Need some input on possibly trading in 2 of my cars for a 13' S4.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 12:21 PM

I used to be more active here and owned a B7 S4 that I sold last October. Since then I have picked up a few different daily drivers before settling on my 04 e60 BMW 545i. In January of this year I also picked up an 08 Z06 w/19k miles. I have done some mods to it (cam, exhaust mods, tune, intake...ect). I have only put 1300 miles on it since purchasing it. I love the car and it is holy $hit fast. I am about 42k deep which I am sure I can sell it for modded or not. My DD is great (when it works). I have had it maybe 2 months and man do the repairs add up. The car was enthusiast owned and has an excellent maintenance history. Tons of stuff fixed. Since I have purchased it though the repairs just don't stop. I do most of my own work so it is tolerable but spending 2k in 2 months in repairs can’t continue on. I can’t fathom what the dealer would have charged if I could not fix it myself.

So....

This brings me to my question. What do you guys think about me trading both cars in on a new 13' S4? I would return the Z06 to stock form and trade her in to save some tax or I could unload it privately if the dealer really low balled. I would love some opinions on the B8.

or

Keep the Z06 and maybe ditching the e60 for something a bit more reliable. Part of me says do this and keep your Z06...but the other says I don’t drive it enough. The S4 was a great DD/Toy. I don't see myself driving a Camry to work everyday. I like to enjoy my cars.

I have a busy career and cars are a hobby. Modding is fun but constantly spending weekends or evenings fixing things is getting old. I look forward to your opinions.

**VeryBadman** · 07-26-2013 12:24 PM

If I were you, I would trade in the E60 and keep the Z06 unless money is an issue but I assume that it's not your problem. Having an S4 for DD and a Corvette for weekend sounds perfect to me.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by VeryBadman

If I were you, I would trade in the E60 and keep the Z06 unless money is an issue but I assume that it's not your problem. Having an S4 for DD and a Corvette for weekend sounds perfect to me.

Money is an issue. I would be sacrificing both cars for the S4 (ironically saving some money every month). If I sold or traded in the e60 to keep the z06 I would be buying a Chevy Cruze or something in that price range new in cash....maybe consider another B5 since they were not bad to work on IMO. I would probably want to commit suicide all winter not driving my beloved Z and being stuck in an econo box.

**dbX79** · 07-26-2013 12:39 PM

I'd keep my corvette. It's paid for right? Don't get me wrong I love my S4 but I wouldn't trade two cars for it unless one was valued under $10K. Some cars like corvettes are collectors items and you might regret it later. I'd ditch the BMW since its not a M3 that way you don't feel bad later.

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**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by dbX79

I'd keep my corvette. It's paid for right? Don't get me wrong I love my S4 but I wouldn't trade two cars for it unless one was valued under $10K. Some cars like corvettes are collectors items and you might regret it later. I'd ditch the BMW since its not a M3 that way you don't feel bad later.

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The Vette I owe about 30k on or so. I can probably make 12k on it with selling privately and definitely will get a few grand above 30k on trade. The BMW is paid for.

The other side of the coin is 2 cars without warranty. I addressed the heads on the Z06 immediately so no dropped valve worries for those who have heard about that issue.

You guys are helping me appreciate my Z06 more and more though. It is just so raw and a blast to drive. Makes the decision so difficult. I should have the Bimmer running again after this weekend.

**gendry** · 07-26-2013 12:47 PM

Such first world problems ;)

Not sure I would wanna spend all winter in a chevy cruse, even if its for the purposes of a summer with a Z06.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by gendry

Such first world problems ;)

Not sure I would wanna spend all winter in a chevy cruse, even if its for the purposes of a summer with a Z06.

Yea I don't think I could do it. I feel like an S4 would fit my all year bill. Power, handling and luxurious. All year fun especially here in Chicago during the winter. That is why I bought my B7 in the first place.

The hardest part is I am addicted to the raw power in that Z. I know for the money nothing will match it. Not driving the car all the time also keeps a nice big grin on my face. Budget needs to stay around 50k.

First world problems haha...you should see some of the guys on the Vette forums. They buy some of these cars the 90k+ price tags. I'm sorry I love my Vette but that much for the car hell no.

**Vuel Egham** · 07-26-2013 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by VeryBadman

If I were you, I would trade in the E60 and keep the Z06 unless money is an issue but I assume that it's not your problem. Having an S4 for DD and a Corvette for weekend sounds perfect to me.

Screw money: This.

**gendry** · 07-26-2013 01:03 PM

What about an S4 with a stage 2 tune + new exhaust so you can feel and hear a decent amount of raw power. It won't have the road feel and general feel of speed I assume you get with a Z06, but you can get plenty of Gs and loud power.

Originally Posted by svra42.8

Yea I don't think I could do it. I feel like an S4 would fit my all year bill. Power, handling and luxurious. All year fun especially here in Chicago during the winter. That is why I bought my B7 in the first place.

The hardest part is I am addicted to the raw power in that Z. I know for the money nothing will match it. Not driving the car all the time also keeps a nice big grin on my face. Budget needs to stay around 50k.

First world problems haha...you should see some of the guys on the Vette forums. They buy some of these cars the 90k+ price tags. I'm sorry I love my Vette but that much for the car hell no.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Vuel Egham

Screw money: This.

Hmmmm my better half would kill me. I have some flexibility in my spending but that would not fly. Maybe one day or I would get the S4 and snag a c5 for sub 20k. DD The S4.

Most of you B8 guys what are you opinions on the B8? Must have mods or annoyances. Most of what i have read has been very positive. Then again The B7 was similar until oil consumption and timing chain issues became apparent.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by gendry

What about an S4 with a stage 2 tune + new exhaust so you can feel and hear a decent amount of raw power. It won't have the road feel and general feel of speed I assume you get with a Z06, but you can get plenty of Gs and loud power.

I may need to look into these options further. I found a local one used at a dealership with 50 miles (still new to me) for 46k w/ 6speed. I fear once I go drive it I wont leave without it.

**xmikegx** · 07-26-2013 01:14 PM

If you get a b8 you're going to dump some cash into it which you need to factor in as well. Looking at your sig you seem like the type of person that likes to switch cars a lot. If you get rid of both to get an s4 make sure the S4 is something you really want. A vette is more flashy than an s4 so if you're after bling factor, keep that. Dump the BMW and get something non German reliable IMO.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by xmikegx

If you get a b8 you're going to dump some cash into it which you need to factor in as well. Looking at your sig you seem like the type of person that likes to switch cars a lot. If you get rid of both to get an s4 make sure the S4 is something you really want. A vette is more flashy than an s4 so if you're after bling factor, keep that. Dump the BMW and get something non German reliable IMO.

That is true. My 325i and A4 I kept for 4-5 years. The 370z almost 2 years. The other cars, mini, 330ci and now 545i have been this year. I traded the mini for the 330ci and flipped the 330ci for a profit to get into the 545i. Looks a tad worse than it is. It was more of a trading up thing.

The B7 s4 i sold on this forum. I was not looking to sell it but he offered the right amount of cash plus it was a Tiptronic. I planned on a B8 then but got talked into checking out a Z06 and well the rest is history.

**Tweakophyte** · 07-26-2013 01:23 PM

It doesn't hurt to give it a shot. If you want the full feedback you need to tell us what you owe on each car, and what bluebook is... even what wholesale is. It might be easier to trade one and do a private sale of the other.

Is your goal to have no car payments on the S4?

Btw, the S4 is a great daily driver and weekend car. Assuming you get yourself above water doing the 1 for 2, you won't miss a thing.

**SteveYem** · 07-26-2013 01:28 PM

If you can swing it, keep the Z06 and buy a lightly used S4. Look for something low mileage, plenty of warranty left and with AudiCare if you can find it.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Tweakophyte

It doesn't hurt to give it a shot. If you want the full feedback you need to tell us what you owe on each car, and what bluebook is... even what wholesale is. It might be easier to trade one and do a private sale of the other.

Is your goal to have no car payments on the S4?

Btw, the S4 is a great daily driver and weekend car. Assuming you get yourself above water doing the 1 for 2, you won't miss a thing.

The Z06 I owe around 30k on. I am positive I can snag 42k on the forums privately selling. So that is a 12k difference...let’s just say 10k to leave some wiggle room. 37k trade?

The E60 is paid for. Probably worth about 12k on the used market privately. Let’s say 9 grand trade?

The S4 I found is 46k. I would be in a better financial spot no doubt selling both and consolidating into a lower car payment. That was not the main concern since I don't mind the Vette payment. The Z has no warranty and is fairly expensive if shit hits the fan. The E60 well its already expensive. I wanted to find a car that is good all year with warranty. Something that can still get my heart going and not look like some teenager in a STi. No offence to Sti owners. To me the S4 fits the bill. Whether or not me being happy with one car vs the other is questionable but I could always buy another toy without payments. My e60 is a joy to drive daily but I have been thinking to myself why do this to myself. Get a car with a warranty and just relax. No more wrenching other than the occasional mod. I'm very indecisive if you cannot tell. My two favorite cars I have owned have been the B7 S4 and my Z06.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by SteveYem

If you can swing it, keep the Z06 and buy a lightly used S4. Look for something low mileage, plenty of warranty left and with AudiCare if you can find it.

I could do that but I would want to have the Z payed off first. It would be another 2 years or so for that. I have no problem waiting until then. I planned to not buy another car until the Z was paid in full but the BMW really pissed me off yesterday. Overheated on the way to the airport and I almost missed my flight. I still have to get it home tonight but only a few miles.

I'm tearing into the BMW tomorrow. I suppose I will base my decision after a few nights of sleeping on the idea. Maybe go test drive some B8s. For all I know after this last repair i may have no more issues for a year or so.

**RickFLS4** · 07-26-2013 02:19 PM

I'd sell or trade both for an S4, leave the S4 stock as a DD, accumulate the savings from having one car under warranty rather than 2 you spend money on and THEN go get the (newer) fun second car in a couple of years. Or... make the S4 your fun second car with mods and buy a new DD at that point. I don't think I would drive a Cruze instead of an S4 in order to hang onto a Z06 with potentially high repair costs. I would walk past the Cruze every day and drive the Z06, thereby increasing the probability of incurring high repair costs and defeating the purpose of getting the Cruze.

If you really get the itch for the Z06, I think there are tracks where you can rent cars for some laps. The S4 is a great DD with the flexibility to do more to it later, or save towards a second car. Just my $.02.

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**VeryBadman** · 07-26-2013 02:25 PM

Actually my S4 is now a weekend car since I just bought a Jetta for my DD (worrying about someone might f**k up my car while parking at the train station is suck). I plan to mod it more but lately I have been thinking about getting a true sport car though.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 02:33 PM

Thanks for the input. Just got home with the Z. Such a hard choice. I'm going to sit on it for a while. Driving it after a long week is bliss.

**svra42.8** · 07-26-2013 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by RickFLS4

I'd sell or trade both for an S4, leave the S4 stock as a DD, accumulate the savings from having one car under warranty rather than 2 you spend money on and THEN go get the (newer) fun second car in a couple of years. Or... make the S4 your fun second car with mods and buy a new DD at that point. I don't think I would drive a Cruze instead of an S4 in order to hang onto a Z06 with potentially high repair costs. I would walk past the Cruze every day and drive the Z06, thereby increasing the probability of incurring high repair costs and defeating the purpose of getting the Cruze.

If you really get the itch for the Z06, I think there are tracks where you can rent cars for some laps. The S4 is a great DD with the flexibility to do more to it later, or save towards a second car. Just my $.02.

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This would be the smart choice too. I am not in a rush so I will think about it some and crunch numbers. Tomorrow I'll know how deep I'm in with the BMW. Could be minor but I have a feeling it won't be.

**MrFunk** · 07-26-2013 02:42 PM

Seems your issue is the BMW.
Get rid of that and get something to replace it for the winter.
DD the Vette in the summer and put some miles on it -

A great winter car is the 2004 VW R32 IMO...
Having multiple cars is great - gives you the contrast to appreciate them all in their own way.

**997GT3Girly** · 07-26-2013 06:20 PM

Unload the Z06 and the BMW and step into the P Car world, you won't look back I promise...

This is after owning five C6's, three being Z06's. After owning a Porsche Z06 is a thing of the past, plus every kid on the road has one now since they don't hold value at all.

**Wusty** · 07-26-2013 06:26 PM

I say sell both, go 13' S4. You don't put enough miles on your Vette. It's eating a whole in your pocket.

**s4buckeye** · 07-26-2013 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by VeryBadman

worrying about someone might f**k up my car while parking at the train station is suck.

true. whether calTrain or Bart it does suck. had my rear plate stolen from a Bart lot and put the front in the back while waiting for new ones after it was reported to DMV. then was pulled over at gunpoint by CHP with a "stolen plate" and that was a lot of fun of course.

**Buckeye_S4** · 07-26-2013 08:27 PM

I appreciate your dilemma. I'm pretty frugal myself and given that your first instinct was to trade or sell both current cars to consolidate I think that's the way to go for you. Of course it would be fun to keep the Z06 but it really is a bit impractical where a lightly modded S4 is 90% as fun but will also plow through storms and blizzards with friends safely in the back. Given your situation don't bother with new, this B8 platform is turning out to be great and since they have been out since 2010 and 2014s are on the way there are plenty lightly used or CPO to choose from. Hell mine was used but it might as well have been ordered from the factory by me; it has all the options I would have wanted and even some I wouldn't have paid for new (nav, carbon inlays). Also consider with the money swing if you're too worried about any repairs you can probably allocate $2-3k into an aftermarket warranty and possibly one that won't care about some aftermarket parts but it sounds like you'll be able to handle quite a lot of work on the car yourself.

Let's say you spend $40k on an S4, $2.1ish on Stage 2 + AK and maybe $3k on a warranty if you care? If you net $20k from your other vehicles you'll only need to finance around $20k which is much less than you owe on the vette. I think you'll win financially and gain in total driving pleasure.

And just in case you haven't seen it, been posted a few times, but this should be pretty convincing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KfMY96v_Gc

**Tweakophyte** · 07-27-2013 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by svra42.8

The Z06 I owe around 30k on. I am positive I can snag 42k on the forums privately selling. So that is a 12k difference...let’s just say 10k to leave some wiggle room. 37k trade?

The E60 is paid for. Probably worth about 12k on the used market privately. Let’s say 9 grand trade?

The S4 I found is 46k. I would be in a better financial spot no doubt selling both and consolidating into a lower car payment. That was not the main concern since I don't mind the Vette payment. The Z has no warranty and is fairly expensive if shit hits the fan. The E60 well its already expensive. I wanted to find a car that is good all year with warranty. Something that can still get my heart going and not look like some teenager in a STi. No offence to Sti owners. To me the S4 fits the bill. Whether or not me being happy with one car vs the other is questionable but I could always buy another toy without payments. My e60 is a joy to drive daily but I have been thinking to myself why do this to myself. Get a car with a warranty and just relax. No more wrenching other than the occasional mod. I'm very indecisive if you cannot tell. My two favorite cars I have owned have been the B7 S4 and my Z06.

For cash-flow purposes, get rid of both. You'll have plenty of fun in the S4.

For convenience, trade one and sell one, unless the dealer gives you a fair trade on both. My gut says they'll smell an opportunity to screw you with two. Depending where you are, you'll save about 8-10% of the trade-in value in taxes. You can use that to decide if you'd make more on a private deal.
- The E60 sounds too old to get a decent value on a trade, however, it will get you additional incentives with Audi. At the same time, with all the issues you describe, trade it and be done.
- The Z06 sounds like it has street value. Get a trade-in estimate at the dealer, add the 8-10%, then make a call to sell it.

Tell us about the S4 for $46K, including options, sticker, and itemization of the incentives. You might be able to get a "better" car and/or a better price. For example, at a minimum you need a rear sport differential.

I'm curious about your payments and term on the Z06. You don't have to share, but it would be an interesting strategy to borrow less for the S4 (saves payments) and tweak the term shorter to increase the payment to something in your budget. The logic is, you can pay off the car sooner, and after you do, you can allow yourself to mod it. In addition, with fewer repairs to pay for, you might afford a higher payment (or just take a breather).

...my $0.02

**LeadToRome** · 07-27-2013 06:27 AM

I would do it, but before I pulled the trigger on the S4 I'd take a look at a Cayman and see if the finances can work.

**Seinsmeld13** · 07-27-2013 07:28 AM

When I bought my 13 S4 I traded in my 10 S4 and my 08 S2000. This was very beneficial as I paid very little tax on my 13 as the two cars were valued near what I paid for my 13. In Ontario our tax is 13% so this amounted to a great savings. Difference from lowest to highest trade value for the two cars was $9,600 so do your homework. Good luck.

**myazforumname** · 07-27-2013 03:28 PM

What's your fancy car if the corvette is your daily driver? The term daily driver implies that you have something like an S550 or Porsche sitting in a garage.

Why would you trade in anything? You loose thousands and thousands of dollars. Just get rid of all of them and get one modern new car with a warranty and then spend your weekends with family and significant others.

**dj08r32** · 07-27-2013 04:41 PM

Trade both cars. The Corvette will get old and is not really the best when it comes to fuel economy and paying two car insurances is a waste of money if money is an issue. Technology is changing how cars are built these days making them more faster and more fuel efficient than older cars from below 2008. If you really want a collectors car then buy a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL. Seriously, these cars will get older, new and better cars are coming like the 2014 BMW M3 and M4. you could probably lease on of those if you'll like them when they come out and have yet 2 cars again.

**MrFunk** · 07-27-2013 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by 997GT3Girly

Unload the Z06 and the BMW and step into the P Car world, you won't look back I promise...

This is after owning five C6's, three being Z06's. After owning a Porsche Z06 is a thing of the past, plus every kid on the road has one now since they don't hold value at all.

+1

Get one with all wheel drive and rock it in the winter!

**saxon** · 07-27-2013 05:24 PM

i personally have 2 cars as i travel a lot for work. i have a 2010 prius and a 2011 s4 that i picked up preowned. both cars are under warranty and serve their purpose very well.

you will not get a car that has the power of the z, but at the same time you will most likely find something more comfortable and something that can be daily driven (which a z is far from a daily driver)

**RickFLS4** · 07-27-2013 05:25 PM

If OP's budget is the price of an S4 wouldn't any P-car (particularly a 911 or Panamera with all season capability) in that price range have enough age and miles to lead him back to where he is - concerned about throwing time and money at repairs and maintenance? I agree with the preference, of course. Just not sure it fits into a $50K-ish budget for all season DD.

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**Tweakophyte** · 07-28-2013 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by RickFLS4

If OP's budget is the price of an S4 wouldn't any P-car (particularly a 911 or Panamera with all season capability) in that price range have enough age and miles to lead him back to where he is - concerned about throwing time and money at repairs and maintenance? I agree with the preference, of course. Just not sure it fits into a $50K-ish budget for all season DD.

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I'm wondering about the financial goals as well. Insurance on two high-end cars must be a lot. I see an opportunity for synergy here.
- Better payment (or faster payoff)
- Reduced repair/maintenance cost for 4 years
- lower insurance payments

... money for mods?

**pandi** · 07-28-2013 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by myazforumname

The term daily driver implies that you have something like an S550 or Porsche sitting in a garage.

I learned something new! Thank you for educating me. I will stop referring to my BMW as my daily driver until my P car arrives. For now, I will call it my M-F driver and the S4 my Sat-Sun driver! But wait, eventually I would have 3 cars to name....confusing!

**P_RsS4** · 07-28-2013 07:27 AM

I had your same dilemma 1 1/2 years ago. I opted to sell the Z06 and a GTI for a 12 S4.

From this

To this

I do not regret my decision because l was not driving the vette nearly enough. It was just sitting in my garage.

**TuanTime** · 07-29-2013 06:10 AM

Trade both for a lightly used rs5. Low mileage one can be had for around $70,000. Mod it slowly and I think you get the best of both unless you need a bigger backseat.

**svra42.8** · 07-29-2013 06:33 AM

I leave for Vegas this week for a bachelor party but when I get back I am going for some test drives. I fixed the BMW. Was a coolant return line off the Bank 2 head. There was a plastic "T" fitting that cracked. Literally broke in my hands. I went to Home Depot and crabbed a metal one and problem solved for under 4 dollars plus coolant. Took under an hour to fix. Was much better than I initially anticipated. I thought it was a dreaded coolant transfer pipe.

I suppose we will see what I think of the 13' S4 when I am back.

Thanks for all the opinions guys! It is nice to see someone else coming from a similar situation and having no regrets.

**RickFLS4** · 07-29-2013 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by TuanTime

Trade both for a lightly used rs5. Low mileage one can be had for around $70,000. Mod it slowly and I think you get the best of both unless you need a bigger backseat.

I have only seen a handful of used RS5s and they seem to be listed for the same price as new. Are people negotiating discounts even with limited supply?

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