What would you buy?

[RocketSurgeon]

I'll be moving back to the states next June, and will be picking up a new vehicle since I'm tired of always driving my work truck when I'm in the states. I'll be a freshman at Colorado State so the vehicle will see heavy snow/mountain usage because I snowboard a lot, and if I go with one of the cars over the T-reg it will probably see track days every once in a while.

Here are the cons I can see for each vehicle:

B5 S4: Questionable reliability, hard to find one with low miles

B6/7 S4: A little more money than I want to spend, but I could still afford one if I wait for a good deal

'04-'07 STi: Ricer image, cop magnet

Touareg V8: Wouldn't be as much fun as any of the cars, and I've heard the horror stories about reliability (mostly on the '04s)

[MYDWAGON]

What about an allroad or A6 Avant.They have more room than a Treg.

[RocketSurgeon]

Haven't really looked into either of those, don't know why.

What's the difference between the 2? I've always wondered but never asked

[chadb2434]

I would say B6 S4, you can find some every once in a while with lower miles and right at $20, and you got your V8 you want, so there ya go!

[Silvant]

the STi doesnt have a ricer image, unless you make it that way yourself.......
i'm a previous owner and well....... i REALLY miss it.
not sure if you've ever driven one that's set up correctly.... stg2, good suspension, etc..
helllll of a car.

[RocketSurgeon]

More of a stigma than an image, if you get what I'm saying.

And no, I've never driven one but I've only ever heard good things (used to be a member over on iwsti). When I get back to the states in June I'll be driving all of those vehicles and probably a few more since I'm sure the list will keep growing. This is really just more for fun since I won't buy a car without driving one first (only one on the list I have driven is the b5 S4)

[sliverwagon]

I voted B6/B7 S4 just because I want one also. But I would also take a Touareg V8

[audimeister]

B5 S4 is an expensive hobby- more of a lifestyle than a car, really. Drive a fast one, and you will be hooked. I wouldn't trade mine for anything, though.

I'd also consider a possible B6 A4 Avant w/big turbo for snow hauler/occasional track days.

[RED1.8T]

S4's are cool, but why choose that over an STI?!

[audimeister]

S4's are cool, but why choose that over an STI?!

STi's are great for what they are, but there are three drawbacks:

1. Non-enthusiasts think they are an imprezza with big tires. If your image is important at work or with girls, this is a massive fail. OTOH, a pristine older euro car has its own appeal.

2. The S4 is just a nicer car- leather, alcantara, substantial feel, etc.

3. When both cars are modded (an addiction I have) the STi becomes unreliable, too. With developments in RS6 or GT turbos, 500+ hp is not difficult in an older S4. I'd rather have that kind of power in a euro roadburner than a tinny fizzbang.

Both are great (and I could own either one), but that's why I chose S4 and ditched a B7 A4.

[RocketSurgeon]

My decision between the S4 and the STi is really down to the creature comforts, honestly. I was very impressed with the B5 S4s I drove. It's going to take a lot in the driving department for the STi to make up for what it lacks in luxury, but from a lot of what I've heard it probably will.


Unreliability isn't a big issue with me. I have a truck I can drive if any of the vehicles breaks down, and I can do all the work myself in my garage.

Image also isn't really a big factor to me. I could care less what people think about my car as long as I'm enjoying it.