Buying my first S4. Need helping deciding

[pkny]

So i finally narrowed down my search to two S4. Both are similarly priced with prestige package, 6mt and no sport diff. Both looks to be well kept and had good maintenance history.
Update: Added car3 to the list. Didn't want to spend over 25k, but it looks like it cannot be helped.

• Car 1 [24k] is a 2010 prestige with 45k miles (has red nappa leather with black bolsters, very nice)
• Car 2 [24.5k] is a 2011 prestige with 65k miles
• Car 3 [26.5k] is a 2011 prestige with 55k miles Has sport diff

So i know that Car 2 had its thermostat and water pump changed. Not sure about Car 1, Car 1 one has gone through its 35k at 40k miles so it doesn't seem it is a problem yet.
The main thing holding me back is that the 2010 model doesn't have proximity sensors or a backup camera while the 2011 has the driver assist package. Both are things that i kind of want because i got too used to it. It seems that i can retrofit a camera for about $500.
2011 does add HD radio i think.

Which one would be the better buy?

Thanks

[AudiSTL]

What the price on them? and i would stay away from a 2010 but thats me

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Neither one. Prestige w/Sport Diff or bust! Trust me on this one. Wait until you find a better optioned one. Don't compromise and have to retrofit shit. Find a car with all the options you want. If you can't find it yet, it's not yet meant to be. Wait for that perfect one and you'll love it, trust me. DON'T COMPROMIZE! 👌

[Helmet165]

Neither one. Prestige w/Sport Diff or bust! Trust me on this one. Wait until you find a better optioned one. Don't compromise and have to retrofit shit. Find a car with all the options you want. If you can't find it yet, it's not yet meant to be. Wait for that perfect one and you'll love it, trust me. DON'T COMPROMIZE! 👌

+1

[mlavelle92]

Sport diff makes the s4

[DBFL]

Sport diff makes the s4

Agreed. I've had one without the sports diff and now one with it. It makes a huge difference.

[pkny]

Ah ok, i had a feeling you guys would say that. Read through some of the sport diff threads. Added price to the first post and also a third car that would meet all my requirements except................ price.

• Car 1 [24k] is a 2010 prestige with 45k miles (has red nappa leather with black bolsters, very nice)
• Car 2 [24.5k] is a 2011 prestige with 65k miles
• Car 3 [26.5k] is a 2011 prestige with 55k miles Has sport diff

Thanks for your help guys! Never thought i would move to the S# because i never been a fan of the V8 engine.
Also, never thought i would ever ever move away from a avant.

[FulhamFTW]

What the price on them? and i would stay away from a 2010 but thats me

Any particular reason why? I know the thermostats/waterpumps were an issue. Maybe the mechatronic units. Anythjng else to be worried about?

[CardFan]

I am just starting to shop for an S4 myself. As for the sport diff., I assume it's possible some of these cars may have it even though it's not on the listing, correct? So it may be worth going to look at cars that are close enough to verify whether or not they have it.

[pkny]

So what i am doing is look at pictures. I think....think that if a car has sport diff that it would have the button below the CD player were traction control is.
If VIN# is provided. You can obtain the sale sticker pdf from audi.

Also looking the audi buyer guide. Nappa leather is optional, but it seems all s4 has either nappa or alcantara seats.

[MrFunk]

Most will agree the SD is the differentiating technology in these cars. I'd want to source one with that.
The other options are for you to decide on. I wanted mine exactly the way I got it so I ordered it new and waited a long 3 months for it to be built. If none of these are exactly what you want then keep looking. If you're buying DSG then there will be lots to choose from across the nation.
If forced to choose between the ones you have above I'd go with the lowest mile car with SD.

[doug97gxe]

i love how this forum tells you that you NEED sports diff without evaluating your driving style or location or weather .. sports diff is not needed.. trust me.. i have it.. maybe comes in handy 2% of driving ..

i would go with car 2 or which every one has a warranty

[mmm def]

I've had 2- S4's. One with and one without sport diff. It's pretty cool to have but I wouldn't pass up an otherwise perfect s4 without it.

[SportVier]

i would go with car 2 or which every one has a warranty

I would go with the one that has a 6MT, Sport Diff and CPO warranty.

[na_v]

I've had 2- S4's. One with and one without sport diff. It's pretty cool to have but I wouldn't pass up an otherwise perfect s4 without it.

+1 went from an A4 to an S5, drove one with sport diff and one without it was night and day but I like to push it on curvy windy roads so maybe that's just me. Comes down to your driving style in my opinion.


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[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Any particular reason why? I know the thermostats/waterpumps were an issue. Maybe the mechatronic units. Anythjng else to be worried about?

Pretty much all 2010's that had plastic pump housings had those replaced before failure before I even bought mine and that was like 3 years ago or so, so the chance of a 2010 running around with a plastic pump now is pretty much nonexistent. The thermostat, that thing will fail in a 2010 just as much as it'll fail in a newer model because Audi still makes it the same. Maybe they changed the spring rate or plastic composition to be stronger and not snap, but I doubt it'll keep it from failing again. Mine had the pump and thermostat changed under dealer request before I picked mine up and the thermostat still failed at like 70k and that was the replacement one that got swapped at like 10-15k or whenever they did the water pump campaign on it before I got it. It's just a crap part design, that's all.

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

i love how this forum tells you that you NEED sports diff without evaluating your driving style or location or weather .. sports diff is not needed.. trust me.. i have it.. maybe comes in handy 2% of driving ..

i would go with car 2 or which every one has a warranty

No one said it's needed for driving style, location or weather. It's needed if you want the car to be what the S4 should be off the showroom floor. If you want an AWD car that's going to feel and behave like a RWD biased car, get it, if you don't give a shit about that and want to feel sorry later, don't. Sounds like you don't really "drive" the car and if that's the case, that's probably why you could care less about it. But hey, that's cool, you have to be a certain kind to hoon it up...

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

So what i am doing is look at pictures. I think....think that if a car has sport diff that it would have the button below the CD player were traction control is.
If VIN# is provided. You can obtain the sale sticker pdf from audi.

Also looking the audi buyer guide. Nappa leather is optional, but it seems all s4 has either nappa or alcantara seats.

The ADS buttons will be below the shifter if the car doesn't have NAV. You want NAV too. It'll come with a nicer center DIN in the dash for information and also have the Individual setting for ADS that you can tailor each ADS component to your liking between the three settings each one has. Without NAV, you won't get that ADS option and be stuck with just the 3 modes of Auto, Dynamic, Comfort.

[FulhamFTW]

Pretty much all 2010's that had plastic pump housings had those replaced before failure before I even bought mine and that was like 3 years ago or so, so the chance of a 2010 running around with a plastic pump now is pretty much nonexistent. The thermostat, that thing will fail in a 2010 just as much as it'll fail in a newer model because Audi still makes it the same. Maybe they changed the spring rate or plastic composition to be stronger and not snap, but I doubt it'll keep it from failing again. Mine had the pump and thermostat changed under dealer request before I picked mine up and the thermostat still failed at like 70k and that was the replacement one that got swapped at like 10-15k or whenever they did the water pump campaign on it before I got it. It's just a crap part design, that's all.

Gotcha....fortunately both of mine have been replaced. Let's hope they hold up.

[doug97gxe]

No one said it's needed for driving style, location or weather. It's needed if you want the car to be what the S4 should be off the showroom floor. If you want an AWD car that's going to feel and behave like a RWD biased car, get it, if you don't give a shit about that and want to feel sorry later, don't. Sounds like you don't really "drive" the car and if that's the case, that's probably why you could care less about it. But hey, that's cool, you have to be a certain kind to hoon it up...

this maybe hard for you to understand but not every one drives their performance car to its limits every time they start it. For most of us we drive normally 98% of the time. If you NEED sports diff everytime you get in your car maybe you need better driving skills. Sports diff is nice and all but coming from daily driving a 600 whp RWD car lets say i learned to control my car without the added need of security and sports diff technology. Again its not needed its a nice to have, and its not worth getting a car over another car if they are similar just because it has sports diff

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Oh, and one last thing and this one is important. Make sure the car you get has the 19" wheels or 18" with summer tires from the factory based on the original window sticker. If you get one with 18" and all season tires, it'll have a lower speed limiter, which I would think you wouldn't want, but that's just me. I can't be sure about the 18" with summer tires thing and if that was even an option, but I know if it came with all seasons and 18", it doesn't have the 155 speed limiter... it's like 125 or some shit like that. How embarrassing.. lol

[pkny]

Since the S4 didn't come with a non-quattro version i guess the main argument in this side of the forums is the Sport diff vs Non-sport diff crowd.

Oh, and one last thing and this one is important. Make sure the car you get has the 19" wheels or 18" with summer tires from the factory based on the original window sticker. If you get one with 18" and all season tires, it'll have a lower speed limiter, which I would think you wouldn't want, but that's just me. I can't be sure about the 18" with summer tires thing and if that was even an option, but I know if it came with all seasons and 18", it doesn't have the 155 speed limiter... it's like 125 or some shit like that. How embarrassing.. lol

I don't think i would ever go that fast, but that is some great information! Looks like it has to do with the tire ratings. My search have begone to plateau, see the same listing since there is not many choices for moderate to low mile S4 with a manual transmission.
Haven't seen a titanium package yet!

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Since the S4 didn't come with a non-quattro version i guess the main argument in this side of the forums is the Sport diff vs Non-sport diff crowd.

I love AWD ever since I went to it on cars in the past. But nothing is better than an AWD system that is RWD biased and gives you the feel and dynamic of RWD while also the handling and controllability of getting pulled by the front wheels at the same time. The sport diff makes that happen in my opinion. Like others have said, if you don't care, then it doesn't matter, but I'd hate for you to spend a ton of money on a car you want and want to like only to find out later after you bought it that you would have liked it even more if it had this or that on it. I love cars so much that I've learned one very important thing from my past purchases. If I have to compromise to afford or get a car because I'm impatient, then it's the wrong car or the wrong time for me to get it. I will always kick myself for compromising on it, so I've learned to be patient and wait for the right one to come along or the right timing for affordability or whatever it may be. Since coming to this conclusion, I've been super happy with my purchases rather than just content. You certainly don't have to do it this way, I'm just sharing with you as to why I'm saying what I'm saying. Hope it help you out, that's all. Go with what you like, just do it in such a way that you won't feel sorry later, that's all.

[doug97gxe]

Since the S4 didn't come with a non-quattro version i guess the main argument in this side of the forums is the Sport diff vs Non-sport diff crowd.

!

except this is Sports dif must have sports vs Sports diff i have it but its not needed crowd

[SportVier]

Sports diff is nice and all but coming from daily driving a 600 whp RWD car lets say i learned to control my car without the added need of security and sports diff technology.

I'm generally with you on the 98% point, but arguably Sport Diff provides less security in Dynamic. With the diff in Comfort it is probably no different or less safe than the standard diff. But with the ESC on, the security factor is basically moot - there is a plenty big safety net in either case.

It really is about:
(1) how often do you get an opportunity to push the car in corners? and
(2) how much you value that added bit of RWD bias feel the Sport Diff provides?

If the answers are "not that often" and "not that much" then I'd say no need for the Sport Diff.

[doug97gxe]

If the answers are "not that often" and "not that much" then I'd say no need for the Sport Diff.

i agree 100% and this is why i feel people should ask people about their needs before telling them they need sports diff.. i'm willing to bet a lot of people can't drive a stock miata its limits, but are weekend canyon carvers in their sports diff s4

[pkny]

Thanks for the tips and i do appreciate everyone advise. Been with the Audi brand since i graduated college and it is input from you guys, and gals, that would tell new owners what to expect and "to expect" from their new car. My first mistake from buying a audi is buying a manual FWD car lol. I thought all manual audi's were AWD and didnt pay any attention. At first, i thought all S4 and S5 had the sport diff.


Hardest part about the buying experience right now is my inpatients. Want it now! Like right now. Luckily i have only one parking spot that is being occupied by this.

[Vdubz]

Not to hijack, can a sport diff be added after the fact? Not asking can the rear be hacked n swapped with after market but is the carrier the same and could one buy the part from Audi and drop it in or is it an electronically controlled part that that requires a totally different rear end?


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[doug97gxe]

Not to hijack, can a sport diff be added after the fact? Not asking can the rear be hacked n swapped with after market but is the carrier the same and could one buy the part from Audi and drop it in or is it an electronically controlled part that that requires a totally different rear end?


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it will cost alot more than the $1500 option it is.. not only is hardware needed.. the car will need to be programmed.. its not worth the time and money

[Vdubz]

it will cost alot more than the $1500 option it is.. not only is hardware needed.. the car will need to be programmed.. its not worth the time and money

Thanks been wondering that for a while


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[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

this maybe hard for you to understand but not every one drives their performance car to its limits every time they start it. For most of us we drive normally 98% of the time. If you NEED sports diff everytime you get in your car maybe you need better driving skills. Sports diff is nice and all but coming from daily driving a 600 whp RWD car lets say i learned to control my car without the added need of security and sports diff technology. Again its not needed its a nice to have, and its not worth getting a car over another car if they are similar just because it has sports diff

Wait, did you just say that you consider the sport diff option "a safety feature"? Lol

No wonder you could care less for it, you're not using it properly. This is a heavy car and without the slight help of the sport diff technology to help it behave more RWD biased, you're gonna be short on handling with this thing when on the power. You'd figure someone who patted their own backs for driving a 600hp RWD car daily would understand this, but apparently not.

Sport Diff as a safety system... now that's some funny shit. 😂

[doug97gxe]

Wait, did you just say that you consider the sport diff option "a safety feature"? Lol

No wonder you could care less for it, you're not using it properly. This is a heavy car and without the slight help of the sport diff technology to help it behave more RWD biased, you're gonna be short on handling with this thing when on the power. You'd figure someone who patted their own backs for driving a 600hp RWD car daily would understand this, but apparently not.

Sport Diff as a safety system... now that's some funny shit. 😂

i guess that goes to the point that its not needed and pushing it on everyone for added benefit is stupid

[Dr GP]

Oh, and one last thing and this one is important. Make sure the car you get has the 19" wheels or 18" with summer tires from the factory based on the original window sticker. If you get one with 18" and all season tires, it'll have a lower speed limiter, which I would think you wouldn't want, but that's just me. I can't be sure about the 18" with summer tires thing and if that was even an option, but I know if it came with all seasons and 18", it doesn't have the 155 speed limiter... it's like 125 or some shit like that. How embarrassing.. lol

All season tires were not an option until. 2014. I could be off by one model yr. I'm 66 yrs old, I'm now on my 3rd B8/8.5. S4. Best cars I have ever owned. GET THE SPORT DIF! You won't be sorry.

[Dr GP]

Not to hijack, can a sport diff be added after the fact? Not asking can the rear be hacked n swapped with after market but is the carrier the same and could one buy the part from Audi and drop it in or is it an electronically controlled part that that requires a totally different rear end?


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Not realistically.

[Dirt]

Sport Diff is definitely not there for safety. It's there to enhance performance, specifically through turns.

.

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

i guess that goes to the point that its not needed and pushing it on everyone for added benefit is stupid

And you still don't get it, I'm gonna stop trying to explain it to you.

[doug97gxe]

The point u don't get is if I don't get it then the average consumer won't either or need it thus proving my point it's not needed


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[SportVier]

thus proving my point it's not needed

Definitely not needed, but super fun.

[AudiS4SD]

Definitely not needed, but super fun.

I've had 2 S4s, one with and another without Spots Diff. I saw a difference with it, but then again no need to push the car super hard everyday I got into it. I do not miss the Sports Diff whatsoever.

The S4 was made to be an Autobahn vehicle, not a canyon carver miracle. If you want that, you're in the wrong car to begin with (thus one reason Audi had to add the Sports Diff because of its nose-heavy characteristics).

[Stickshift4me]

I would go with the one that has a 6MT, Sport Diff and CPO warranty.

If possible, this is the way to go. Be patient and keep looking daily.