Would you have gotten something different?

[sarNz]

Hey everyone, I don't post a lot... just try to read a lot on these forums. I also don't own an Audi. Right now I drive a 98 civic with about 95k miles, and while it's slow, and boring, it really doesn't owe me anything.

I'm 23 now, and on the prowl for a job, with hopes of going into law enforcement. (Though my degree was completely unrelated)

Anyways, I'm big into cars, but could never really justify modding a civic. Though when I did first buy it, around 16 years old, I had some sweet fuzzy dice that my GF gave me and some flaming skull seat covers


But enough blabbering. For my next car, I really want to get something that has at least a v6, isn't fail wheel drive, and has a 6 speed. There are lots of options. I could get a 350z, g35, or an 03 m3, an 03 cobra, etc. All cars that I really do like (especially the cobra). But the problem is they are all rear wheel, and from what I read, none are particularly good in the snow. And by that I mean they are god awful, which means I would require a beater as well. But the more I think about it, I'd really rather have one car, one insurance, excise, etc.

This leads me to the 04 s4. It's AWD, a v8, and a 6 spd manual. I know there are faster cars out there, and cars with much bigger aftermarkets. Neither of those really appeal to me. It seems the s4 is still a 13 second car, which would be enough for me. A bigger aftermarket just means more money that I will dream about wasting on it. It handles the snow, it's comfortable, it's a sleeper, and it's got that v8 sound. I want a car that I can throw an exhaust / rims / lower on and be done with it.

I'm sure I will be looking for cars around 60,000 miles, which seems to put it in the $20,000 range. I feel like this is a generous price range for a 2nd car, but if I have a good job, one that can be feasible. I have done a lot of reading on problems for these cars, and it seems like everyone just says get the warranty, so I'm sure I would be buying from a dealer. This still might not even be for another year or so that I would have enough money to think about it!

But my question for you is... If you had $20,000 as a budget for a car, what would you get? Would you gladly buy your s4 again or would you be thinking of something different? Too unreliable? The gas too much money? Would you rather buy a civic and get coke and hookers with the remaining money?


Thanks for anyone who read through this whole thing, just trying to see what the opinions of the owners are. Hopefully it hasn't been posted a million times before.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

I would definitely buy my s4 again! but the hookers sound nice too! lol.

[RAudi Driver]

$20,000 is the entry fee. There are a lot of other costs associated with owning one of these cars. If you don't have money in the bank, I would look to another car. European cars steal your money away.

20k, you might be able to bump up to an Accord, coke and hookers.

[rlee6462]

idk hookers and coke are tempting....My car is nickel and diming me to death.

[yung turbo]

20k just get an b5s4 or a B6a4 and use the rest for mods and maitenance

[J0HN_R1]

I was, and still am, torn between my S4 and a Tacoma TRD sport...

Just like this... Or red... Or white...

[sarNz]

Thanks for the honest responses guys. I lol'd at the $20k entrance fee. I guess this really isn't the car for me then unfortunately!

I am not a big fan of the b5 styling... but the B6a4 doesn't seem to have a bad price. But then again, I'm guessing mods will still be very expensive since it's Euro right? Is the a4 much more reliable than the s4 or did Audi's reliability really suffer across the board during those years? (I hear it's a bit better now)

John R1 - that is a nice ass truck. I also have an 03-04 Tacoma SR-5 as one of my options. v6, 5 spd, and 4wd, along with the Toyota reliability...

But another option that I keep on thinking of is the scooby doo STi. It is a lot more boy racer than I like... but other than that they seem like really fun, decently reliable cars. Seems like it can definitely have some fun in the snow. I'd try to get a quieter exhaust and remove that god awful wing. They can look pretty nice though IMO:

[dparm]

No regrets here. There's plenty of other cars I had also considered (M3, G35, STI, etc).

[gear_head81]

evo's more fun and you can up-grade and still have money for hookers, ahh hookers.

[dparm]

Evos suck for DDs, the S4 is way quieter and smoother. S4s also don't scream "pull me over" like an Evo or STI does.

[Lefthook]

$20,000 is the entry fee. There are a lot of other costs associated with owning one of these cars. If you don't have money in the bank, I would look to another car. European cars steal your money away.

20k, you might be able to bump up to an Accord, coke and hookers.

Evos suck for DDs, the S4 is way quieter and smoother. S4s also don't scream "pull me over" like an Evo or STI does.

the 20k entrance fee is completely true.

I think that my case is a bit atypical but so far this thing has been a phenominal money pit. Bought it in May and since then including the 19s that I put on it, basic maintenance done, and repairs, I have another 5 grand dumped into the car. And I have an oil consumption issue which I think is valve guides leaking, but I can't be sure until I put a boroscope on it. So if it's the valve guides I am probably looking at the 2k range for that repair as well. Keep in mind that I have done all the repairs myself, that's just parts. Although I am going to send the trans out to have the synchros done, I am still pulling it and reinstalling it myself to cushion the blow.

For what I have spent on it all told, would I buy it again? Man I don't know. A couple thousand more puts me in a low mile 6 speed CTS-V.... I wanted a wagon and I wanted AWD but I might trade all that for the CTS-V.

I'm tempted to sell it and get a CTS-V even now, because it's got 75k miles on it and is burning a lot of my spare time.

[ItzDarrellS4]

I'm 23 now, and on the prowl for a job, with hopes of going into law enforcement.

Would you rather buy a civic and get coke and hookers with the remaining money?[/B]

sounds like the local PD to me

S4 all over again. my.02

[bl0wn3ur0]

20k just get an b5s4 or a B6a4 and use the rest for mods and maitenance

people are talking about reliability and you bring up a B5 S4????? SMH!!!!!!

[BCsniper]

My car is nickel and diming me to death.

Let me know where I can sign up for the nickel and dime plan - My S has been burning holes in my pockets since I bought it

[Jdubya]

I would not do it again. If I was going to spend $20K on a car it would be a used Z06. The coke and hookers would then come for free.

[vpfinnersw]

have you considered looking at an '04 VW R32? It meets many of your requirements; V6, AWD, 6 speed it's pretty powerful, reliable, and needs very little mods to be a "sporty" car.

Also, you can get an R32 for much cheaper than an S4

[goodwoodb6]

i would buy my s4 again any day...I'm 18 and i've gone through 3 cars and i just kept buying and selling until i saved enough for my S...best thing i ever did is buy my 04 S4 (15,000$ with 59k on it and all service records)

[jfunkey]

Evos suck for DDs, the S4 is way quieter and smoother. S4s also don't scream "pull me over" like an Evo or STI does.

Top post as usual. I had a RS4 it wasn't what I hoped for.. The S4 can be more money for maintence. A EVO is going to be cheaper over all. But its also cheaper over all if you know what Im saying.. If you like your honda you will love the EVO

[dparm]

have you considered looking at an '04 VW R32? It meets many of your requirements; V6, AWD, 6 speed it's pretty powerful, reliable, and needs very little mods to be a "sporty" car.

Also, you can get an R32 for much cheaper than an S4

Wouldn't argue that, but everyone will say "that's a nice Golf!" Styling is looking dated, plus it isn't even a four-door.

[halik]

Probably not for $20K, unless I really need the AWD.

[gear_head81]

Top post as usual. I had a RS4 it wasn't what I hoped for.. The S4 can be more money for maintence. A EVO is going to be cheaper over all. But its also cheaper over all if you know what Im saying.. If you like your honda you will love the EVO

agreed, there also not that bad as a daily driver when compared to say a neon srt-4.

[JimmyBones]

I would buy my car again in a heartbeat and you have to be patient enough to wait for the right car. I fully expected to have to replace the AC compressor in my car when I bought it and sure enough it happened. So do some research and you better have more than the 20K starting price sitting around in case!

Also people will tell you that S4s are rare and you should buy it now but it is just another car and not even a car really worth the high price tag to be honest.

people are talking about reliability and you bring up a B5 S4????? SMH!!!!!!

Finally someone has enough sense to see that! Timing belts, oil leaks (valve covers, camshaft tensioners, rear exhaust camshaft plugs, turbos, lines), coolant leaks, engine mounts (that require the engine to be dropped), clutches/torque converters (for those that can't drive a stick), trans output shaft leaks, cv boots, catalytic converters, etc.

[iamproph]

I love my car, I do not regret buying it, but now that I have had it for a while and modded a little bit, I may have made a different choice. Many on here I assume like myself, if you mod, you can't stop, and there will be a point you cant mod anymore, so your 20k entry fee will just go up and up. I would keep your civic until it dies, then buy a P car.

[ItzDarrellS4]

Wouldn't argue that, but everyone will say "that's a nice Golf!" Styling is looking dated, plus it isn't even a four-door.

I have a MKV R32 and there is more leg room in the backseat than my S4. fun car too

[bufflars12]

i am only 23 as well, and i dont completely agree with everything that is being said here...yes you are going to spend alot more when things do break, but you should just wait to find the right car with the proper service history, and then do a lot of the services yourself. in my opinion its worth it, especially since you can more then likely find one for around 17-18 now with decent mileage if you dont rush into buying something

[dparm]

It's not a matter of just doing it yourself. These cars are very complicated and are just more prone to develop problems. It's not like a Honda that runs forever with no upkeep.

[S4Bennett]

I bought into my 04 s4 for 14.6k. I've spent $1400 in parts over the 8k miles that ive owned it (with about half in optional mods). I still have to spend another 4 to 5 grand on the flywheel, clutch, exhaust, water pump, alternator belt, and other things when the drivetrain has to come out for a dying clutch. I'm trying to keep it under control because I would like to move up to an B7 S4.

[jimrobbington]

OP, look into the A4's more. You can find a B7 A4 from 2005.5-2006 for under $20k. Yeah, its a 4 banger, but at stage 2, full exhaust, I am faster than a stock G35, 350z, and pretty much most other entry level v6s. Styling is still pretty sexy, similar to an S4. You should be able to find a good deal around $17k, then throw the other 3 grand at wheels, tires, exhaust and tuning, and be pretty set for a little while...And, like others have said, the Audis get less recognition from the PoPo, since the general populous considers them "old people" cars for some reason. Also, better gas mileage from the I4 engine.

[sarNz]

Thanks again everyone. I was looking at the b7 a4's, and they do seem nice. But with the mods, won't you void your warranty that it seems you so desperately need? I was looking at the APR stage 3, which apparently boosts it to 375hp, but I can't imagine that staying under any warranty, or the car being able to handle that without some other serious upgrades. Maybe I'm wrong!

[wtfwill]

20k can get you a lot. i shopped around quite a lot of cars before deciding on the b6 s4 (b7 s4, g35, g37, is300, is350, m3, 335xi, wrx sti, evo vii) but none compared in quality and performance, plus the v8 sold me.

just have an extra 3k to invest in a warranty and you won't have a single thing to worry about. these things pay for themselves very quickly. also, resale value is incredible.

i paid 20,200 for my 05 with 46k miles and a fairly rare color/transmission combo (red on black with the 6 speed). it is an absolute joy to own and drive (i'm 22, so i get to really have fun with it) and it turns heads everywhere you go. some minor mods and you have a real beast both in sound and performance.

[jimrobbington]

Thanks again everyone. I was looking at the b7 a4's, and they do seem nice. But with the mods, won't you void your warranty that it seems you so desperately need? I was looking at the APR stage 3, which apparently boosts it to 375hp, but I can't imagine that staying under any warranty, or the car being able to handle that without some other serious upgrades. Maybe I'm wrong!

Most all mods will somewhat void your warranty, although Audi has partnered with Stasis and as long as Stasis aftermarket parts are installed at an Audi dealer, they are all warranteed! I bought my car at 74k miles, and am at 104k miles now, with no issues what so ever. Plus I am about 70 HP and 115 TQ above stock, and it runs better than it did when it was new. I have had to replace the trunk latch. That's about the only thing I have had to replace that I shouldn't have needed to. 35 bucks.

[DonnieDark0]

OP, look into the A4's more. You can find a B7 A4 from 2005.5-2006 for under $20k. Yeah, its a 4 banger, but at stage 2, full exhaust, I am faster than a stock G35, 350z, and pretty much most other entry level v6s. Styling is still pretty sexy, similar to an S4. You should be able to find a good deal around $17k, then throw the other 3 grand at wheels, tires, exhaust and tuning, and be pretty set for a little while...And, like others have said, the Audis get less recognition from the PoPo, since the general populous considers them "old people" cars for some reason. Also, better gas mileage from the I4 engine.

1st off, you do have great taste in cars and 2ndly, What this guy said, ^^^^ ( almost as sexy and nice as an s4 but without the added hit to the wallet.) +1

[ItzDarrellS4]

wtf is on that front bumper? looks like your Audi grew mutton chops

[jimrobbington]

wtf is on that front bumper? looks like your Audi grew mutton chops

You shuttup! j/k. Sometimes you just have to live and learn about ebay parts. But seriously, they are hiding a huge crack in the front bumper, so it's aaaight with me. I just can't afford a new bumper right now. I will be replacing them next year with a new s-line bumper. Here, I photoshopped the lines out on this pic.

[91gl]

I would buy something JDM, I just bought a mk6 gti too to take over daily duties and I love it and all but I'm scratching my head what came over me. I should have bought that mid 90's nsx like I've always wanted

[AUDIocee]

I didn't see anyone mentioning gas mileage for the S4, 60 litres will get you around 375km. Oil changes require 10 litres of synthetic + filter, so even if you do it yourself, it's still $125.

If I had $20k and only $20k, I don't think I would do it. If I had $30k I would, so there is a 'just in case' fund left over.
My maintenance over the last 4 years have been:
-oil changes ($250/year)
-new brakes at 60,000km ($850, cross drilled, hawk hps).

Mods have run around $2000 (Exhaust, sway bars, short shifter)

I'm now approaching 100,000km and am looking into replacing the clutch ($2000, jhm flywheel/clutch), adding in some downpipes ($1350, apr)
A new set of rubber, depending on what you get is roughly $1500/set.

I guess as you get into bigger, heavier cars the costs of parts go up! My old Audi 4000 needed brakes, rotors were $12 each and pads were $50! New clutch on that one installed with labour was only $350.

[JMG]

I paid WAY more than 20k and I would do it again but I am still under warranty. Do you have your job yet and how much will you make and how much of that % of take home do you want to go towards your car? These are more personal life choice questions, but questions nonetheless more people should be asking themselves before they stress and complain about maintenance costs and $130 oil changes. It's German and it's going to cost more $ to maintain than a Japanese car.

[ASpec818]

If I were in your shoes, I would go for the STi mainly because of the higher reliability factor and lower required maintenance costs. Those things are built tough and feel more "rugged" if you take them into the snow. Also, I don't feel they're too boy racerish as long as you don't slap a bodykit and a 6" exhaust tip on.

[Xyber]

Sometimes I think of something else I couldve got instead of the S4. Then I get out of the city traffic and really drive it and I'm so glad I bought it. Worth the money just for the sound

[earthtodan]

The only cars I would consider instead of my S4 are the e46 M3 or e39 M5. If I were 23 and looking for a job, I wouldn't buy any of these. I'd go Japanese. May as well do it while you're still young enough to not look immature in a WRX.