3.5 miles to work and it's sweet. Nothing like passing all the commuters filling up with $4.50 gas and laughing.

I hear what you're saying, but trust me, riding your bike in Houston is MUCH different than riding your bike in California! You wouldn't make it 4 blocks without needing a new shirt, and by 6 blocks you need a shower! I walk 4 blocks from the garage to my office and have a little perspiration on my forehead by the time I get there, and trust me, I am not out of shape. That's another reason I wanted an auto: after squatting 300+ pounds at the gym, it is no fun to jump in the car and drive in traffic w/ a manual transmission...

Plus I go home for lunch every day, and I'm not riding a d@mn thing without A/C for 2 miles in 100 degree weather with 98% humidity!!

[RolledMySTi]

100 degree weather with 98% humidity!!

All I have to say is fuck Texas. I wouldn't leave the house if the weather was like that. I can see why you drive.

[AddICTioN]

I picked up my S4 as a daily so it didn't bother me that it was a tip. I had an STi that was going to be my weekend car. I ended up loving the comfort and refinement of the S4 and decided I couldn't afford both, so I sold the STi, and picked up a cheap DD. I also realized the S4 is not the best DD. Maintenance is expensive and there is lots of it...lol.

Anyway, you should be fine and happy with a tip for your daily as long as you don't mind paying for the maintenance. I have a 100K mi warranty as well, but they do not cover little things that can start to add up. The motor and tranny will be very reliable, it's all the little stuff that won't.

I'm also in Houston. If you do get an S4, www.reisumotorsports.com. Raudel use to be a master tech at Audi and opened up his own shop.

[01svtL]

addiction, PM sent...